Firebird – she discovered His unchanging love

Romans 8:38-39 says: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” That kind of love can only be described as “unchanging.”
Firebird and I are one being now. Her spunk, sass, love, hope and confidence has become my person. I’m proud of her and of the person she has made me. More importantly, I’m glad to know that Jesus is on the inside of both of us.
Show Day was incredible. It snowed inches upon inches in the eight hours that we stayed at the theater, and people pushed to come anyway. We had mini freak out moments and unexpected complications, and we made it through. As we all learned, the Sun is also behind the frost.
It was so good to meet our audience afterwards, not only to sign autographs and take pictures, but to hear everyone’s opinion on the production. The results were astounding! People laughed and cried and truly empathized with Firebird and her friends. My other dance instructors and friends made my day truly special, and though I could never thank all of you enough, I have to try.
Ms. Tina – for making this production possible. For believing in me. For being there for me. I couldn’t ask for a better role model.

Miss Mia and Miss Mimi – for teaching me that dancing isn’t just a combination of steps. For all of your hard work, dedication, support and faith in all of us. For outstanding choreography and even better “emoting skills.” I have learned so much from both of you.
Valerie – for being the best “stage mom” that anyone could ever hope to have. For being so sweet and understanding. It’s always a joy working alongside you, and I hope we can duet again!
Peter – for caring so much. For not breaking me. 🙂 For trusting me, so that I could put my trust in you. We will never be able to repay you for your kindness toward this entire crew.
Caroline – for being such a sweet friend. Proud as a peacock or radiant as a sunbeam, you’re amazing!
Emma – for not just jumping but diving into this production. I’ll never forget all of your dancer tips and tricks. I’m going to buy a bottle of lavender for recital. 🙂
Allison – for being so kind. For handing me my disgusting, sweaty, old shoes so that I could change and tossing away the others. You have been such a blessing!
Ella, Delanie, Josie and Callie – for laughing super duper loudly.
EVERYBODY – for being the most amazing cast in the entire universe. You guys are like family to me, and I wouldn’t have traded the last six months for all the time in the world. For every second of joy that you’ve brought to me. I can’t thank you enough.
Also, my “fans on the coast” – for sharing in my excitement and being so supportive through it all. I pointed to that beautiful ad and said, “That’s my BBFF.” <3
Mr. and Mrs. G. – for ALL of the work you put into this production. I’m honored to have gotten to know your family and can’t even begin to thank you for the tree, especially. I won’t forget you!
Mrs. C. – for working so hard on all of our costumes. For readjusting my headpiece more times than I can count. You have blessed me immensely!
The audience – for joining in Firebird’s journey! Hugs to my TP people, Mrs. S. and Miss Kristi. <3
My family – for loving me. For understanding. For challenging me. For caring for me. For feeding me and getting Biofreeze all over your hands for me. For your prayers and hugs and tiny bouquets of flowers. For asking me to sign your faces. You all are the best. I love you.

Jesus – for Your unchanging love.
I am truly honored to be your Firebird.

Aerial Ignition (Tech Week Technicalities)


Firebird premieres in three days. Dress rehearsal is in two days. And–in one manner or another–we all survived tech rehearsal last night. We warmed up in the auditorium (Try planking on a sloped surface sometime– epic challenge.) and then walked through the show. The abnormally rectangular shape of the stage took some getting used to, as well as the three giant trees forming a triangle across the floor, but so long as no one gets lost in the forest that is our backdrop, we should all be prepared for Friday and Saturday.

We ran the show full-out once and then tried Act I again, for lighting purposes, as well as to try out the main tree. Being up there feels like flying. My variation felt undoubtedly better than it ever has on pointe and in costume before, and beneath the stage lights, careful eyes watching from the tech booth above and the artistic directors, stage moms and makeup artists below, it was a joy to get into character.
The lighting for Act II is going to be spectacular. Thunder and lightning and the whole shebang. The strangest feeling, though, was being onstage, taking a moment to encompass human struggle, and hearing, “Good job, Aquinnah,” above the sound system. Only dancers are praised for being in that sort of pain, I imagine, and I think that has been one of the most difficult parts of my last six months. Being sad is exhausting.
Being happy, therefore, comes as a great relief. Watching Darkness melt away and the Sun come out is going to bring a powerful message to the audience’s mind and heart– God’s love is unchanging.
As I think He would put it: “I never left.”
Firebird

Stars Playlist

Over the last several months, I’ve been putting together really long, really random playlists and posting them here. Now that we share an understanding of “my music” (and partially because I somehow managed to wipe my iPod the other day), I’ve put together a slightly more practical playlist. This one will definitely be going backstage at Firebird (which is in eight days, by the way).

Stars
  • We’ll be the Stars by Sabrina Carpenter
  • Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly) by Sanctus Real
  • All the Rowboats by Regina Spector
  • Meaning (Stripped Version) by Gavin DeGraw
  • How It Ends by DevotchKa
  • Complicated by Bon Jovi
  • More Like Falling In Love by Jason Gray
  • Let It Go (Single Version) by Demi Lovato
  • The Other Side of the Radio by Chris Rice
  • Welcome To Wherever You Are by Bon Jovi
  • Talk Of The Town by Jack Johnson
  • When We Were Young by Benjamin Dunn & the Animal Orchestra

Found out yesterday that the red, orange and gold makeup that will help in creating Firebird may turn my skin yellow for a day or two. Not that the prospect isn’t thrilling or anything, but I’m open to suggestions on preventative measures. 😉

Enjoy your weekend lovelies,

Fire Chicken

Firebird, Little Swan, Peacock

This title is dedicated to Moriah, who is now laughing at me.

In all randomness, here are your remaining song titles for Recital 2015:

Training 3: Prelude 2 by Dustin O’Halloran (I knew it was a prelude “to”!)

Combined piece: Multiplied by Needtobreathe

Intermediate pointe 1: J’y Suis Jamais Alle by Yann Tiersen (English: “I’ve Never Been”)

Proud dancer.

Yesterday was very long and very tiring–but most of all–it was really fun. Company class began two hours earlier than usual, followed by a rehearsal and two full runs of the show, one in costume. It entailed French twists and gobs of make-up and bruised feet, but, as Miss Mia would say, “Welcome to the cours de ballet” (all kinds of classy with this foreign language stuff today).

After rehearsals, Bluebird, the peacocks, Swan Queen, the little swans, the robins and I all headed over to a local Chick-fil-a for a promotional event. We performed our variations/pieces, handed out flyers and met a bunch of really excited kiddos– so much fun! Joined by the flowers and dark clouds, everything went smoothly.

Next week is in-studio dress rehearsal.

What?

I think I’d better get some new ballet shoes….

Firebird