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Happy Friday, lovelies. <3

So, my last post was a bit of a cliff hangar, as I was anything but decisive about the condition of my left knee. The good news: I have information for you. The neutral news: You get to decide whether the information is good or bad.

Spoiler alert: I think it’s pretty decent….

On Tuesday, I didn’t get to say much to Miss Sara besides, “My knee is feeling pretty good today,” which was true, and yet didn’t seem like the complete story. While my joints said, “Yay!” my brain said, “Don’t you dare knock yourself out again.”

To that I said, “Okay, brain. I guess you’re right. I should take it easy.”

Well, “taking it easy” was made virtually impossible with Rehearsal One on Wednesday and mass rehearsals in modern and ballet. The ballet/tap kiddos, while a tad chatty, did so well during their dress rehearsal; I’m SO proud of them.

In modern, my knee started to sting a little, but the pain was masked by my new-found fascination with the purple-ish bruise on my right foot. Wouldn’t it be cool if I knew how I did THAT? I guess it doesn’t really matter, though, since it’s not bothering me. Anywho, we finished cleaning Redeemed, and although I’m a little nervous about Elizabeth’s lift, I feel really good about the piece.

In ballet, probably due to the fact that I covered my foot bruise in ballet shoes (just kidding…), my knee started yelling at me. So, now I’ve got my knee saying, “Would you stop moving, you giant jerk?” and my brain is screaming, “She’s right!” and I’m all, “Fine, fine, FINE! I’ll take care of it!”

What a lie.

I ran Primavera one horribly painful time and then talked with Miss Sara. She had me stretch out my hip flexors while grabbing the foam roller from her car. With that wonderful invention, she had me roll out my quads and IT Band. Truth be told, I think my entire left leg went numb, so I strapped my pointe shoes back on and rehearsed Primavera until the end of class, stopping only to inspect a minor blister on my left foot. I was in a boatload of pain, needless to say, so Miss Sara recommended moist heat– a wet towel with a heating pad on top. Once home, my mom added Biofreeze to the remedy, which will continue everyday for the next two weeks. Every other day, I’ll be on Miss Sara’s foam roller or massaging the daylights out of my quads. You know, fun stuff like that.

My knee is definitely feeling better, as it was yesterday. I ran Love Take Me Over for the Ballet 2As, and although my joints didn’t feel quite as nice as I had hoped they would, I finally told my brain, “Be happy” and my knee, “Hush up.” I think that was a pretty good decision on my part.

Production Week starts Monday…

Pain, pain, go away. Don’t come back again today. I want to dance the day away. Pain, pain, go away.

So, Miss Bethanny taught Training 2 and 3 today. I’m so thankful for her, I could just explode.

My evening started out with an intense performance by Miss Sara’s contemporary jazz class. Wow. Just… wow.

After the dances, Bethanny started us off with some abs. Not having done intensive cardio for nearly three months, her latest workouts were an unmatched challenge, but I loved it. I feel so accomplished after working out, especially if I’m not halfway to dead afterwards. I don’t know about you, lovelies, but I think living is pretty darn awesome.

Abs completed, Miss Bethanny sent us to the barre for some plies. During the combination, my teacher took a critical look at my hips. Not sure what else to do, I said, “I went to the chiropractor today…?”

“Oh, okay,” she said, and she continued her rounds.

I was no less confused.

To finish off our technique class, Bethanny sent us to work on a lightning-fast tendu/degage combo. Upon noticing some hiked shoulders (Guilty, as charged….), she gave the “Recital is in two weeks shpeel,” stating that–even though rehearsing is the number one thing on ALL of our minds–we still need to warm up properly, stretch properly and avoid unnecessary stress. I’ve had such a problem with stress knots. Now, though, using a variety of new stretches, I’m not going to allow them.

Moving along swiftly.

During the last 15 minutes of class, Miss Sara brought the Training 1s over from the main studio for a Love Take Me Over rehearsal. My first run was a total train wreck, no thanks to my knee.

I went to the chiropractor today–I did!–but then it started hurting again. Gr. Ugh. *stomps on ground* Get off me.

Reluctantly, I told Miss Sara that I wasn’t going to be able to rehearse again today. That lead to a detailed explanation of my knee pain and the steps which I’ve been taking to correct it. On her way out, Miss Bethanny suggested that my mouth might be the culprit, as weird as that sounded at the time. “Her [DNA Device] is restructuring her whole skull,” she said, “which is connected to her shoulders, etc.” She then pointed out, “That’s why I was looking at your hips. I thought that you were sitting in them, but they’ve changed in the last three months. Your knees probably have, too.”

