Wordless Wednesday

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Coffee Talk: Shelby

I am beyond excited to have such a beautiful and inspiring friend of mine here for 'Coffee Talk' today. As a part of the Royal Danish Ballet, Shelby Elsbree is a much sought- after, rising star in the ballet world, and has been featured in many publications for her technique and artistry on the stage. As a fellow blogger, Tutus & Tea showcases her talents for culinary creations, photography and writing, making her one of the most delightful and fun reads around! Today she's here to give you a behind the scenes look into the life of a professional ballet dancer. Grab your lattes and your ballet shoes, and let's chat! 

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Pictured backstage as 'Aurora's Friend' in Christopher Wheeldon's Sleeping Beauty

As a dancer, you're on stage quite often, what is performing like for you?

Performing for me, is like the cherry on top of the Sundae... Dancers work so diligently day after day, warming up, taking class, rehearsing, physical therapy exercises, cooling down, etc, etc... all to condition our bodies and our minds for the ultimate reward at the end of the day: the performance. Throughout my career as a professional dancer, I can say that my most profound moments of emotional, mental and physical fulfillment have been on stage, in front of a live audience. I love the freedom that comes with performing...the vulnerability of dancing to a live orchestra, the gentle breeze that invigorates me as the curtain rises, the support and strength of colleagues who give you glances of confidence both on and off the stage.

Pictured in "Waltz of the Flowers" in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Performing is challenging, both physically and mentally, what are some of the ways you prepare for and overcome those?

 Despite the fanciful projections related to performing as a ballet dancer (think tutus, sparkling tiaras and satin pointe shoes...) there is definitely a flip side in reality. Performing takes courage. Think about it: You have the freedom of going out there on the stage and essentially doing whatever you want...There are times when this actually intimidates me when I fear having a 'black out,' falling or messing up, but then again, these are the thrills of live art. That being said, every time I step out on stage, I start an inner dialogue with myself ~ mantras, if you will, to keep my focus, conviction, and trust in my technique. Little words with big impact like "faith" "strength" "calm" "believe" come to mind if I fear moments of self doubt. Each time I stand in the wings, before my first entrance, I have a moment with God where I look up and say, "From You, and For You." This small prayer has brought me such strength, power and joy before performing and I really look forward to it.

Pictured as 'Lead Marzipan' in George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Many hours of preparation go into each performance, what is it like to see everything coming together? 

 Of course the preparation for performing starts way before the actual show...We'll have classes to cast, endless rehearsals, stage calls, photo calls, dress rehearsals, spacing, lighting, etc... But it never really hits me until I'm doing my hair/make-up, my own warm up, and sewing the ribbons closed on my pointe shoes before a premiere that I feel everything is in place to trust my hard work, get out there on the stage, and perform from the depths of my heart and soul. For me, this is the ultimate reward. ~~

Visit Shelby's Blog

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Visions of Sugarplums

A year ago this weekend, I was doing this...

My how time flies! Have you been to the Nutcracker ballet?

Hope you're all having a most lovely weekend!

-Candice

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10 Awesome Things about 2010

As the year comes to a close, there's been a lot of reflection going on..

I love this idea, that's been going around the blog world, of listing things that were great about this year, so I joined in. I'm not going to be particularly chronological about this, but hopefully you'll enjoy it all the same! 

 In 2010...

1. I traveled to Europe in the spring, and fell in love with the people, places and all around feel of the Scandinavian region.

2. I worked with kids all summer, and made so many friends from all over the world. It was an unbelievable feeling to have kids coming up to me saying how I'd inspired them and they looked up to me.

3. My birthday was spent (on the actual day) with some great friends I get to see about once a year, on a yacht, writing down our dreams on paper and tying them to red balloons and releasing them out into the sky; letting them take flight in a sense, and finishing the day with smiles, cake, hugs and a whole lot of laughter..perfect.

(Photo courtesy of Dramatic Reflections Photography)

4. I started training in classical ballet again after taking a year off because of schooling, and was given the opportunity to play my dream role of the beautiful Snow Queen in the Nutcracker. What a blessing!

5. I switched to a new university, and we got an adorable new addition to the family! :)

(Meeting Erwin McManus, one of the most fantastic creative minds, author, speaker..etc!)

6. I met some of the most inspiring and influential people in the business, political, writing and church worlds. (Including former President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura) This was one of the most incredible experiences.

7. I started blogging! :) Thanks to all of my lovely friends who read and leave me such kind things in the comments. You all are truly friends of mine, and I am happy to know you! xoxo

(With Julie Kent, Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre)

8. I met some of the top ballet dancers in the world, and even took a master ballet class from some of them!

9. Hosting parties is such fun, and throughout the year, my friends and I have enjoyed many a tea party and lovely Holiday gatherings.

10. Even when I wasn't actively training in ballet, towards the first part of the year, God opened up the door for me to establish a dance group at the university I attended then. With it, we were able to have some fabulous performing opportunities, and made some great friendships; it still is in existence there today!

As you're looking back and reflecting on all that has passed in this last year, I hope you remember not only the tough times that made you stronger, but also the good memories; those times that you laughed so hard, or when someone did something to make your day. Each event, both big and small, because every one helped to shape you into the person that you are, and that person is someone really great. I'm throwing a smile over my shoulder to the sweet memories of the past, but looking forward with great expectations; 2011 is going to be something grand, I just know it!

Blessings and Best Wishes for the New Year,

Candice

19

Easter With No-Regrets

Hello Hello!

My apologies for not posting in so long...I've been quite busy, but it's been the good kind of busy. Here's a snapshot of my Easter!

My dance group just performed at Disney this past weekend, and we had a wonderful time of fun at the "Happiest Place on Earth".

Easter was a beautiful celebration of Christ's resurrection, and the best part of it was being able to spend it with my family and my friend Brittany! We went to church (which was quite a powerful service) and then went to lunch at my favorite restaurant. The weather was so beautiful, so we ate outside and enjoyed a cup of gelato with a macaron (my favorite!!) from a french pastry shop. Later, we came back to the house and colored eggs and rode bikes. All in all, a wonderful time and a great reminder of the overwhelming glory and love of Christ!

Here's a bit of the things that I'm learning lately...

Living a No-Regrets Life:

Be Focused: Do you know why God made you? Phil 3:13; Luke 19:10
Be Connected: Are you connected to Christ? John 15:1-5; 17:21; 1:12
Be Committed: Are you committed to obeying God? Matt 26:37-39; Phil 1:1
Be Strategic: Have you got a plan of action? Matt 16:21-22; John 3:16-17; Prov 16:9; Prov 19:2
Be Calendared: Have you set any deadlines? Gal 4:4-5; Eph 5:15-17
Be Flexible: Are you willing to change directions should the Lord lead? Mark 5:25-30; Acts 16:6-10
Be Courageous: Are you willing to do what others won't? Josh 1:9; Acts 4:18-20
Be Perseverant: Are you committed for the long haul if necessary? 1 Cor 15:58
Be Confident: What kind of Attitude will you choose? Phil 1:6; Heb 11:6
Be Dependent: Will you live dependently or cooperatively? Its one thing to cooperate with God; its another to be dependent on Him. Phil 2:13; John 15:4-8

(notes taken from Dr. Michael Landry on "One Month To Live Series)

I hope you're all having a wonderful start to a great week, and that your Easter was a beautiful celebration of Christ's love for you.

Many Blessings and No-Regrets,

Candice


P.S. It's a lovely day; enjoy a glass of iced tea for me!

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