In case you were wondering...

Just in case you were wondering why I'm called Light and Fantastic. Kristen's Dad (the web master) was inspired by the following ...


In the poem L'Allegro by John Milton, published in 1645, a phrase appears which seemingly refers to the dance-like gracefulness of the goddess Mirth:

Come, and trip it as you go,
On the light fantastic toe.

The term trip in this passage means to step lightly or nimbly. The adjectives light and fantastic refer to the movement of the feet (toe, or dance step).

How cool is that!! Thanks Jeff!
~Mindy

This was so nice!!!

Those of you who know Tarenne and her family know how special they are!! Tarenne and her mom were on the front page of The Herald-Leader's Health and Family section! It was a great picture and article. I want to thank Nicole for mentioning the studio. I am so proud to have Tarenne and her 3 sisters dancing with me! They are so special. I hope that Tarenne will continue to inspire me and her classmates for years to come! Thanks Nicole for letting people know that we are the studio for every child that wants to dance!! Here are some pictures of T and my daughter Ashley. They are big buddies!! OH! Don't forget to support the Buddy walk!!
~Mindy

Here's a thought...

When I dance, I cannot judge, I cannot hate, I cannot separate myself from life. I can only be joyful and whole, that is why I dance. --Hans Bos

Here's how I feel about tonight...

This quote sums up how I feel about tonight's flowers rehearsal...

You have not failed. You've just found 10,000 ways that don't work!

I'm going to sleep on it and hopefully I will come up with a better option. I'm not happy. I had to hit a snag sooner or later. I hope that everyone will bear with me. I'll get there. I always do. I'll keep you posted.
~Mindy

Mystery Dancer

Who could this dancer be? Are there any hints of talent? Does she have any future in dancing or should she just hang it up? Please post your guesses!

Here's a thought...

"In life as in dance: Grace glides on blistered feet."
~Alice Abrams

Clara was announced tonight. Laurel was totally shocked that she had been picked for the part. She was encouraged by last years Clara (Brooke) which helped a lot. Flowers rehearsal was somewhat productive. I'm hoping to get a lot more done on Saturday. I'm trying not to lose my focus. Thanks to all for the hard work tonight. There was a lot going on. Suite Dreams!! Nutcracker Suite dreams!! Visions of Sugar Plums or maybe Marzipan. I'll keep you posted.
~Mindy

This picture was taken this summer in Yellowstone National Park. Check out the rainbow in the bottom left corner! Enjoy.

Nothing special

I'm happy to report that I have ordered costumes for 7 classes! Can you believe it? It is definately a first! I should have the rest done by the end of the week. Amazing! I am also working with Steph's mom on flower garlands, tree headpieces and costumes. Eva our one of a kind costume designer is working on 15 more flower tutus! She will also be making Kristen's sugar plum costume. Each Nutcracker is unique, but this one will be one of the most creative! I even took the small circles out of the Flowers choreography! What's next the bird step from snow? We'll see. In the mean time Clara will find out who she is tonight! I think everyone will agree that she will do a great job when they find out who she is. She will be very surprized, I'm sure. Also on the agenda for this evening is more flowers choreography!! We are almost to the half way point! I'll keep you posted!
~Mindy

Here's a thought...
"Dancers are instruments, like a piano the choreographer plays."
~George Balanchine

"You can't Make a pointe if you don't understand the details."

"When in doubt........DANCE!!"

Just a thought..

If you judge people, you have no time to love them.
~Mother Teresa

Finally!!

Well the Nutcracker casting is complete!!! It finally snapped into focus. I can't believe it!! Next is creating good choreography. Everyone is going to have to work extra hard to make it all work!! Nutcracker #15 will be the best yet! (I HOPE!) Keep sending me positive energy. The work has just begun. I hope that we are all up to the challenge! I have faith that we are. I'll keep you posted.
~Mindy

Nutcracker News!!

Well, I've made a decision and announced it!!! The INT. II Class will be dancing Snow and Flowers. Think trees and garland!! They will be great additions to each scene. I'm making progress! HA HA!! I'm also ready with a new step and formation for Monday night Flowers choreography! It could be too good to be true. I'll keep you posted.
~Mindy

I'm bored!!

I can't believe I'm sitting around with nothing to do!! Weird! I'm trying to get motivated for tomorrow. I also need to think about our performance on Oct. 7th! TOO MUCH to think about at once! Maybe I'll dream some amazing choreography tonight. In the mean time enjoy the scenery.
~Mindy

Here is a thought for today...

The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work and sacrifice!

Thanks for all the comments! They made me happy!!
Last night's rehearsal was interesting to say the least! I don't like it when I get frustrated so early in the process! I will be so much better as soon as Nutcracker is completely cast! It is so hard to decide who should be what!!! Would anybody like the job of casting director? :) Send me your positive energy! I could use it!!
10 weeks until Nutcracker!! Still no sign of Clara! I'll keep you posted!
~Mindy

Here's a thought...

Whoever you are, there is some younger person who thinks you are perfect.
There is some work that will never be done if you don't do it.
There is someone who would miss you if you were gone.
There is a place that you alone can fill. ~Jacob M. Braude

I'm still working on Nutcracker! Still no word on Clara!
~Mindy

Well, I had a vision about Waltz of the Flowers!! We worked on it last night in class and it was pretty good. I can only hope that the rest of Nutcracker will fall into place. I stll don't know who Clara is going to be, much less who anybody else is going to be! I'll figure it out soon.
I HOPE! Only 11 weeks until Nutcracker !! AHHHH!

Today is Tuesday Right?

I just wanted to mention how great the Intermediate I (Tues. 5:30) class was tonight! I didn't have to ask them to be quiet once!! AMAZING!! They are working hard. I'm really happy with all of my dancers. It's going to be a great semester.
~Mindy

Visions of Sugar Plums!

Nutcracker 2005! This year's Sugar Plum is also in the picture!

A wild day at dance!

Last night was wild!! But again classes were really good. The kids are learning a lot! I'm amazed at how well the ex-kinders have transitioned into the 5 year old classes. Our combined class of Jr. I, Jr. II, Jr.III & Sr.'s is a big success! Everyone including me is thrilled with what we are able to accomplish during these class times. In the meantime I'm avoiding Nutcracker! I keep thinking about music I'd like to use for the spring! I guess the idea of my this being my 15th Nutcracker and how to make it better then last year is a little bit intimidating! Oh well! It will happen! I'll keep dreaming!
~Miss Mindy