Nutcracker

It's Nutcracker Time at the War Memorial Opera House!

Here is Isabella's schedule for 2012.  She will be one of the 4 dragonflies in Act 2 this year.
for tickets go to: sfballet.org

Date                     Time       

12/8    Saturday      2 PM, 7 PM

12/11  Tuesday       7 PM

12/13  Thursday      7 PM

12/15  Saturday      2 PM, 7 PM

12/18  Tuesday       7 PM

12/19  Wednesday  7 PM

12/21  Friday          2 PM, 7 PM

12/23  Sunday        2 PM, 7 PM

12/24  Monday       11 AM

12/27  Thursday      2 PM, 7 PM

12/28  Friday          7 PM

Here are some photos (by Erik Tomasson) of Isabella as a butterfly from last year's production

Isabella's Dance Anthology

Click on the photo to watch a video of Isabella's dance journey

Isabella's Dance Anthology from when she started performing as a dance troupe member at CDMA beginning in 2007 (at 8 years old) to her performances at Joffrey Ballet and in Panama in the summer of 2010. We hope you enjoy. Thanks for watching.

Isabella: Principal's Honor Roll

Congratulations to our DD Isabella who managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA despite her grueling ballet schedule thereby earning her the Principal's Honor Roll award. She also earned the Presidential Award for physical fitness. She is a very diligent student and we are indeed very proud of her.

Coppelia Premiere

All the hard work from the grueling rehearsals for Coppelia paid off and are all so worth it! These photos I purchased from Erik Tomasson Photography and the awesome reviews say it all. It was a magnificent production...from the costumes, to the sets, to the music, and the dancers...all superb!

It was certainly a wonderful opportunity and quite an honor for Isabella being a part of this glorious premiere.

Excerpts from the Reviews:

(click on the link for the complete review)

From the San Francisco Chronicle

"And let's hear it for the San Francisco Ballet School, which contributed 24 girls, all in blushing pink tulle, for the demanding combinations of the Waltz of the Golden Hours, and all looking like Makarovas in the making. This show stopping moment suggests that there's a message in giving dancing opportunities for everyone in this Galician town".

from the San Francisco Examiner

“Coppélia” is very big, featuring what seems to be the entire company, including dozens of children from the ballet school in the wedding scene and the Waltz of the Golden Hours. Decades into the future, famous dancers will include “Coppélia” in the War Memorial as stage debut on their résumés".

from the California Literary Review

"This production is, in a word — glorious! ..." But Act III really sold this production. Picture 24 little girls, in gold-sequined pink tutus and tiaras — genius. Besides looking completely adorable, the young corps performed with grace and professionalism.

What an advertisement for the San Francisco Ballet School! If I were a parent in the audience and wanted to find ballet training for my child, Act III of this Coppélia would pretty much dictate my choice.

from the San Francisco Sentinel

"In the middle of Act III comes the “Waltz of the Golden Hours” – a 7-part collection of exhibition dancing – essentially a celebration connected to the village’s dedication of a new set of bells and the wedding of Swanilda and Franz..... Opening the festivities were 24 very young ballerinas – all in amazing form, with unified gestures, precision poses, and adorned in the most exquisite tutus a little girl ever dreamed of."

Before becoming a Ballerina....

Nutcracker 2010

I'm so happy I finally have some photos from the Nutcracker performances. Here are the beautiful photos I purchased from Erik Tomasson Photography, SFBallet's official photographer.

Happy 11th Birthday Isabella

Our family's darling angel princess is now 11 years old.

I feel so blessed having a daughter who is my angel on earth. Isabella is wise beyond her 11 years. I learn so much from her everyday. She's the one who gave me the quote "too blessed to be stressed" during one of our library days when we were in Pismo Beach back in 2007 and it has become my mantra since. She also has a lot of sense of humor (something she got from her dad:) Our conversations are filled with fun bits of wisdom. We look forward to our daily drive to and from San Francisco Ballet as it is always filled with blessed and fun chats.

One of her recent out-of-the-blue remark during our commute: "Mom, I'm so glad God gave me to you and made the doctor not tie your tubes before you had me". You see, in one of our commute conversations I mentioned that after I had her brother Ian, I asked the doctor to tie my tubes so I won't have another baby since I already have 3. The doctor said he does not advise it since I was still young then. I told her I'm so thankful that the doctor didn't grant my request. According to Isabella it was part of God's plan:) Praise the Lord God indeed for the gift of an angel daughter.

True to the saying like mother, like daughter, Isabella and I share a lot of the same interests. We enjoy many activities together. We love going to the library, reading books over tea, writing, dancing, watching movies, shopping for matching outfits and shoes:) and even exercising and cleaning together. She is truly my angel on earth.

As a student, Isabella is an ardent learner. Her passion for learning gives her the discipline and motivation in everything she chooses to do. Her 6th grade Science teacher recently wrote: "I'm enjoying Isabella very much. I totally agree that she is very self-motivated. You are lucky parents indeed. In many ways, she seems years older than her peers, but she never shows frustration with their silliness."

