True Ballet!
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/05/04/arts/20090504-vaganova/index.html
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Blog competing with Facebook
Since I have joined facebook, and have had easy and quick access to friends updates, news, and fun, and since I have been sorely out of time to play let alone update my blog, this site has suffered a great loss of postings. I have not given up on it though and still like the more private, more in depth atmosphere of it.
Here are some vital news:
I have almost survived my first year at FSU. My class and teaching load has been heavy! But I am happy here and am grateful the Lord has opened this door of opportunity for me.
I signed up to be a temple worker at the Orlando FL temple--Yayyy!: Yes, if you sign up with church duties, you actually gain time--don't ask me how that works! Going there once a month toi get my spiritual boost.
I love the weather in Florida--but I found out I still need winter clothing here. It gets cold in ther winternights AND FSU keeps its air conditioning running year round--so it is always cold inside!
Here are some vital news:
I have almost survived my first year at FSU. My class and teaching load has been heavy! But I am happy here and am grateful the Lord has opened this door of opportunity for me.
I signed up to be a temple worker at the Orlando FL temple--Yayyy!: Yes, if you sign up with church duties, you actually gain time--don't ask me how that works! Going there once a month toi get my spiritual boost.
I love the weather in Florida--but I found out I still need winter clothing here. It gets cold in ther winternights AND FSU keeps its air conditioning running year round--so it is always cold inside!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Long time catching up!
Hello everybody,
I am back! Yes, I did not fall of the face of the earth, I am still here, alive, and in fact, very well! I moved to Tallahassee, Florida end of August and have been going to Florida State University ever since. Puh! That dance program is a lot of work. I had a research class in which I presented my research on the use of repetition in choreography tied to my latest choreography with Gustav Mahler's Kindertotenlieder (the songs on the death of Children). I worked with a group of 12 dancers on 2 choreograpies, participated in Nutcracker as a choreographer, teacher, and dancer (sugar Plum fairy for the children's show), and danced 6 shows of the swanlake queen solo. I also shoot some original footage of a dancer and created a 10 min moovie with soundtrack. I learned how to make posters too. Besides that I went to 3 h technique classes every day and Sheila Humphreys coached me in Sugar Plum variation. I also got to learn and perform a choreography by well known Nancy Smith-Fichter--the legend and initiator really of this dance department, and I already got to meet Suzanne Farrell and LOVE her classes!
Now, below are some pics of my trip to NY on my way to Tallahassee in August. I have been witing for years to buy pointe shoes at the Freed outlet store in NY, where I coiuld try all the shoes on to know what I needed instead of having to send them back and forth through the mail. I initially wanted to do some sight seeing, at least see Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty, but can you believe it...I had not time. I had to get my shoes figured out and it took me three hours on one day and 4 the next. After that I was sooo groggy, besides Jet Lag and being intimidated to not go out too much at certain times, because after all this is NY and a big intimidating city! Let me tell you, first I was soooo overwhealmed by all the stimuli around me that it took me 10 min to figure out where I was and where I was going in on the subway. This was a big step, all by myself. Next fall I am probably going to live in NY for a semester for part of my studies...
At the "Kiosk" where Tante always bought me a pink marshmellow waffle sandwich.Mmmmm!
Schyrenstrasse is the street I lived on
Number 9. My house. My it looked old, dirty and small. Not the way I saw and experienced it as a kid at all! I know my mother contributed a lot to it feeling light and neat.
New York, New York!
YES! I did need my pinkie finger to make that decision! Duh! Just look at the beautiful foot though!
Because I did not get to do any sight seeing, I asked the lady in the stoor to take some pics of me for my book of rememberance. Sight-seeing pictures of the Freed store in NY!
And you get to see them all, because they are my only pics from NY!
I am back! Yes, I did not fall of the face of the earth, I am still here, alive, and in fact, very well! I moved to Tallahassee, Florida end of August and have been going to Florida State University ever since. Puh! That dance program is a lot of work. I had a research class in which I presented my research on the use of repetition in choreography tied to my latest choreography with Gustav Mahler's Kindertotenlieder (the songs on the death of Children). I worked with a group of 12 dancers on 2 choreograpies, participated in Nutcracker as a choreographer, teacher, and dancer (sugar Plum fairy for the children's show), and danced 6 shows of the swanlake queen solo. I also shoot some original footage of a dancer and created a 10 min moovie with soundtrack. I learned how to make posters too. Besides that I went to 3 h technique classes every day and Sheila Humphreys coached me in Sugar Plum variation. I also got to learn and perform a choreography by well known Nancy Smith-Fichter--the legend and initiator really of this dance department, and I already got to meet Suzanne Farrell and LOVE her classes!
