Month: February 2013

Surprise! I thought that it would be fun to wait and share with you the joys of my “Master Class with Miss Tina” earlier this afternoon.

I was the first to arrive in Studio C, where Miss Tina and I chatted a bit. Eventually, Hannah (lyrical 2011-2012), Sarah (pointe) and two others found their way inside, and the class began!

Miss Tina held a Bible study where she spoke a bit on “hope,” and how God is the only thing that our hope can truly be placed in. It was a wonderful message! After giving us many verses from scripture, Miss Tina split the five of us up into groups and told us to choreograph a mini-dance to our favorite piece. I was in a group with Hannah, and the two of us decided to base our choreography off of Psalm 42:5 (which, like all of the chosen verses, speaks of hope). We performed it for the other girls and it was on to warm-up! Soon after, Miss Tina gave us a stretching combination; I feel like spaghetti!

After some amazing across-the-floor work, we learned a dance, choreographed to “One Thing Remains,” which went along with our hope theme. As this was a 13+ worship class, the dance was like none that I have ever done before; I loved it! In about an hour, we were able to create a dance to the majority of our beautiful song!

We took a short break from our choreography to spend time in prayer. Miss Tina instructed us to place our hope in God and to dance the rest of our unneeded baggage off. It was amazing! The owner of my dance studio turned the lights down and let us enjoy our time with the Lord– how fun!

At the end of our two-and-a-half hours, the “parental units” came in to watch us perform!

Over all, I had a wonderful experience today– the best master class that I have attended yet! I can’t wait for next time!

On Thursday, as I prepared myself for my second make-up class, Miss Sara asked if she could have a minute with me. Of course, I agreed. Upon hearing what she had to say, my heart began to race.

Essentially, my teacher wanted to know my thoughts on Grade 3. She explained to me that it would be a good idea to contemplate taking my third Cecchetti Exam next year, not because of skill level, but because…

• If I were to train for Grade 3 this year, I would do it alone. Abby and Caroline have yet to take their second exam, and Emma took her’s last year. 
• There is no guarantee that Miss Sara’s friend, Jennifer, would let me take my exam with a few of her students, leaving me to dance alone.
• Dancing alone would mean extra money and two judges examining me under the microscope.

On the up side, I might be able to take my Grade 4 exam with Valerie and Bree, the girls who took their Grade 3 with Emma, as they are currently having contemplations of their own.

If I were to take my Grade 3 next year, I would…

• have already been training for two years (better scores!).
• possibly be able to dance with Abby and/or Caroline (or others).
• not be alone (no microscopes!).
• have more fun!

For these reasons, I have decided to wait until next year to take my Cecchetti Grade 3 examination. If by that time I am still a loner, I will have no choice but to be brave…! Despite my waiting, I will still be training this year; Miss Sara is currently tracking down a book for me to study.