The really cool thing: I never told Miss Bethanny about my device. Until today, she hadn’t even seen it, much less heard me try to talk.

With Miss Sara’s agreement came a detailed search for knee pain. She found that my kneecap moves slightly to the left when I tighten my quads (Quick side note: My quads are constantly being tightened in Love.), and she traced my discomfort to tight muscles.

My homework: Stretch, stretch, stretch. And stretch. And report back to Miss Sara on Tuesday.

As I was leaving, Miss Bethanny returned, bearing the disturbing news that a parked car had just been hit outside. As it turns out, the car was Allison’s. I wasn’t able to stay, but I pray that nobody was injured and that the damages were minor. <3

Now that I’m finished hiding my recital tickets from the dog, I’d love to share with you beautifuls the ever-so-glorious events of this afternoon.

I arrived at the studio ten minutes early. As it was demanded, Miss Sara, Kristin, the Training 1s and I picked up some rags and vacuum cleaners and erased the first half of Picture Week from the main studio. A job well done.

We did some plies, degages, ronds de jambes, frappes, and Miss Sara handed out our tickets to Recitals 2 and 3. Afterwards, we did a boatload of stretching and worked on our partner developpes (which are getting SO much better). Another well-rounded Tuesday– ah.

After technique class, we ran Love Take Me Over, which was kind of a disaster, since we had our backs to the mirror. Ms. Jennifer sat in on our second run-through, which–thankfully–was much better. After Love, the Training 1s ran their piece (Looking lovely, dears!), and Kristin and I had the opportunity to do some critiquing. Then, Kristin and I ran Primavera, which was surprisingly good, for our first time without the mirror. Before leaving, we ran each piece again and gave feedback.

We only have one more full week before production. Eee yie yie.

After class, I had a chat with Miss Sara about tomorrow’s pictures. At some point in the day, I have to get my audition photos taken, and I think I know when… (Bye-bye 30-minute break between teaching and classes…)

And then Emma came, and I was so very glad to see her, even if she didn’t get to see our dances. <3

And then I went home and ate a cheesecake brownie.

^Very important bit of information, there.

Random: WHY ON EARTH is there a Taylor Swift song on my page, today? Miss Bethanny tends to play “Stay, Stay, Stay” during ballet, on Fridays, and it makes an occasional appearance in ballet/tap as well. It’s so funny to watch the kids look at each other, going, “What IS this? Break-ups? Chucking phones? GUYS?” But the beat is too good, so…

Memories from today:

• Moriah dragging me down to the main studio because “that’s where you’re supposed to be.”
• Watching the 2As have individual photos taken
• Seeing Adysen
• Erin suggesting that we mass print photos of me and send them out to everyone (*makes ridiculous face* “I’ve had enough, thank you.”)
• Marveling over the 2A’s group shot
• Amy announcing, “Miss Sara just smeared lipstick all over my face because I wasn’t wearing any blush.”
• Watching the beginning pointe recital dance unfold
• Dancing with my lovely 2A kiddos
• Performing Love Take Me Over for the 2As
• Seeing Miss Bethanny
• Watching the Training 2 recital dance
• [Respectfully] ordering parents into the Training Center for dances
• A mom asking me, “Who wrote [the Training 2] song?” to which I answered, “Our very own Training 3” (with regards to Kristin).
• Performing with the 2As
• Performing Love for the 2As and their parents
• Talking about trees with Moriah

Things to forget:

I attend the world’s greatest studio. I can’t forget.

You see, beautiful dancers, I really do love you. <3

Despite the chiropractor’s plea that I postpone all dance-related activities until today, my knee was feeling especially good yesterday, so my mom and I brought out the camera. We (she and I and the DOG, of course) had the best time working out these shots. <3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Something I DO NOT recommend: putting seven years between each of your chiropractic appointments. Either go once a week like a good person, or just don’t go at all. Hugs.

Real quick: You may have noticed that this post is lacking a photograph. I’m sorry. I know it’s super blah. But my future posts my reminisce this, as I am challenging myself to take more pictures on my own, dance-centered and otherwise. Plus, Picture Week is coming up, and that should smooth everything over… right, lovelies?

So, back on topic. Phew.

