Mindy's Dance Blog

Looking for inspiration!

2007-02-16T05:34:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to prepare for recital!! Last year's recital was so great that I'm finding it hard to top it!! We always do, I know. But I'm just having trouble getting started. Let me know if you have any ideas! I'll keep you posted!~Mindy

"I see dance being used as communication between body and soul, to express what it too deep to find for words." ~Ruth St. Denis

1st Day Back!

2007-01-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

The first day back to class was great! I think that everyone including me had a great time. I knew this was going to be a great semester! I'll keep you posted.
~Mindy

I'm Back!

2007-01-12T04:31:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone has had a great Christmas and New Year! I know that I did. Nutcracker was AMAZING!!!! It was the best one yet!!! Congratulation to all the dancers!! Classes begin on Monday. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone. It should be an exciting semester and a great spring recital! I'll keep you posted. ~Mindy

Thanks to all...

2006-11-10T21:20:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all that have read my blog. It's been fun! I will not be posting for awhile because I am so busy with Nutcracker. Enjoy the Holidays!!! Talk to you in January!
~Mindy

"Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not a mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself." ~Havelock Ellis

Jessamine?

2006-11-10T20:15:00.000-08:00

"All night have the roses heard The flute, violin, bassoon;
All night has the casement jessamine stirr'd to the dancers dancing in tune;
Till a silence fell with the waking bird,
And a hush with the setting moon."
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson

In case you were wondering...
Yellow jessamine is a high-climbing, woody vine that is known by several names, including Carolina jessamine, poor man's rope, or yellow jasmin. It has also been referred to as The Pride of Augusta, because it is found abundantly near Augusta, Georgia. One of the most notable characteristics of the plant is the fragrant flowers that send a sweet, prevailing scent through the wintery woods.

Something to celebrate!!!

2006-11-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

We finished the finale last night! at least the dancing part! We still have the apotheosis. I can't believe it's done before the week before the show! We might make it yet! I'll keep you posted! ~Mindy

It's finally finished!

2006-11-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

We finished snow on Saturday! It was painful, but we did it! Now I have to finish Opening of Act II, Finale solos and the battle scene this week. I will be done by Friday!! I hate having a deadline. The artist in me doesn't like it, but the teacher in me has to have it. I'll keep you posted. ~ Mindy

Here's a thought that was sent to me by my friend Tracie. It will make you think about your friends and appreciate your relationships with them. Enjoy!

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season!

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

I don't know what day it is!

2006-11-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that we had the day off yesterday, but now I am totally confused! Not dancing for a day will do that! I've been trying to get motivated to start painting Tree People unitards! Once I start I have to do them all. But I don't have much time, so I'd better get started. I'll keep you posted.
~Mindy

Here's a thought...
"Beauty is being in harmony with what you are." ~ Peter Nivio Zarlenga

I'm going to have a nervous breakdown!!

2006-10-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

It is 3 weeks until Nutcracker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't think I'm going to make it!!!! My brain hurts! Hopefully that means it's working! We can only hope. I'll keep you posted.
~Mindy

Here's a thought...

" The good Lord gave you a body that can stand most anything. It's your mind you have to convince." ~ Vincent Lombardi

I'm Back!

2006-10-26T04:32:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody! I'm back in my house finally! Now we just have to clean up the mess. I've never seen so much dust in my life!! YUK!!! I'll keep you posted.
~Mindy

Great Picture!!

2006-10-19T06:16:00.000-07:00

Elise took this picture at the studio one day after class! We all thought it was great so, I thought I'd share it with you! Have a great day! ~Mindy

Who's that?

2006-10-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

Can you guess who this is? Let me know what you think! Those of you who know don't give it away!!
~Mindy

News of more Snow!!

2006-10-16T04:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a very productive day!! I started choreographing the tree people! It was great! It is going to make the transition from the battle scene to the enchanted forest so much better! I don't know why I didn't think of it before!!!! Good job INT.II. More Snow will be in the works tonight!

I also want to mention how great Theresa Bautista's class was!! Everyone did a great job!!! She will be back in January and will also be choreographing a piece for the recital!! I'm so excited!!

Just so you know, my house is still under construction!! I will not be blogging from probably Wednesday- Sunday because I won't be able to go upstairs and that's where the computer is!! But keep checking! I might surprize you!
~Mindy

A chance of snow!

