[danseurdansledesert]

fall ballet: october, week 1

I’ve been encouraged to try not to use the barre during barre time, to work on balance and strengthening. I can use it as I need, but it’s helping not to.  My teacher is starting to help me develop male-specific techniques; today, she advised me on how to do a 45 to 90-degree turn for fouette, rather than the developpe that is part of our current exercise. But it’s good to know both, and I will be better off for having done so.  Cabrioles are improving. I’m starting to be able to bring my inner thighs together in a way that I can do the beat motion required to do a cabriole properly.  What is good about where I am, is that I can simply be in class, and work on developing a lifelong skill, rather than worrying about what programs to try next, or where I’ll be in a few years. It’s weird to just be in class, and keep going, without worrying. It’s also a lot less stressful.

[danseurdansledesert]

fall ballet: back to ballet

Step dance didn’t work out at all. We lasted two weeks before looking for a ballet school for the two of us to go to. And we found it. I’m in a casual, non-pre-pro, adult ballet class for the first time in four years. We get to do the recital, but it’s for fun. And it is fun. Josie, my teacher, is incredibly laid-back (she wears Harley t-shirts to class), but her teaching is solid. I’m just dancing to dance. No hopes of joining a company. No trying to keep up with younger kids destined for summer intensives. It’s now a hobby that I love very much, and am excited to have returned to after a break. 

[steppenfuchsden]

A Finnish island looking like something out of the Moomins. I’m sure Too-ticky fishes there.

[thedailyballet]

[stkatherine]

Whoever rejoices when admired by people is mocked by demons.

St. Paisios of Mount Athos (via stkatherine)

[mothernaturenetwork]

19 brilliantly creative gender-bending cosplayers

‘Crossplayers’ don’t let gender stop them from dressing up as their favorite characters!

[mothernaturenetwork]

19 brilliantly creative gender-bending cosplayers

‘Crossplayers’ don’t let gender stop them from dressing up as their favorite characters!

[danseurdansledesert]

Books unpacked= slight more structure and normalcy.

[danseurdansledesert]

[danseurdansledesert]

Week two with @champagneirishdance complete!- (at The Cherry Building)

[danseurdansledesert]

2 hours before @crpubliclibrary opens, and she's already excited for her trip with @terranovajenya. (at Cedar Rapids Public Library)

[danseurdansledesert]

Pan-Orthodox Vespers at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Waterloo, Iowa. #orthodoxy (at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church)

[danseurdansledesert]

We went to Pan-Orthodox Vespers at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Waterloo, Iowa. #orthodoxy (at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church)

[danseurdansledesert]

Pan-Orthodox Vespers at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, Waterloo, Iowa. #orthodoxy (at Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church)

[danseurdansledesert]

The only chance we had to say "We went to the World's Largest Frying Pan on the way home from Pan-Orthodox Vespers in Waterloo." (at World's Largest Frying Pan)

[danseurdansledesert]

I got a whiteboard today. It ties the room together. :)

[danseurdansledesert]

After five years of adult ballet, I am embarking on a new dance adventure: taking step dance alongside Mari at @champagneirishdance. Fun was had by all. (at The Cherry Building)