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Miss Bethanny walked into the Training Center today, black-and-turquoise jumpsuit and all, with the words, “I’m really tempted to give you guys a jazz-style class today” on her tongue.

A few of us were not quite prepared for jazz, so we compromised with lyrical-style dance— what an extraordinary idea!

After a solid, half-hour warm up and stretch, Bethanny dealt out a combination, one which expressed a commonly-felt emotion– grief. She explained that it has been a very long day for her, and I must say that my day was not quite superb either, so this exercise worked out well.

A major part of this combination was improv, and my sisters and I were able to truly put our emotions into movement. I felt my mind let go and my sixth sense– every dancer has it– take over. And suddenly, I was lost. So lost, that for an entire twenty seconds, I totally blanked on the entire combination. But it didn’t matter. Because in someway, somehow, I just… relaxed (which I actually don’t know how to do with any of my five senses).

There was so much emotion in that room, Allison began to cry. I, too, had my fair share of tears. Honestly, I don’t think that a single girl left class with dry eyes.

So the question is… why? What did lyrical bring in and ballet take away?

In my personal opinion, dancers tend to think “uptight” when performing a ballet piece. This is exactly why I love Miss Bethanny’s teaching; it forces us to loosen up! stretch out! take up space! dance!

And that’s the answer. Ballet took rigidity with it and left real emotion behind. 

Now, bring Ballet back into the picture. Is it possible to send lyrical away and leave that emotion behind? I’m definitely going to try.

Without further ado (It has been quite a few weeks now, has it not?), your Christmas production updates:

For starters, Student-Led Performance Ministries is still comprised of only three girls— Elizabeth, Abby and myself. As it turns out, if we do not have at least one more individual signed up by the end of the month, this choreography class is going to close down. SISTERS. Please, please, PLEASE believe me when I tell you that we will be VERY unhappy if SLPM closes down. We REALLY need you. Smiles.

Choreography wise, everything is going wonderfully. Elizabeth and I are about two thirds of the way through our pieces, and Abby is not far behind! Elizabeth’s work is absolutely beautiful and Abby’s is so incredibly awesome. I, too, am fairly proud of my own choreography, though I could use some creative ideas for the last few verses of “Silent Night.”

I know that I have been pretty vague when it comes to our performance plans, but I would rather give you lovely dancers all of the correct information, rather than the “we thinks.” We are still looking for a facility to put on the show; we truly believe that God has something perfect coming for us. I can, however, give you a bit more information about my piece…:

I am choreographing a contemporary ballet piece to “Silent Night.” This choreography will be taught to Mary (Miss Bethanny) and a group of angels. Baby Jesus (a real, live baby) will also be a major part of this scene. During the dance, a candlelight service will be held, the audience providing the song lyrics.

Yes, lovely dancers!– you should be very proud of me, for I have finally memorized both titles and artists of my recital songs for 2014. Here are a couple of links for your personal enjoyment:

Combined Dance (Training 1, 2 and 3): Love Take Me Over by Steven Curtis Chapman

Modern Dance: Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

Training 3 Dance: Primavera by Ludovico Einaudi

These songs are SO different compared to last year’s, especially modern’s. I can’t wait to see what Miss Sara will do with them…!

It’s finally Friday, and we’re all jumping out of our socks in anticipation– weekend hoo-rah! But while you’re here, I’d like to take a second just to tell you…

You’re beautiful.

You’re amazing.

You have gifts, talents and abilities that no one else has.

You’re wonderful.

You’re spectacular.

There are about seven billion people on this earth who just wish they could be as cool as you are.

You’re glorious.

You’re fantastic.

There’s a boatload of people who are dying to hang out with you.

You’re superb.

You’re absolutely fantabulous.

God has such an amazing plan for your life, He can hardly contain himself.

You’re special.

You’re unique.

You are completely and totally you.

You’re extraordinary.

You’re brilliant.

People are definitely jealous of your awesomeness (and not just because you’re a dancer).

You’re magnificent.

You’re breathtaking.

