So proud of my students...

While I'm happy for all of my students and I love to see them progress, I'm especially proud when they perform. Here are two recent examples:

--At the beginning of this year, Heather came to me and said she wanted to audition for a production of "42nd Street" in March. She'd been away from ballet for a while and knew she needed to get her alignment back. Not only did she get that show, but she just finished a run of "My Fair Lady" with the same theater company plus she served as dance captain! And she told me she has 2 more auditions lined up for winter shows. Although this means that I don't get to see her in class as often, I'm thrilled that she's following her dream!

--About a year ago, Holly began classes with me as a basic beginner. Never had any training but always wanted to dance. She applied herself, came to class consistently, and soared! She picked things up quickly and when she messed up, she'd laugh and keep trying. She has a great attitude which is a real plus when you're just starting out. Last week, she told me she'll be performing on-stage in a winter show that her young daughter is in. I'm so happy for her!

I count these two women as "success" stories insofar as THEY worked hard for their success. I may have served as a conduit to their goals but they did all the work!

Kudos to Heather and Holly - and to all of my students who work so hard!

Fit Ballet with Leigh - Warm Up

Be sure to check out my older videos if you haven't had a chance:
Putting on pointe shoes and storing
Pas de Cheval
Dégagé
5 Positions with Port de bras
Rond de jambe
Relevé
Tendu
Demi-Plié
Intro

Columbus Day is no holiday for dancers!

Okay, okay, we should all take a rest here and there but if you're looking for ballet classes, I'm still teaching them today!

6:30-7:30PM - Adult Beg/Adv Beg Ballet
7:30-8:30PM - Adult Basic Ballet

See you in the studio~

Poetry by ballerinas for ballerinas

My friend Laura Rogers wrote and read this poem at the West Hollywood Book Fair this weekend. I asked her if she would let me share it with all of you and she graciously said yes.

Enjoy~

Dancing Home

I put on my pointe shoes and tied the ribbons around my ankles. The well-known pressure formed around my toes as I stood and adjusted my skirt. Moving towards the bar, the box of my shoes made a familiar tapping sound on the mahogany dance floor. I placed my hand on the smooth, curved wood of the practice bar, and I was home.

I relevéd, and the stretch in my calves brought on a rush of adrenalin. I couped, frappéd, pas de bourréed: I danced. Stretching my arms over my head in fifth position, I let my fingers form into the soft graceful hand of a ballerina.

I walked into the middle of the room and faced the mirror that was so often my audience. I prepped for a pirouette and then pushed off. When I turn I am a whirlwind, and I sweep away the negative thoughts of the outside world. When I leap I fly and leave everything below me. When I am en pointe I am a giant and nobody can touch me. I am a ballerina, and this is what I do, for this is who I am.

Thank you so much for sharing this, Laura!