Now, below are some pics of my trip to NY on my way to Tallahassee in August. I have been witing for years to buy pointe shoes at the Freed outlet store in NY, where I coiuld try all the shoes on to know what I needed instead of having to send them back and forth through the mail. I initially wanted to do some sight seeing, at least see Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty, but can you believe it...I had not time. I had to get my shoes figured out and it took me three hours on one day and 4 the next. After that I was sooo groggy, besides Jet Lag and being intimidated to not go out too much at certain times, because after all this is NY and a big intimidating city! Let me tell you, first I was soooo overwhealmed by all the stimuli around me that it took me 10 min to figure out where I was and where I was going in on the subway. This was a big step, all by myself. Next fall I am probably going to live in NY for a semester for part of my studies...
At the "Kiosk" where Tante always bought me a pink marshmellow waffle sandwich.Mmmmm!
Schyrenstrasse is the street I lived on
Number 9. My house. My it looked old, dirty and small. Not the way I saw and experienced it as a kid at all! I know my mother contributed a lot to it feeling light and neat.
New York, New York!
YES! I did need my pinkie finger to make that decision! Duh! Just look at the beautiful foot though!
Because I did not get to do any sight seeing, I asked the lady in the stoor to take some pics of me for my book of rememberance. Sight-seeing pictures of the Freed store in NY!
And you get to see them all, because they are my only pics from NY!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Shocking News!
I have already gotten comfortable with the thought of establishing myself in Europe and looking for work here. I did not get the fellowship I applied for in Florida and therefore thought that story was finished. one evening I had the thought to call in Florida again just in case there are any news. When I called I was told that Suzanne Farell just walked out of the office an hour ago returning my portfolio and telling everyone that she wanted me to have the Suzanne Farell Fellowship!!! I about fell off my chair! Suzanne Farell is one of the last living legends who danced under George Balanchine, one of my favourite choreographers. The fellowship is not only a great honor, but also will make it work for me to go to Florida State University because my tuition is going to be waived. I still can't believe I am going.
As all blessings come with obstackles or distractions, I now have a broken Sesamoid bone that still has to heal before I go to Florida. Doctors are not sure if it can heal to the point where I can dance again. I know that God handles my affairs after I cannot take care of them by myself even with much trying. Florida is tempting. But my foot will determine where I will end up. I am confident that there is a reason behind such things and that the right thing will happen, because I prayed that it will...
To read more about Suzanne Farrell go to
http://www.kennedy-center.org/programs/ballet/farrell/farrell.html
April
April pretty much was the only month in which I was mostly in Salzburg. I went to Munich for a couple of days to visit a great uncle for interviews and family history material. Otherwise I stayed in Salzburg to do job search. Job search is a full time job in itself. Besides going to Ballet class every day to stay in shape, I was on the computer and the phones of the Arbeitsamt all day long. There were a couple of good positions I applied for, but I only got called back for one and they did not take me. I was searching in Arbeitsvermittlung and discovered there was something like headhunters, which was something I could do with my job experience. NOTHING.
At least I have LOT OF FUN in church! I got a new calling and am now teaching in Relief Society every 3rd Sunday. I am also going out with the missionaries a night a week and to FHE Mondays. I love talking about the Restored Gospel and finding people who are interested in listening. We also have a great missionary couple here, the Rebers! They were in Vienna back when I was about 16 and their daughter Mary Jane became friends with me. Small world! I am amazed at what they are doing for the Lord! This is their third mission and unlike when you are called to be in charge of a whole mission country and most is paid for by the church, they now came back totally on their own money like all other regular and couple missionaries.
At least I have LOT OF FUN in church! I got a new calling and am now teaching in Relief Society every 3rd Sunday. I am also going out with the missionaries a night a week and to FHE Mondays. I love talking about the Restored Gospel and finding people who are interested in listening. We also have a great missionary couple here, the Rebers! They were in Vienna back when I was about 16 and their daughter Mary Jane became friends with me. Small world! I am amazed at what they are doing for the Lord! This is their third mission and unlike when you are called to be in charge of a whole mission country and most is paid for by the church, they now came back totally on their own money like all other regular and couple missionaries.
