How Do I Choose Cinderella

Hello from Miss Leslie, The Artistic Director of Art of the Dance.

Many new and exciting things are happening at Art of the Dance.  The studio is moving closer and closer to the professional level I have always envisioned. 

Our full length story ballet this year will be Cinderella.  This production should add even more professional polish of our studio.

One question I was asked last week was how do I select the student who will be Cinderella? Believe me this is going to be an extremely difficult task this year.  I have at least 6 student ballerinas who could dance this role with the pointe technique and acting skills that it requires.  I have spent more than one sleepless night thinking about this. 

So how will I pick Cinderella.  With my heart and soul.  I will make the best choice I can knowing that 5 other dancers are going to be disappointed.  I know that even if they don't show it and congratulate the girl who is chosen, they are crying a little on the inside.  They may go home, slam the door to their room or maybe cry a little then. 

Because I didn't always get the part I wanted, I know what that disappointment is like.  I've thrown pillows across the room in frustration and cried.  But as an adult I know that I would never had been so hurt if it wasn't important to me.  Some people never have anything in their life that touches their soul so deeply that it can be wounded so easily.  There has been more than one occasion when the part I got turned out to be better for me to shine as a star than the part I wanted.  And the determination developed in the face of disappointment has served me well in almost every other aspect of my life.  In every disappointment there is a life lesson.  Although at 11  to 13 years old, it might not seem so.

When we put ourselves in front of any audience we take a chance.  That students so young are not afraid to take that chance is a wonder.  I will honor each one of their dreams as I make my choice.  I hope that choice will be a learning experience no matter how it goes.