God is blown away by your character.

You’re gorgeous.

You’re exquisite.

And you’re celebrated.

You’re outstanding.

You’re remarkable.

And Jesus loves you to the ends of the very cosmos and back. And you know what…? You are perfect.

It has been quite the night!

For starters, I am trying to kick a stinking head-cold in the rear so that I can get back to my life, but it seems to be hanging around… darn! No, no, no! Pain, pain, go away! Miss Sara, too, is getting over a cold, dear, oh, dear. It would be very nice if she could speak tomorrow…

That stated, I omitted hanging up-side down from modern class today. While my sisters relaxed into the Downward Dog, I got some excellent stretching done in my arms— yay! After warm-up, we did a bit of across-the-floor and then moved on to “escaping.”

This “escaping” is a new concept, one which Miss Sara primarily introduced last week. Essentially, one individual must stand in the middle of a group of girls and attempt to… well… escape… while her peers grab at her head, arms, waist, legs– virtually anything! It is definitely challenging, despite my first impression (especially when your head is spinning in a thousand different directions).

After escaping my sisters (It was quite entertaining, might I add.), we moved on to a posing exercise. Once again, one individual was chosen from the group and her peers were responsible for moving her in different directions; however, the individual was not to escape, but to keep energy in all of her limbs in order to be positioned desirably– ah! What an experience!

Finally, we began work on modern partnering, something which we will be seeing much of in the year ahead. Caroline and I were grouped together, as we are the same height and weight. We performed a combination which reminded me somewhat of a High School Musical jump (though I can assure you that it wasn’t). Um… haha… yeah, let’s just say: we’ll keep working on this one… *winks*

I now proudly announce that my feet made it through an entire pointe class in my shoes today. <3 At last. Allison was able to make it to class as well, after a week-long cruise in the Bahamas and shared with us the details of a seashell that she found. To quote her, “it smells to High Heaven!”

You’re awesome, Abby, and that is why I dedicate this title to you. <3

In SLPM (my new abbreviation for Student Led Performance Ministries), Abby, Elizabeth and I began work on our individual pieces, rotating the music to fit our needs. To be perfectly honest, I feel pretty darn accomplished, as I pieced together half of my choreography today. Miss Bethanny (our Mary) did inform me, however, that my work could use a bit more dynamic… coming right up!

Ballet 2A was an experience…! Ms. Tina had a migraine, so she wasn’t a very happy camper– gotta love that! Feel better, Ms. Tina! <3 I, myself, am extremely tired (I’ve been working on an extensive science project this week.) and was just doing my best not to zone out! Although, I did learn some new names this evening– phew!

During the half-time water-break in 2A, Abby attempted to convince my students to call me “Miss Aquilla,” a mispronunciation of my name which drives me absolutely insane. Oh, well… it’s a good thing that the girls were all confused… 🙂

Yes, Moriah, I dedicate this title to you… 🙂

You know when you walk into dance class, and you feel like you know exactly what to expect?

Yeah… I don’t get that anymore.

You know when you have a dance lesson under an incredible woman who has danced with several professional ballet companies and played as an extra in CSI Miami (to name a couple)?

Yeah… that’s a first.

Miss Bethanny had to catch a last-minute flight last night so, we were all surprised, to say the least, when Miss Heather, our theater teacher, walked into the Training Center. “Are you the Training 2 and 3 girls?” she inquired.

Of course, we assured her that we are.

She laughed. “So, I just found out that I’m teaching this class… like two minutes ago… so bear with me.”

I must say, I didn’t bear the class at all; I enjoyed it!

Yes, Miss Heather is an extremely accomplished woman, one who I hope to continue learning from. She began our class with a lovely devotional and with the help of some Nutcracker/Britt Nicole, let us lead barre. She then finished warming us up and stretching us out in the center.

Our last event of the evening came in the form of across-the-floor. We practiced kicks, chaines turns and… this is new… axel jumps! I can’t say that we looked especially perfect, but we had a lot of fun, and that’s what counts. <3