Duesseldorf in March
I was in Duesseldorf to see Roland, my half-brother (father's side). I have never been in Duesseldorf and I really liked the city! Roland took me to see the old downtown and the Funkturm--all the way up. We went out to eat lunch in a very old, authentic Stubn where I had hot Wirsing salad with a Bockwurst on top. For the finale we had amazing ice cream. Let me tell you about it. I was cold because the wind was blowing cold air all the time. Roland suggested this ice cream place, but I said I think better not, because I was freezing. He said, o.k., but at least we have to walk by to just look in the window because there is none like it. We stood in front of the wondow for about 1 second when the door magically opened and I walked in. How could I not! We sat down and I had a bowl with three scoops of the best ice cream EVER and they stuck FRESH mangos, strawberries, guava, honey dew, sugar melon, pineapple, and figs on it!!! Oh my! I am glad I don't live in this city. BTW, this was my Birthday present in advance. (You need some excuse for this!)
Roland has been very hospitable and fed me well. It is funny, although we have never seen each other or heard of each other until now, we both like healthy food, are into music and psychology professionally, and play the piano (although he is wayyyy better) and the African drum!!! Roland is a special-ed teacher and teaches piano on the side. he also has brought out a couple of CD's with great old German Songs. You should hear it. They are hilarious. If I have a way to put one on here I will!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
President Hinckley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaSxTGAQEuE
Pres. Hinckley died Jan 27, 2008. It was the first Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I felt I grew with, because he was around for so long. I also had the special opportunity of meeting him in person once in SLC at his grandson's wedding. There was no doubt in my mind that this was a man who walked and talked with God. There was no doubt that this man lived a good and disciplined and selfless life, but beyond that I could feel that he was clothed with a special power. Although very humble and without much ado about his appearance, Pres Hinckley radiated an energy that was greater than himself. The ground under my feet around him felt holy. There were two things that I could almost say, to describe the sensation when meeting him, "burned" themselves into my heart that day (and I am not a very emotional person): This man keeps nothing to himself, he gives his all for us. He keeps nothing back, he is all ours. The strength that upheld him well beyond his years made that possible and kept him going. The second thing I felt strongly in his presence was pure love. He had so much love for everyone and this is how the love of God must feel all the time. We just are removing ourselves from it too often. How would you shake a prophet's hand? Self-confident, firm? Well. I did, looking him in the eye. Can you imagine how I felt later when I learned in class Sunday, incidentally the next day, that he has very bad arthritis in his hands and that every time he shook a hand it must terribly hurt him....
Pres. Hinckley died at age 97. What I will remember most from him is "we can do better, each day a little better!" and to read the Book of Mormon more thoroughly by the experience I had as he asked us all to read it together. The scriptures do bring an increase of peace and the Lord's spirit and strength in our homes. He loved his wife very much. How much comfort in his loss it must have given him to know that he was going to see her again. They are together now!
Read more about this wonderful man at:
http://www.gordonbhinckley.org/
Pres Hinckley at General Conference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnX66fN91-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noDM2zmNy2c (a final testimony in the British Isles where Pres Hinckley served a mission as a young man).
Dito! A touching tribute by Glenn Beck:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjrDs_DaocA
Watch the funeral service:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCef9Xr3F9c
Pres. Hinckley died Jan 27, 2008. It was the first Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I felt I grew with, because he was around for so long. I also had the special opportunity of meeting him in person once in SLC at his grandson's wedding. There was no doubt in my mind that this was a man who walked and talked with God. There was no doubt that this man lived a good and disciplined and selfless life, but beyond that I could feel that he was clothed with a special power. Although very humble and without much ado about his appearance, Pres Hinckley radiated an energy that was greater than himself. The ground under my feet around him felt holy. There were two things that I could almost say, to describe the sensation when meeting him, "burned" themselves into my heart that day (and I am not a very emotional person): This man keeps nothing to himself, he gives his all for us. He keeps nothing back, he is all ours. The strength that upheld him well beyond his years made that possible and kept him going. The second thing I felt strongly in his presence was pure love. He had so much love for everyone and this is how the love of God must feel all the time. We just are removing ourselves from it too often. How would you shake a prophet's hand? Self-confident, firm? Well. I did, looking him in the eye. Can you imagine how I felt later when I learned in class Sunday, incidentally the next day, that he has very bad arthritis in his hands and that every time he shook a hand it must terribly hurt him....
Pres. Hinckley died at age 97. What I will remember most from him is "we can do better, each day a little better!" and to read the Book of Mormon more thoroughly by the experience I had as he asked us all to read it together. The scriptures do bring an increase of peace and the Lord's spirit and strength in our homes. He loved his wife very much. How much comfort in his loss it must have given him to know that he was going to see her again. They are together now!
Read more about this wonderful man at:
http://www.gordonbhinckley.org/
Pres Hinckley at General Conference:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnX66fN91-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noDM2zmNy2c (a final testimony in the British Isles where Pres Hinckley served a mission as a young man).
Dito! A touching tribute by Glenn Beck:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjrDs_DaocA
Watch the funeral service:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCef9Xr3F9c
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