Archives for December 2014

December 20, 2014

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas for Ballerinas and Runners

If you’re anything like me, you’re totally guilty of waiting until the last minute to buy gifts (in fact, I’m even in the process of working on some crafts as gifts right now.  Here’s some recommendations of my favorite things lately:

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FlipBelt

Dec 20, 2014 - bit.ly - 1144
FlipBelt

I love love my flipbelt. I mostly use it for running, but if I take a class outside of my normal studio (where I normally feel comfortable leave my belongings in my bag), I'd wear it to keep my phone, ID and cards on me. It's pretty awesome. Read my review of it here Use code Sweat10 for 10% off or email me at aballerinaproject at gmail dot com for a 30% code.

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2

Fleecys Keeping Dancers Warm

Dec 20, 2014 - shop.fleecysocks.com - 919
Fleecys Keeping Dancers Warm

I just found out about these and bought myself a pair--but I'm already pretty sure HQ is buying me a second pair to wear to ballet class in the winter.

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3

Zensah Socks and sleves

Dec 20, 2014 - adultballerinaproject.com - 1168
Zensah Socks and sleves

I love my compression socks, sleeves (and leggings too!). Zensah sleeves are my favorite, and they are by far the most comfy.

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4

Adult Booties - Style Number: IM009

Dec 20, 2014 - discountdance.com - 920
Adult Booties - Style Number: IM009

Although these are sold out a lot of the time, they're worth the wait. I have a large pair in red, and I'm waiting on a second (smaller) pair on backorder in purple.

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Disclaimer: I’ve received a Flipbelt for free and have received Zensah socks for free in the past as well, but my opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Clothing and Gear, Info, Outside Class Tagged With: , , , , , Leave a Comment
December 19, 2014

Ballerina Profile: Patricia

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This week’s profile is of Patricia, who started ballet this past November, because she was always interested in ballet and figured picking it back up in college would be a good idea before she had to start looking for a real job and figuring out her career.
When did you start doing ballet as an adult?
I started doing ballet at the age of 20 this past November after some major deliberation.
 
Did you ever take lessons as a kid?
I took ballet classes when I was 3 years old but stopped after a year.
 
Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?
I was always interested in ballet and thought it was just so beautiful. I figured picking it back up in college would be a good idea before I had to start looking for a real job and figuring out my career.
 
Where do you take classes?
I take classes at Joy of Motion in Friendship Heights and am thinking about trying out some other places in DC.
 
What is your favorite part about ballet?
I really like doing rond de jambes. They are hard to do but I like how they work my hips.
 
What is your least favorite part?
My least favorite part is keeping time and counting. That is one thing about dancing that I hate. But I’m working on it.
 
Who/What is your ballet inspiration?
Pretty much I am inspired by anyone that loves what they do. One of my friends, Galene, dances ballet so she inspires me a lot. She’s even dancing in a production of the Nutcracker this winter! I also like watching Ashley Bouder and Chase Finlay from NYCB dance.
 
What motivates you to keep dancing?
I want to constantly keep getting better, constantly improving and nailing down a proper technique.
 
Do you take any other dance classes?
Not at the moment, no.
 
What are your hobbies outside of ballet?
I don’t really have any other hobbies. School is like a full time job but its alright.
 
What advice would you like to give to those who want to start ballet or have just started?
If you aren’t sure about dancing just take another drop in class with another teacher or try out a different place. You can always talk to your classmates or teachers if you aren’t sure or have worries even though it might be intimidating. They have probably been through what your feeling now and would love to help! (Probably) Just don’t give up without giving it a shot.
Do you have a blog?
Not yet. I’ll let you know if I get it up and running.

 

Filed Under: Adult Ballerinas, Ballerina Profiles, Ballet, Interviews Tagged With: , , Leave a Comment
December 12, 2014

Ballerina Profile: Grier Cooper

WriterDancerBodyThis week’s profile is of Grier Cooper, who writes a blog “The Writer in a Dancer’s Body” (which you can find on www.griercooper.com).  She regularly interview Bay Area dancers, choreographers, and artistic directors and share current news and trends in the dance world.

When did you start doing ballet as an adult?

