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.

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."

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.

First time "En Pointe"

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.

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:)

SFBallet 2010 Season Program 1: Swan Lake

San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson's Swan Lake. © Erik Tomasson

Here's another overdue post....Swan Lake at the War Memorial on Jan. 26th.

After Isabella's Tuesday class, we met up with great friends...Cecile, Pinky, Tim, and Krystn.

The ever so thoughtful and generous Ms. Pinky treated us to a wonderful Japanese dinner at Shima Sushi at the Opera Plaza...a great treat, indeed, not to mention a precious pasalubong...a beautiful pair of chocolate colored pearl earrings. Thanks a bunch ate Pinky!

Then we were off to a fabulous evening at the ballet. SFBallet's Swan Lake is a masterpiece...everyone and everything in it is incredible...the dancers, the scenery, the music, down to the costumes.

click here for The Story of Swan Lake

It is a story ballet in four acts. Isabella was so inspired, so much so that though she was tired from her class and it was close to midnight by the time we got home, she still had the energy to dance in efforts of imitating the inspiring ballet. She especially love the grand pas de deux and the infamous breathtaking 30-some fouettes.

Swan Lake is truly an inspiring masterpiece. And it surely was a lovely evening shared with great friends.

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.

SF Ballet Class Observation

Twice per year, parents/guardians are invited into the studio to observe class. This is an opportunity to experience ballet class from start to finish: barre and centre. This observation is NOT open to the public (friends, etc.), but is for parents/guardians to observe their student's progress.

Last night we had the privilege attending our first class observation at SFBallet. It was a thrilling experience for Russ and me. We are so proud of Isabella's focus, dedication, and overall progress. We are also very pleased with, and in awe of, the quality of training SFBallet provides. The live piano accompaniment is awe-inspiring, not to mention the teacher's prominent training, experience, dedication, and passion, evident in her superb teaching technique.

Isabella has been very fortunate having been blessed with the great training she has had thus far. Besides classes at SFBallet 3x a week, she also has the benefit of training at Ballet Petit twice a week. And of course, prior to SFBallet (before our move back here in the Bay Area), the root of her ballet inspiration, her two and a half years (1/07 - 6/09) of superb training from CDMA in the Central Coast.

Next week is evaluation time at SFBallet.

Every student in Levels 1 through 8 receives two written evaluations per year. The evaluations will include information on the student’s technical development, attendance, conduct, and potential. In addition, each student will have one conference with his or her primary teacher and the student’s parent/guardian.

We'll keep you posted. Ballet is here to stay for Isabella and we are here to support and encourage her in any way we can.

Send In The Clowns

photo from The San Francisco Chronicle

photo caption:

Even the youngest dancers invest their "Nutcracker" performance with vigor. The ballet plays through Dec. 27. in San Francisco.

And The San Francisco Examiner writes:

an amazing cast of disciplined little dancers that own the show at times, and the scene-stealing performance of the high-flying "Russian Trepak Bear", who comes out of Madame Du Cirque's dress....

Full article available here

SF Ballet Nutcracker Opening Night...Magical!

I cannot even begin to describe my excitement over the Opening Night of the much anticipated Nutcracker production of SF Ballet. Our excitement have been building since last September when Isabella auditioned for a role in this magical production. Isabella's enthusiasm and dedication is so evident in her attendance. She never missed a single rehearsal and was on time and ready for each call. And last night was her most anticipated call...the curtain call for opening night. Isabella had the time of her life performing for a packed audience at the War Memorial Opera House.

Our day was just as magical as the Nutcracker. We will cherish and remember it for years to come. My mom and dad Dennis were with us to share in this magical day for Isabella (Russ was in San Luis Obispo; we're scheduled to watch as a family on the 19th).

Isabella's magical day started with a dress rehearsal from 12:30-3:30. As soon as we entered the intersection of Grove and Van Ness and saw the War Memorial Opera House adorned with giant Nutcrackers, we couldn't contain our excitement. Isabella and I started screaming and giggling.

After dropping Isabella off, we decided to calm our excitement and headed to Macy's in Union Square. We somehow found ourselves in the cosmetics department where we ended up having our make-up done (my mom and I). After our own magical moment of skin care and make-up application, we were off to pick up Isabella. She was so excited to tell us that they rehearsed with a full orchestra.

We then headed for early dinner at Max's Opera Cafe together with two of her fellow clowns and their families.

After dinner we rushed to their normal ballet class. Their regular class time is from 5:45 to 7:00. The three of them were allowed to leave class early to head to the War Memorial Opera House across the street. They were instructed to sign in like little professionals and head on to their assigned dressing room where they were to wait for hair, make up , and wardrobe calls.

As for us adults, we went to the War Memorial around 6:00. We met up with Owen and her family. Her two sons, Josh and Troy (my godson), are very sweet kids. Troy is so precious and couldn't wait to see Belle. It was also nice to have met Owen's boyfriend, Paul.

It was our first time at the beautiful War Memorial Opera House. I made a mental note of the moment...where we were seated, what we were wearing (including my special purse which I will talk about in a separate blog), the decor, and everything else I could remember. It was surely magical...not only was it my first time, my darling daughter was part of the performance!

As soon as the music from the live orchestra started, I had goosebumps all over. It was truly a wonderful production. Act I ended with beautiful dancing "Snowflakes" together with very talented Snow King and Queen.

