Backstage at the Ballet

Ballet...just plain cool....we had our end of the year performances this week. This is the scene 10 minutes before the curtain goes up...it's the neatest feeling...The dancers are warming up and actually holding a real class....the ballet mistress is whispering the moves for them to perform...it's hard work and the girls are definitely warmed up; they were all sweating as I pinned on the last bits of their costumes.

This is my Nutcracker performing a dance from Les Syphildes. Click to see the Kirov Ballet doing the same dance...pretty remarkable. Those Russians have the ballet thing down pat.

We struggled with the hair for a long time thinking it had that "deli" look to it....I kept thinking that someone would walk up to her and ask her for 1/2 pound of shaved ham and 3 slices of provalone.

In the end, she did look so pretty. I picked the flowers from our garden....Hydrangeas, gardenias, and roses, all put in an antique silver nosegay that we use every year....it's a tradition.

And of course, here's Baby Girl in all her fanfare. She was beautiful as well and did a lovely dance to Winnie the Pooh. Have I ever mentioned that she's a toe walker which makes for very strong legs and a great arch....

It's been a great week and we're sad to see the year end...we have two weeks off and then my Nutcracker starts 4 weeks of 6 hours a day called ....ballet intensive....she can't wait! Wish me luck with the driving!