(see previous comments here from her other teachers)

As most of you know, she has a demanding schedule with her daily ballet training at SFB. As soon as we arrive home from ballet, she goes straight to her study room to do her homework. And what's so admirable and awesome about it is that she goes to that room full of anticipation and enthusiasm in completing her work. Then she tries to finish as efficiently as she can so that she'll have time to show me the dance combination she just learned. And when I say efficient, I mean going above and beyond what is required. Like for example, in a recent assignment, the teacher asked for sentences using at least 8 of their spelling words. Isabella had fun writing a whole story using 13 of their vocab. words. Then I remember her brother Immanuel upon checking her math work that night, served her with his own concoction of freshly blended apple/jackfruit/pineapple smoothie. You see, being the only girl, Isabella is lavished with love:) She is also an angel sister to her brothers. And I am a mom in heaven:)

First time "En Pointe"

End of Year evaluations for Isabella

SFBallet dance teacher comments:

Isabella is a wonderful student to work with and very talented. She has grown so much during Level 2. Her technique, physique and adaptability exceed the requirements for Level 3. Needs to keep working on her corrections but she is ready to be promoted to Level 4. Wonderful Showcase!

5th grade teacher comments:

Isabella is a true gift for any teacher to have. She always tries her best, can balance a multitude of activities and excels at anything she tries to do. I have no doubt her future will be bright and that she will do whatever she gets her mind to.

SFBallet Student Showcase

Here's a photo of Isabella from the recent showcase

I ordered from Erik Tomasson Photography

more show photos can be found here

And here's a photo of my mom and me gallivanting in the City

taken by dad Dennis after we dropped off Isabella

SFBallet Student Showcase Update

In my previous post below I ended with a prayer request. I claimed God's promise in John 16:24, The Assurance of Answered Prayer: "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." And last night we received the assurance of answered prayer and our joy was indeed complete. God is so good and amazing. Not only did a ticket manifest for my DH Russ to be able to watch our daughter's moment of glory....there were exactly 3 seats and they were the first 2 rows. I sat with Russ the first half. Isabella came in the 2nd half and sat with dad while I moved to the vacant seat in front. God is so awesome.

It is so amazing how God orchestrated and set the stage for this answered prayer to happen. I am so thankful for the concern of ballet moms who thought of us and helped spread the word that we needed tickets desperately. One ballet dad from our class had an extra adult and child tickets as his friends couldn't make it. It was exactly what we prayed for (thanks to my bible study group and special friends).

I claimed the prayer and asked Russ to come with us with pure trust that God will provide. And He gave more than we asked. I am in awe and deeply grateful. Praise God!

SFBallet Student Showcase....A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

OMG! The student showcase last night was incredible. Awesome. Amazing.

It was extra exciting for me. It's our first time and I knew that our DD, Isabella, was going to be front and center. Her class is the very first number as they are the youngest group. Even though I knew her staging, when the curtain opened and I saw her right front and center by herself amongst 46 students, it was a sight to behold for a mom like me. It was a very short piece but it certainly was our daughter's very own moment of glory and I couldn't be prouder. Unfortunately my husband missed it. Traffic and misplaced ticket kept him from getting to the show. The shows are all sold out but I'm not losing hope. I am praying that something will manifest for him tomorrow and be able to watch our daughter's moment of glory.

The show was a huge success. I was truly in awe of the amazing choreography and execution. A huge thank you goes out to the awesome teachers who have given her great training and inspiration. What a blessing!

more to follow....I have to prepare my little ballerina for tonight's show. For now here's a photo I managed to take during intermission.

The Joy of Reading to Kindergartners

Reading is yet another one of Isabella's many passions. She loves to read aloud with feelings and expressions. So at school, she jumps at the chance to read to kindergartners every available break times (the photo below is courtesy of kindergarten teacher, Ms. Schoon). Isabella also jumped at the opportunity to record books on CD's for the library. Recording books on her computer is her newest past time at home.

First Pointe Shoe Fitting

First Pointe Shoe Fitting: A Ballerina's Dream

What could be more exciting?

Isabella has been dreaming of this day since "forever":) Finally she got her wish last week. We left early for class last Tuesday to stop at SFDancewear. It was extra fun as we shopped together with friend/classmate, Sabrina, who will also be attending summer program in Panama.

Isabella tried on several shoes (though there were limited selections for her size). She finally found a perfect fit in Grishko 2007. Isabella is super excited and couldn't wait for the time when she can finally go en pointe. In the meantime, she hugs the pointe shoes and shows them off to her brothers:)

The Joys of Commuting and Gallivanting

One of the simple joys from the whole SFBallet experience is our increased bonding time. We take advantage of our commute time by engaging in meaningful conversations. There are times when I get blown away by the wisdom that comes out of my DD, Isabella, and I can't believe she's only 10 years old.

We also try to take the opportunity to spend Saturday afternoons, after Isabella's ballet class, gallivanting in the city (particularly Union Square). We normally have lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and then we do some shopping at Macy's.

Last Saturday was extra fun because it was Macy's 64th Annual Flower Show, "Spring is in the Air" event. Isabella also enjoyed the Easter cookie decorating event sponsored by Palace Hotel.

