Have you ever been experienced? Well, I have. Let me prove it to you.

Oui en effet it ete un tout a fait certain temps. I suppose it is only right to provide updates on my recent and not so recent happenings. Dance: We performed a small little number at Amazement Square sometime in November and walked around in our costumes for a breakfast with Santa event beforehand. When performance time came all that was virtually left of the crowd were vendors and employees and a few parents. Not much to speak of at all, but what can you do? So we did our thing and that was that. It was very disappointing to say the least and it made me very anxious about how the turnout would be for the big thing. But when that time came I was pleasantly surprised. Not bad for hillbilly Bedford if I must say so myself. December 8 was our recital and it was crazy! It felt like it came upon me so fast I didn't have time to think. The rehearsal the night before was fine except for the Santa costume malfunctions, but the rehearsal isn't what really matters I suppose. So to the big show, I started out on the stage as Fritz for my dance with Clara and the guest children and that may have been the most exciting part. There was just something about it- little comments exchanged behind the curtains and then as soon as the music reaches our ears its like a whole different world. It was such an ego boost to be on the stage as the curtains open to be who the audience sees first, even if your part isn't the lead. That dance went well except for my absolutely hideous tour jete. No one I talked to afterwards claimed to even notice, but I did and it killed me!!! Nutcracker finale came and went without a flaw, so I felt better after that. LeeAnne informed the snowflakes rehearsal night that our dance was the best, and without seeing the other dances recital night, I can comfortably say I have a feeling it was spell bounding then too! And by the way, during the show, some former ensemble members and other friends had come to see the show. Since they had experience on the stage they knew the one place that the performers can actually see people through the lights- the balcony. It added a little more nervousness for some reason to clearly see faces of those you know especially since two of those friends are dancers themselves! But anyway, second act. Our tap dance went fine except for the fact that two of the five girls slipped in the kick line and stopped with a few kicks left to go, so another girl thought she messed up and quit kicking. Thank goodness there were only two kicks left where me and another girl kept kicking. There is that moment of panic when something unexpected happens on stage and I was like what do i do? But we were told that it looked like it was meant to happen in that fashion, so that was comforting. Then came my role as Santa. I have very much pride in that dance because it's me and my two teachers. It's both a relief and a disappointment to be hidden behind Santa get-up. I do believe that was the most trying dance I've done thus far, purely because of the costume. Mainly because you have a certain way of moving and then it becomes hindered by the pillow in your suit and the beard, wig, and glasses that obstruct your view. That dance went well though. I was very happy and grossly sweaty. And then the finale which went very smoothly. I was very happy to get through the whole thing without my "stomach" to my knees or my wig falling off. Then last Wednesday we performed a few dances for an elementary school. I do believe I had more fun doing that than the big recital because of the reactions on those kids faces.(and no gross sweaty suffocating Santa costume! lol) They OHH and AHHH and add so much excitement-not to mention my tour jete was a bit better even though I ended up having to back up a little to align myself properly with Clara because the stage was so tiny. But in conclusion, I miss the ensemble thing. Sure I have my Saturdays and Sundays free again, but I still miss it. These past few months I feel I've grown as a dancer not only physically but mentally and I contribute a lot of that to ensemble. And I must add -I made a lot of connections and of course I'm all about that. I can't wait until next year for ensemble! I'm not sure it can get better that the amazing experience I've already had. But I dare say it's only up from here!