I went to the chiropractic office today, after having a sharp pain in my left knee, off and on, for six days. The chiropractor couldn’t find a thing wrong with my knee, but a quick pop to my left ankle straightened things out. Beyond that, I got the rest of my body realigned; my neck, back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, thumbs… everything. Needless to say, I feel a little weird. Not bad, just weird. If I had to go back, though (and I do), I would do it for one, lone joy– the massage table.

Anyway, the doctor told me to “hold off on dance practices for the rest of the day.”

To that I said HA! And fat chance.

I did, in fact, go to class today. I had a lovely welcome from Moriah, too: “We beat Aquinnah here, AND she’s not even dressed for class!” But the joke was on her.

Love you, Moriah. <3

I DID NOT watch class. Instead, I marked my spot in Love Take Me Over and did the arm motions (which–come to think of it–was probably dumb). I was really bummed out, and I know it showed. Sorry, sisters. I really do like our dance. And kudos to you all because, despite my inability to actually DANCE, I could still feel the emotion. <3

Funny story: recital is in four weeks. One of those weeks is pictures. One of them is Recital Week itself. I’m so stinking excited, I think I might explode… <3

Good morning lovely dancers, and welcome back to Recital Central! Are you ready? Here we go!

Recital 1 Schedule:

Recital 1 will commence on the morning of May 10th. This year, as an assistant teacher, I will be helping to transport one extra class on and off the stage. That stated, my dances are as follows:

1. Love Take Me Over
Training 1, 2 and 3– Miss Sara
“There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19
Attire: light pink tights, pink ballet shoes
Hair: ballet bun

4. The Earth is Yours*
Friday Tiny Tots– Miss Mary and Miss Rachel
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it; the world and all who live in it.” Psalm 24:1
Attire: light pink, footed tights; pink ballet shoes

11. Jesus Loves Me
Wednesday Ballet/Tap– Miss Bethanny
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8
Attire: light pink, footed tights; pink ballet shoes

Recital 2 Schedule:

Recital 2 will be presented on the afternoon of May 10th.

1. Love Take Me Over
Training 1, 2 and 3– Miss Sara
“There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19
Attire: light pink tights, pink ballet shoes
Hair: ballet bun

14. I Need You
Ballet 2A– Ms. Tina
“Meanwhile, I am empty and need so much, but I know the Lord is thinking of me. You are my help; only You can save me, my true God. Please hurry.” Psalm 40:17
Tights: light pink, footed tights; pink ballet shoes
Hair: ballet bun

Recital 3 Schedule:

Recital 3 will begin on the evening of May 10th.

1. Love Take Me Over
Training 1, 2 and 3– Miss Sara
“There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:18-19
Attire: light pink tights, pink ballet shoes
Hair: ballet bun

4. Redeemed
Advanced Modern– Miss Sara
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:7
Attire: black tights
Hair: low bun

34. Primavera
Training 3– Miss Sara
“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4
Attire: light pink tights, pointe shoes
Hair: ballet bun

Ta-da! The run-down for the whole of May 10th. As for rehearsals…

Rehearsal 1: Jesus Loves Me will be rehearsed during class time, on April 30th.

Rehearsal 2: Love Take Me Over will be rehearsed on May 5th, at the high school. Likewise, I Need You will be rehearsed on May 6th, at the high school.

Rehearsal 3: Redeemed will be rehearsed on May 7th, at the high school, with Primavera being on May 9th.

In accordance with last year, I will be wearing brown purples when it comes down to make-up.

My mom and I got my Love costume all stitched up today, so the only thing left to do before Picture Week is sew up my black leotard— yay! I feel so incredibly accomplished.

Slightly random: Love Take Me Over has brought several of the Training students close to passing out, lately (including myself). Seeing stars is not nearly as funny as the cartoons make it seem. On Friday, Anna, with her lung infection, found herself gasping for breath. She had forgotten her inhaler, which definitely didn’t help. I was in total shock as she clutched the bar and made a sincere effort to relax. Praise be to God for the dancer-people in my life who started running around, grabbing water and performing breath drills with her. After recovering, Anna refused to stop dancing. What a trooper.

It’s people like Rachel and Allison (the girls who helped Anna) who have me knowing that pain–as painful as it is–can’t bring me down. I’m confident that if something were to happen to me (although it won’t), I would be all set. That’s a good a feeling. So, a huge thank you to our “first responders.” You guys rock.