2006-10-13T04:30:00.000-07:00

Well, there were a few flurries last night at the studio. The new snow step that we were working on was successful. Finally! I don't know what comes before it or after it, but oh well!! Thanks Laura for filling in!! I don't think I've ever started a dance in the middle. There's a first time for everything.
Next week (fall break) should be a challenge. I hope that I can accomplish something! It seems like there is a lot done, but there really isn't. I think that Nutcracker is always that way. Some things just have to wait until the last minute. It makes me crazy. I definately need 2 of me. I'll keep you posted.
~Mindy

"On with the dance! Let joy be unconfined." --Lord Byron

A change in the weather!

2006-10-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

I am so excited!! It's COLD!! Maybe it will help inspire me to choreograph snow. There's been a blizzard of dancing, but no sign of snow so far!! If you hadn't heard already, Laura will be here tonight. She plans on attending class tonight and Theresa's class on Saturday. It should be fun! We're also going to see Ashley's opera an Friday.

Ash made it back to Florida. She'll be back at the end of this month for our performance in E-Town. I need to work on that. Anyway, there is a lot going on!!

I may not be posting regularly for the next week or so because I am having hardwood floors put in my house. What a mess! But how great will it be to have a dance floor in my kitchen! I'll keep you posted!
~Mindy

Here's a thought...

" Those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane
by those who could not hear the music." ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Applause! Applause!!!

2006-10-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

I justed wanted to say "GREAT JOB!!!!" to the dancers who performed at the Harvest Festival on Saturday! You were all beautiful despite the less then ideal conditions! You made me so proud!! They've already invited us to come back next year! I hope that you all had fun. I really enjoyed our parade from the studio to the church. Next year will have to carry signs!

Get ready for Monday!!! We're starting on snow!! I'll keep you posted!
~Mindy

Here's a thought...
"If you say you can you can, but if you say you can't you're right!" ~anonymous

A thought from Florida...

2006-10-03T19:21:00.000-07:00

This quote was sent to me by Ash (Arynn's sister). Ash and I love quotes!! Just in case you hadn't noticed! Enjoy!

"Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." ~Sara H. Stewart

Danish Jete

2006-10-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a thought from the man who invented the Danish Jete!

"It is not so much upon the number of exercises, as the care with which they are done, that progress and skill depend." --Auguste Bournonville

I want to thank all of my Monday Advanced Class Dancers for having such a great attitude! I am so happy with the way your class is progressing! Everyone has pulled together and the results are amazing. I'm very proud of the work you are doing. Keep it up! Only 8 weeks until Nutcracker!!!
~Mindy

I'm still here!

2006-10-02T04:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted anything for a few days. I have been CRAZY busy. Not just the normal crazy. However, I am happy to report that Flowers is basically finished. There are just a few holes. We should put the finishing touches in this week. Just in time to perform it on Saturday!!

In case you haven't heard, Ashley J. will be performing in La Traviata Oct. 6,7 & 13 at the Opera House. If you would like to go, just call the Sngletary Center for ticket info!

Here a thought...
"To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak." ~Hopi Indian Saying

In case you were wondering...

2006-09-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2006-09-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-09-25T19:58:00.001-07:00

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

2006-09-24T17:03:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-09-22T04:37:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-21T04:55:00.000-07:00

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

Nothing special

2006-09-21T04:26:00.000-07:00

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..

2006-09-19T04:14:00.000-07:00

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

Finally!!

2006-09-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

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!!

2006-09-16T16:13:00.000-07:00

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!!

2006-09-15T17:30:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a thought for today...

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

2006-09-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-13T04:29:00.000-07:00

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

2006-09-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

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?

2006-09-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

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!

2006-09-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

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

A wild day at dance!

2006-09-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

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

Glad to be back!!

2006-08-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wednesday August 30, 2006

I'm happy to report that the first 2 weeks of classes have gone great!! It's nice to be back at the studio. The summer was great, but busy! Our "In House Dance Camp" as well as all of our other day camps were a big success! All dancers and teachers involved had a great time. But now it's time to think NUTCRACKER!! Are you ready? I'm hoping that I'll wake up one morning and I will have choreographed the whole thing in my sleep! It could happen! I'll keep you posted.
~Miss Mindy

Mindy's website is up and running

2006-08-28T20:38:00.000-07:00

The Mindy's Jessamine School of Classical Dance website is up and running at www.jscd.net We will be adding a photo gallery and some other features soon, so check back often.

Welcome To The 2006 - 2007 Season

2006-08-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome back students and parents! I hope that everyone had a great summer. I know that I did. But I’m glad to be back at the studio. I have a lot of exciting things planned for this semester and I’m looking forward to my 15th production of The Nutcracker in December. As always if you have any questions or concerns please let me know. Your input is always welcome. The best time to reach me is at home during the day. My number is 224-4119.
--Mindy