Time to Get Nutty - Part Two

Continued...

(3:10) Saturday, December 13-

I just did my part in the opening scene (Young Clara's dance) as Sugar Plum Fairy (there are three of us), and changed into my snow costume.  Our timing still wasn't spot on, but the feeling as the curtain comes up made up for it.  No matter how old I am or how many times I go on stage, I always get butterflies and spurt of excitement!  I'm feeling emotional AGAIN (2) thinking about how this is the seniors last Nutcracker...I will miss them.  Anyways, time to bring on the snow (for real though... Park City is lacking it's usual piles of snow).

(5:30) Still the Same Saturday-

The first show is now done, and went well, with some mistakes, of course.  But they will be fixed soon enough because the second show is almost here.  We also just a received a surprise... a dancer friend of our, who moved to the East coast this past summer, came to watch the show! None of us knew, except one girl, and when we walked into our dressing room, we thought we were seeing things!  Then we were all in one giant hug!  I was teary-eyed (3) and we all joined her for a circle to hear about all her new adventures.  Then I made my way out to say hello to people who came to watch.  Three of my old dance buddies, who now do cheer, came to watch and brought flowers, which again made me tear-up (4) because I realized how weird it was that they weren't on the stage with me!  Now I am back in my dressing room, fixing up my make-up... once again, about to make my way backstage.

Fixin' Up

(6:30) Same Day, As You Probably Guessed-

This was the last time I got emotional (5), I promise.  The reasoning behind this one is because I actually hurt myself (it was bound to happen to someone eventually, we were all waiting for it). Our dressing room floor is sort of slippery, plus we are in pointe shoes, and I was running out to help someone change quickly in the little time we had.  A girl had left her big, fluffy, snow tutu on the ground in the doorway, and I slipped, banging my shin right on the corner.  BAM!  At first I was laughing with everyone, and went to feel my shin.  It wasn't funny anymore.  I felt my shin bone go from a dent to a big bump.  It was weird.  Then I felt the pain and looked at it to see a big big bump and a scrape.  And to top it off, it was only two dances before I had to do Sugars in front of all my family that came to support me.  I told my teachers I'd be fine, and just pulled it together for my very last dance. With all the adrenaline, it didn't hurt me too bad on stage, and people said I hid the pain and tears well...phew!

(7:30) Same Day and Finally Done-
Woohoo!  I made it, and had such a blast.  I feel über-grateful for the many flower bouquets I received from friends and family, and I'm really looking forward to relaxation.  Although I wish I had started the day off more positive, I think it's normal to be completely emotional.  We all worked hard for today, and showed it and enjoyed it.  I gave myself a small pat on the back for doing my best in all of the many Nutcracker shows I did.  Time to give many thanks and "good jobs" to friends, teachers, family, and my little dancing feet!  Then just a week more of school before I make my way down to Central America (BEACH!) for the holidays.

-Hayden

Time to Get Nutty - Part One

Friday, December 12-

As the holidays roll in, with the chilling breezes and dancing snowflakes, there is one thing that is also on my mind - Nutcracker (story of this magical ballet here).  My studio holds our own small production, and there is also the more "grand" show by Ballet West.  For some reason, I decided to really overload my plate by deciding to do both!  So glad I did it, but I am at the end of my rope, especially energy wise.  However, it's almost over... as in tomorrow.  Tomorrow is my studio's Nutcracker production, and it's a pretty impressive show for the small town of Park City. It's a time for all of us dancers and our coaches to just enjoy all of our hard work.

The Ballet West production is just as fun, but more serious and I don't get to spend it with close friends.  Actually though, that was one thing that was very enjoyable... meeting new girls who have a similar dedication to ballet as me (there are girls like that at my studio, as well).  Because it's a professional company, they have a lot of shows, which meant that I was the role of a Page for about a dozen shows.  A lot compared to the usual "one-day/ two-shows" thing at my studio. Every performance was unbelievably amazing; being a part of a professional ballet performance. Not only that, but being onstage watching the dancers of the company that I aspire to (Beckanne Sisk's lines are that much more better - hard to believe - when you're only five feet away).  The experience was unreal and definitely one for the books!

Ballet West Nutcracker!

Then came my studio's Nutcracker.

(early) Saturday, December 13-

Today is the big day! But one thing is missing, my motivation.  The moment when I need to be perkiest, is when I don't want to get out of bed.  It was as though I hit a wall.  "I just need sleep, tell them I'll come eventually," I blatantly told my mom.  All I can think about is the twelve hours I would be spending at the theatre... with the people I see everyday... and teachers snapping at us under the show-day stress.... the make-up soon to be caked on my face... the itchy (but pretty) costumes.  My glass was half empty, maybe even two thirds empty.  I know that I can't not show up, so I need to get ready as fast I can to make up for the time I am losing lying in my bed...venting to my blog.  See you in a bit, hopefully in a better mood.

One of my favorite dances, Snow (picture courtesy of http://www.nycballet.com/)

(noon-ish) Saturday, December 13-

I'm definitely very emotional, but feeling much better about what's in front of me.  I arrived late, and got into the dressing room with nowhere to put my stuff (not a surprise), and got teary-eyed for no reason.  Tears just starting to erupt.  I was feeling frustrated, like that of a volcano slowly exploding.  I held back a little longer, and went to the stage for dress rehearsal.

Dress rehearsal went okay, as usual, which means people are going to bring their A-game.  A crappy dress rehearsal calls for a great show, right?  For me, there was just timing and spacing issues, and I'm crossing my fingers it will all come together.  But now that I am feeling much better, I am heading to catch a yummy lunch with some buds.  "Merde" (check the Tiny Tips page for info on that ballet word) to all the dancers, see you an hour before the show!