Field Trip: Marine Science Institute

On Thursday, March 11th, Isabella had the wonderful opportunity being a scientist for an afternoon aboard the 90-foot research vessel, the Robert G. Brownlee. It was a very educational and fun-filled afternoon of Discovery Voyage as they joined the Marine Science Institute (MSI) crew for an expedition of the San Francisco Estuary. Isabella was delighted to report that there was a TV crew present at the time and she had the chance to be interviewed.

Isabella sent me this photo taken from her cell phone.

Exploratorium Field Trip

Yesterday, Tuesday, Feb. 17 (day after 4-day President's holiday weekend), I had the pleasure of chaperoning 7 of Isabella's classmates to their 5th grade field trip to the Exploratorium at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.

Exploratorium: the museum of science, art and human perception

Nutcracker 2009: Madame Du Cirque Buffoons

Photos by Erik Tomasson Photography

Nutcracker 2009

This post is over a month delayed...but it's better late than never. And at least I was able to blog about the opening night on December 8th.

We survived all of Isabella's 16 performances with flying colors. It is an experience we will forever treasure. I attended all performances in different capacities: as an audience, as backstage volunteer, ballet shop volunteer, and as Club Nut volunteer.

As an Audience

As an audience I had the privilege watch the show several times with people closest to my heart.

• The first one of course was opening night when I watched with my mom and dad Dennis. My friend, Owen, and her family came to watch as well.

• The second one was on the 17th with my BFF, Cecile, and her DD and Isabella's BFF, Krystn.

We watched the matinee show after a delightful lunch at Shima Sushi courtesy of Cecile. We ended this memorable day over coffee at Arlequin Cafe. It was hard parting ways after such a special time but Isabella had to go to her class and the evening show after that.

Thanks to my pro photog BFF, our lovely time was captured in beautiful professional photographs. And as if all that was not enough, she designed wonderful layouts perfect for the scrapbook album she made for Isabella. Thanks oodles BFF!

• The third one was with hubby and the boys on the 19th.

This is yet another special day. I always feel so elated when I have all my babies with me (sorry boys...you know you will always and forever be mommy's babies...even though you are all much taller than mom now). The boys and Russ met us at the ballet school and we picked up Isabella from Club Nut to have dinner at Shima Sushi.

The boys were all so proud of their baby sister. Our boys are not the type to watch a ballet:) It's all for their beloved baby sister. As far as these brothers are concerned, the clowns had the best part in the show.

• I also got a chance to watch a couple more shows from the box seats as a perk of working as ballet shop volunteer.

As a Backstage Chaperon

Supervising the wonderful young clowns backstage was an enjoyable and worthwhile opportunity. I volunteered so much they all started calling me mom...I was so touched. It was so fun watching these "little professionals" at work in their element.

This is their usual day:

• They come in to the War Memorial and check in with their Nutcracker badges. Then they sign-in in their appropriate sign up sheet.
• We then take the elevator to the 6th floor to their assigned dressing room. We wait for a call from make-up.

• As soon as make-up is ready for them, we make our way down to the basement. They go in to this room that looks like a beauty/hair salon complete with salon chairs and professional make-up artists. The girls apply their own foundation and then they take a seat in any available salon chair, and their respective make-up artist applies the rest of their make-up.
• Then they move to hair to an available hair artist for their clown hat.
• We then wait for their wardrobe call. While waiting, the girls pass the time by playing card games. They also get to see Drosselmeyer being lifted up to the stage using heavy duty hydraulics and fog machine.
• Then they all proceed excitedly to wardrobe as soon as they get the call. They then put on their respective costumes all prepared in a rack with their names on them with the help of the costume mistress as needed.
• Then their moment comes when they get to show their passion for this art on the big stage. The moment they get off the stage they get "hi-fives" from the other dancers and their teacher.
• Then they make their way back in reverse order: hair, to take off their hats; wardrobe to take off their costumes; make-up, to clean their beautiful baby faces; then back to their dressing rooms to gather their belongings.

As a Ballet Shop Volunteer

As a ballet shop volunteer, I got the opportunity to watch the show from the box seats. I was even able to get Isabella in time to watch the grand pas de deux with me from the box seat.

As a Club Nut Volunteer

Club Nut is a service provided to the families of the student dancers, organized and staffed by ballet school parents and BRAVO volunteers. It is a safe and fun place for the children to rest, eat and play between their appearances in the matinee and evening performances of Nutcracker.

Isabella had a great time doing arts and crafts and playing twister with her friends at Club Nut.

Other Meaningful Nutcracker Memories

• Isabella will also remember the day when her 5th grade teacher came to watch a matinee show and brought her flowers at Club Nut.

• On the same day her teacher came to watch, my bible study group also came to watch during the evening show.

• There was also one time when I volunteered during a Family Performance Night.
  
  
  
  Isabella and I will always remember helping prepare toys to be handed out to the first 500 children. Then during intermission, I helped serve cookies and drinks in the lobby for the audience. One fellow volunteer gave me a ticket to watch the show. You would think I would be all "Nutcrackered out":)...nah...I could never get tired of those adorable and talented clowns.