Monthly Archives: January 2013

a dancer’s day

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The link to ^this video^ popped up on my Facebook newsfeed late last night and I am so glad it did.  During this 11-minute sneak peek of the soon-to-be-finished ballet documentary “A Daner’s Day”, the dancers of Boston Ballet expose one of the most difficult aspects of this profession that most people do not even consider; injury.  The dancers do an amazing job conveying just how crippling ballet injuries can be, both physically and emotionally.  I think when this documentary (directed by BB soloist Joseph Gatti) finally releases in its entirety, the public will have access to a true representation of what it’s like to dance ballet professionally.  One of my favorite lines from this video is “Every day is an audition.”  Truth.  Preach it, JDubs!

An extra little bonus?  It’s so cool to see some familiar faces in this documentary!  Pause at 2:17 to see our Little Red Riding Hood choreographer, Boyko Dossev taking class. :)  We see you in that tan leotard, Boyko!

le chapeau

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Ever since the decision to go to Paris this summer was made official (ahhhh!), I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect hat to wear while strolling along la seine.  The main criteria: a nice mid-sized brim (not too wide, not to narrow), a deep, rich color (think navy, burgundy, or dark green), and a slightly floppy shape.  Above is just a little collection of some chic ladies who definitely have the whole choix de chapeau thing down.

What is your stance on hat wearing?  Beanie babe?  Fedora fille?

black swan in paris

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Those of you less familiar with the ballet world may know him as Mr. Natalie Portman, but in reality, Benjamin Millepied is so much more than that.  He’s a former New York City Ballet principle, acclaimed choreographer, founder of the L.A. Dance Project and choreographer of Hollywood’s infamously creepy take on Swan Lake, otherwise known as Black Swan.  Starting in September of 2014, Mr. Sexy Millepied can add director of dance at the Paris Opera Ballet to his resume.  Why do we bunheads care about someone we don’t know getting a new job at a company 3,481 miles away, you might ask?  Wellllll, let’s just say that with so many former POB company members in line for the job and the company’s notorious loyalty to tradition, Mr. Millepied’s new position came with a side of shock and, as all great ballet scandals are served up, with an extra helping of controversy.

That’s not stopping Benny Boy, though (yeah, I did that).  He has a clear plan in mind when it comes to tackling this challenge.  He says, “My interest is in developing the art and the craft of ballet, which is so rich and interesting. This is a great classical company, and I want it to be an environment for the evolution and knowledge of the ballet idiom. I want to develop a new identity, really challenge the dancers, make them dance ballets that are not just the classics.”  Sounds fantastic, B. Mill!
575944_3557340820727_1940584488_n^^^just the roommie and I hanging out with Sasha Radetsky and the Ben Mill himself…nobigdeal…

say hello to the bag that’s been living on my arm these days

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It’s about time I posted a picture of this beauty on the blog.  There’s something about every single item Chloé produces that just radiates perfection, both in design and construction.  Every pocket has a purpose, every stitch has a style.  My favorite part?  The hardware is minimal and classic, showcasing that signature “marcie” leather detailing.  Swoon!

playing dress up

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I am not a model.  I repeat, I…am not a model.  But I thought I should still share a few photos from the RISD crit I did back in December.  I can’t believe I was wearing this costume so long ago (the weekend before Nutcracker to be exact!- wait is it weird that my time reference is in terms of performances?) and here we are the weekend before the opening of Little Red Riding Hood (yikes I did it again- that’s twice in one sentence…scary).  Anyway, this gorgeous “Mama Red Riding Hood” costume was designed and created by RISD student Alexa Foster, and I am so impressed by her work.  Honestly, I was begging her to make me one of these leotards so I could rock it for class all the time…I was so in love with it!  But I think my favorite part has got to be that giant pink satin bow.  I mean, it’s not every day you get to walk around with one of those on your waist…

If you are in the Providence area (or somewhere in New England, it’s all relatively close together even though we Rhode Islanders like to pretend that going anywhere out of the greater Providence area is considered a “day trip”), please grab some tickets and come out to see Little Red Riding Hood.  Whether you are 2 or 102, in diapers or depends, a child in kindergarten or just a child at heart, you will thoroughly enjoy this show.  Plus, the entire audience gets free cookies and milk after the show, compliments of Seven Stars Bakery…if that isn’t enough incentive I don’t know what is!  For tickets and more information, please click here.

are we human, or are we dancer?

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“Artists are some of the most driven and courageous people on the face of the earth. They deal with more day to day rejection in one year than most people do in a lifetime. Every day, artists face the financial challenge of living a freelance lifestyle, the disrespect of people who think they should get ‘real’ jobs, and their own fear that they’ll never work again. Every day they have to ignore the possibility that the vision to which they have dedicated their lives is a pipedream. With every passing year, many of them watch as other people their age; achieve the predictable milestones of normal life – the car, the family, the house, the nest egg. But they stay true to their dream, in spite of the sacrifices. Why? Because artists are willing to give their entire lives to a moment – to that line, that laugh, that gesture, or that interpretation that will stir the audience’s soul. Artists are beings who have tasted life’s nectar in that crystal moment when they poured out their creative spirit and touched another’s heart. In that instant, they were as close to magic, God and perfection as anyone could ever be. And in their own hearts, they know that to dedicate oneself to that moment is worth a thousand lifetimes.” —David Acker

sweater weather

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“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.” -Robert Orben

Tomorrow the company has a very uncharacteristic mid-week day off!  I’m planning to get my hair cut (finally), rest my bones and drink lots of tea.  I hope everyone is staying warm, especially if you’re in Providence experiencing this 10 degree weather- brrrrr!

happy birthday, balanchine!

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What better way to celebrate George Balanchine’s 109th birthday than completing, running, and filming Agon on our final day with Sandy Jennings.  It’s been such a wonderful experience getting to truly dive into this brilliant man’s unique choreography for the first time.  It’s the most confusing, stylized, specific and freeing kind of dancing I have ever done.  It will certainly be a bit nerve-racking, but I can’t wait to perform it on stage in March.  I hope we’ve been making you proud for the past week, Mr. B.  Happy Birthday!

rifle paper co.

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Rifle Paper Co. is a boutique paper goods brand and design studio created by artist Anna Bond and based in Winter Park, Florida.  You guys, Anna’s artwork is sooo up my alley.  It’s colorful in the most subtle way, feminine without smacking you in the face with pink sparkly ballerinas, and, as the company’s website so aptly points out, both nostalgic and timeless.  While each piece is extremely detailed and full of movement, there is a wonderful sort of unfinished quality to Ms. Bond’s designs that makes them feel organic and effortless.  I believe one of the most tragic byproducts of the technological era has been the near-extinction of handwritten cards (that also goes for notes, invitations, and recipes).  With my discovery of Rifle Paper Co., I’ve been re-inspired to send more handwritten goodies through that dinosaur of a process we now call “snail mail”, perhaps on some adorable little floral stationary!  Also, I’ve already decided I must have one of those phone cases- out next month!  For now, I’ll just eagerly await the arrival of my calendar, and take notes on my little zebra notepad. :)