I came back to ballet a few years after I stopped dancing professionally in my early 20s.

Did you ever take lessons as a kid?

I started taking ballet lessons when I was five years old. I later went on to train full-time at the School of American Ballet and performed with San Francisco Ballet, Miami City Ballet and Pacific Northwest Ballet. Although I always loved dancing and performing I eventually realized that the demands and sacrifices I made to be a dancer really weren’t paying off. I decided it was time to switch gears and explore other things.

Why did you decide to take ballet as an adult?

I came back to dance after taking a few years off because dance had been one of the few constants in my life. Ballet studios feel like home, not just because I’ve spent so much time there but because they are a sanctuary of sorts, a place to let go and connect to something larger than myself.

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Filed Under: Adult Ballerinas, Ballet, Interviews Tagged With: , Leave a Comment
December 8, 2014

Ballet Blog Roundup: Nutcracker Edition

(Note: Here’s a new feature I’m trying out–a round-up of ballet-related blog posts and news stories from around the web. Readers can add their own links, too!)

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Kristen Gillette Kristen Gillette
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Ballet Blog Roundup: Nutcracker Edition

Listly by Kristen Gillette

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What are some online dance-clothes stores that you like?

Dec 07, 2014 - adultbeginner.wordpress.com - 114

A reader asked if I could recommend some online dance clothes retailers that I like, And I was like, "Shopping! Gross! Who does that!" Ok not exactly, but I do have a not-shopping problem, which is that I think I will make myself about 98% more things than I ever do.

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It Came From Outer Space

Dec 07, 2014 - clarascoffeebreak.wordpress.com - 94
It Came From Outer Space

The Nutcracker's snow scene has its roots in - science fiction: "From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne first appeared in print in 1865. Verne was a pioneer of science fiction and his book is an adventure imagining humans' first journey into outer space. The story went on to inspire an...

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The Nimble Mouse: DIY Vintage Photo Effect Using Gimp...

Dec 07, 2014 - thenimblemouse.blogspot.com - 121
The Nimble Mouse: DIY Vintage Photo Effect Using Gimp...

You may have noticed that on Picmonkey, if you want some of the really pretty effects, you have to pay. Which I have nothing against, at all. But sometimes, you just don't have the money to spend on little privileges, especially when you can easily do it yourself with a little effort.

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it's beginning to look a lot like...

Dec 07, 2014 - settingthebarreblog.com - 93
it's beginning to look a lot like...

A relaxing Sunday morning spent washing toepads and sewing pointe shoes...ah, the joys of Nutcracker season; That special time of year where dancers everywhere exhibit a juggling act of contradictory feelings ranging from excitement to dread. For me, the anticipation of cracking nuts for the masses has always produced a perky nostalgia that can only accurately be...

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12 Days of SPLITSmas

Dec 07, 2014 - instagram.com - 93
12 Days of SPLITSmas

To answer that, here is my holiday gift to you: 12 days of tips and tricks to get your splits!

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Know of a blog I should be reading? Let me know in the comments!

Filed Under: Ballet Blog Roundup Leave a Comment
December 7, 2014

Some Updates–website update, the Nutcracker + Pointe!

So I’ve finally gotten around to doing some updates on the blog, mostly because I’ve been sick the past few days and haven’t made it to a ballet class or been able to go running. So I’ve done some messing around with a redesign to make stuff more readable and easier to find. Getting the studio stuff all in a line again is going to take a little bit longer…but we’re working on it.

On to ballet updates:

Although I’m feeling like crap for not having made it to a class since before Thanksgiving, things are going well. I’m so happy I get to learn choreography to Nutcracker music since I missed all of that last year thanks to my injury. Recently, I’ve also started doing some pre-pointe work again. I wish I had an awesome picture to share here, but I don’t. I’ll have to take one before the holidays start-up again.

HQ and I have also recently joined a gym, so hopefully I’ll get to improve my cardio more (since it really sucks right now).

Share your lovely ballet updates with me!

(PS sending out a round of emails this morning to those who submitted to be featured on the site!)

Filed Under: Ballet, Blog Tagged With: , , , 5 Comments