When Act II started, I felt like screaming with excitement. By the time the Russian Dancers entered (which means the clowns were on the wings), the word excitement is an understatement. When the clowns entered jumping and cartwheeling, the audience, packed with moms, dads, and kids, were all clapping (I would have done a cartwheel myself at that point... if I could). Isabella was in character. She was proud to be a clown. Her pride and joy showed in each step and gesture. And I, in all my glorious excitement, was a shining mother.

It was truly an unforgettable night for us....magical, indeed.

(sorry I don't have photos...but will post some as soon as I am able)

click here for the review from The SF Examiner

Isabella's Nutcracker Performance Schedule

Finally! SF Ballet Nutcracker casting and schedule is posted!

Isabella is set to perform at the War Memorial Opera House for a total of 16 shows including opening night and Christmas Eve.

She will be in Act II as one of Madame Du Cirque's eight clowns to dance with a big bear.

Tickets are available at SFBallet.org

her schedule is underlined in black.

Hope you can catch her and hope you enjoy the show.

Saturdays: Nutcracker Rehearsals and Family Bonding Day

I started writing this while waiting at the San Francisco Ballet. Saturdays are fast becoming a great family bonding day for us (at least for the three of us - myself, DH Russ, and DD Isabella; as for the boys, let's just say that waiting at the ballet school is not exactly in their list of drag times:)

It's been 6 weeks since Isabella started attending San Francisco Ballet School after auditioning last September 12th. The audition marked the beginning of our Saturday family time. Then last September 26th, Isabella got an opportunity to experience another audition, this time for a part in San Francisco Ballet's Nutcracker production. She tried out for a role for girls under 4'7 as one of the 8 adorable clowns to dance with a big bear in Madame Du Cirque scene in Act 2. You can read about The Nutcracker Story here. Two of Isabella's brothers, Phil and Ian, joined us that day. We had lunch at Japan town in between her morning class and the audition. After lunch the boys took the bart home. Russ and I spent time together while waiting during the two-hour long audition.

Isabella was called to rehearse. Last October 3rd was their first rehearsal day. We had lunch with a couple of her classmates that day (in between her class and rehearsal) at Arlequin Cafe on Hayes Street.

Last week, October 10th, though there were no classes due to memorial day holiday, rehearsals were on. So after rehearsals that day we spent the afternoon at Union Square. We went shopping at Macy's after a great lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Isabella had a wonderful time looking for "the perfect" dress. And she was able to find a couple of "perfect" dresses (def: size 7-8, girly yet grown up dress, and on sale:))

Today we had lunch at Sage Cafe right behind SF Ballet with one of her classmates. Then after rehearsals we headed to Pleasanton to attend a birthday party at Super Frank's Fun Adventure. Russ, though tired, enjoyed watching Isabella have a great fun time playing at the arcade and riding their zip line. It was yet another wonderful Saturday family bonding day.

Studio Show '09

Coastal Dance and Music Academy

Clark Center for the Performing Arts

June 28, 2009

San Francisco Ballet School Audition

Isabella auditioned at the San Francisco Ballet School last Saturday, Sept. 12th. Ian, Russ, and I were there to support her. Unfortunately no family members were allowed to watch the auditions. According to Isabella, it was very exciting. There was a panel of 4 judges/teachers, a pianist, and the teacher conducting the audition. She had a great time and it was an experience she will never forget.

After the auditions, we had an early family dinner at Gerry's Grill. We met Immanuel and we had a nice family "meeting" (on allowances in conjuction with responsibilities, etc.) over superb filipino food.

When we got home, Isabella's BFF, Krystn, called inviting her to watch her own dance show. Isabella was getting ready when I retrieved a message from our answering machine asking if Isabella can practice dance for our church's Heritage event. Isabella missed the first dance practice so, sad as she was for being unable to spend time with Krystn, she made room for the church event. Thank goodness that her BFF Krystn was ok about it. Bless their sweet little hearts. Isabella practiced filipino folk dance with the kids from church.

It was a blessed day.

Today is yet another blessed day. We received an email from the San Francisco Ballet School formally inviting Isabella to attend this year's program. She is so excited to learn she is placed in level 2B, which is her level at CDMA. We credit much of it to the superb training, support, and inspiration she received from CDMA.

Currently, she attends Ballet Petit in Hayward where she takes 3 classes per week. We would need to have another family meeting regarding San Francisco Ballet School. We know it would be a bit difficult to take her to classes all the way in San Francisco, but we also know that it would be a great experience for her. We'll keep you posted.

King of New York

A debut performance for a new dance number, "King of New York", directed and choreographed by Ms. Tara Behnke. Performed by Coastal Dance and Music Academy's "Ain't Misbehavin'" Performance Troupe. This dance is not yet finished. The group is still learning the rest of the dane. This is a shortened version for this show (Isabella is 2nd from left)

Babes in Toyland

A video clip from Babes in Toyland last December. Isabella played The French Doll in Act I ...she pops out from the big gift box.



Finally I have some photos of Babes in Toyland from last December. The photographer hesitated for a long while as to whether or not to make the photos available. The photos came out dark because of lighting issues at the Pismo Vet's Hall. I am so glad the photographer finally decided to share them despite the quality issues.

Here she is coming out of a big gift box

in her solo French Doll dance

joined by her close friend, Sonja, as the Toymaker's Assistant

here she is descending from a lifted grand jete over the Floppy Dolls


final pose at the end of the French Doll dance

and I also got 4 photos from Act II with Isabella as a Sheep (coming soon after I finish scanning:)