My Nutty Experienced To Be Continued...

                                                                 -Hayden

Leotards - Part 2

And the madness continues...

Everyone has their "type" of leotard to best suit their body! I'm about 5' 2", with long legs and arms, short torso, and usually fit best in an adult small. My body slightly represents the "ballet body", but I continue to learn more about leotards that help to accomplish the line I'm looking for everyday. I'm going to share what works for me, and what may help with other body types, as well.

First of all, if you are looking for a brand that comes in a variety of cuts, I suggest Mirella. Not only can you find simple and detailed leotard of different styles, but they are a very nice and sustainable fabric. When making custom leotards, you may feel overwhelmed with options and which one works best, so choosing one that's already made may help find what you're looking for.

Some of My Array Leotards (feel free to comment for specific details)

High Cut Leg:
We all strive for the mile long legs, but have to work with what we got, so this is something that is very useful. When your leotard goes low, to the point where it might even look like shorts, it cuts off your leg length. A higher leg line, not uncomfortably high (let's stay away from the 80's for now), but just below or right on the hip bone, is magic. Plus, it gives you an easier time of seeing your turnout muscles... ballet attire is meant to show your muscles (a.k.a. hard work).

*if your like me with a short torso, you may want to avoid the above, so that your torso isn't non-existent.

Low Back:
This is similar to high cut leg, but makes your whole body seem more lengthy, rather than just your legs. This is one of my favorites - it shows all the muscles working with each movement of the upper body.  It just gives an overall elegant look.

Boat Neck:
With broad shoulders and chest, you want to aim the focus downward for a more proportional look. A high and wide neck accentuates your collarbones, and draws the attention inwards, creating a flattering look. A cap sleeve will help to blend your shoulders into your torso, too, which is a bonus and looks more delicate.

Open Neck:
For me, my upper body just naturally isn't very prominent and is thinner than the rest of me, which comes off as slightly "sluggish", in a way. With leotards that pinch in the front, have thin straps, more open, and a square neck bring the attention upward, helping to improve my presence. This, prints, and embellishments towards the upper part of the leo, help to draw attention away from wide hips, as well.

*avoid this if you have a large bust... you probably are going to need more support.

Even though people still believe you won't make it into the dance world if you don't have the right body, you can. Being able to find the perfect attire to suit you will take people's mind off of the lack of hyper extension or long legs, but allow them to just watch you dance yourself silly. Body type should be the last thing restricting you from dancing, but hopefully this(these) past blog(s) help you to incorporate some pizazz, excitement, and just give you your most flattering look!

Leotards - Part One

Ballet seems pretty straight forward, style wise, especially in some schools. Usually if a ballet company has an academy or school as well (Ballet West - Ballet West Academy), the students have to wear specific leotards, tights, and even shoes. But every ballet dancers' guilty pleasure is getting new ballet attire. At my studio, we have one day to wear colored leotards, and every other day is black. Since they only require a color, I get to show my outside style in ballet class with a variety of leotard styles - only slightly, though. This blog(s)* is mainly about how to find the leotard that seems to draw the eye of others, my preferences and favorites, part of my "collection", and how to find the right type for your body.

*Since this is a big topic, I will be splitting it into two posts - get ready!

When I look through a new Pointe Magazine, there is always one section that I know I'll LOVE - the section allll about leotards, skirts, legwarmers (etc.), oh my! But what I love most about these pages, is that it doesn't just list pretty and popular dance items, but what is "in" and stuff that matches the season. For example, in my 2014 April/May copy, they have two pages dedicated to how to add a hint of "Spring" to your rehearsal look. Dancewear hunting is super fun, adds pizzazz, and personality to the "usual" rehearsal look (if it's allowed). Take advantage of it!

Wearing leotards that follow along with what is going on outside can catch eyes, but also just finding ones that are flattering. Having knowledge about leotards and the ones that work for you will work to your advantage in many situations, especially auditions. Everyone should have at least one leotard that is just very basic to show your "lines" easily. Sometimes embellishments and cool straps are can distract from your dancing. Discount Dance is where I suggest looking, especially for basic leotards. They don't need to be as high end, and that website has a wide range with reasonable prices (score!). But, it is nice to have a leotard that is your "go to", which is usually higher quality and therefore, lasts longer. Yumiko is a brand of leotards that is a "design yourself" type of site. They carry different styles that you get to choose the color, fabric type, sleeve length, etc.... but there is a down side. It is VERY pricy because you design it and it's VERY well made. They have basic styles that you can make to fit your body perfectly (huge bonus), but I would start savin' up the cash (bummer). Not only is the type of style important to feature your body, but the color too... you should know your colors.

Gorgeous (cheaper) Yumiko Look-Alikes. Leotards and Picture found on discountdance.com 

That is all very important, but one of my guilty pleasures is having fun with it.  In fact, I find myself getting a little crazy on some websites (my cart will end up at about $500)... oops! Again, I suggest Discount Dance. They have tons of leotards (and other dancewear), a variety of brands, styles, colors, price, etc.. I would be lying if I said I didn't go on there weekly. Then comes the second most time consuming dance clothing website... Eleve. I could spend HOURS on here, especially because it is a "design it yourself" as well. You choose the style of leotard, then pick the fabric, with a choice of mesh and patterns (something not available on Yumiko). It is pricey as well, but not as much as Yumiko. Plus, the owner of the brand used to dance at our local ballet company, Ballet West!

I could make this blog last until the end of the year (THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!), so I will finish it next time to give your brain a small rest.

~Hayden