Thursday, January 19, 2012

A New Year

A new year is in full swing. Dance classes started back on January 9th with some new students enrolled, bringing this semester's total to 84 girls. Eighty-four lives that I'm privileged to touch and work with on a weekly basis. The number can be daunting, but 7 of my oldest girls help out with various classes, making my job less stressful. As always, it's a joy to see my older students continuing to progress, and a joy to see the younger ones discovering more of ballet.

There are definite challenges, and tiring days full of details. First I mapped out the dates for the spring and get everything printed to hand out. Then, I ordered costumes ($2500 worth!), making sure I got everyone measured and sized correctly. Having the moms come in on the first day of class to measure helped this go quickly. Through it all, and even before classes started, I've been working on choreography. So far I have 9 full and 2 half songs choreographed, bringing me half-way to the 20 total song goal.

"Unchanging" is the theme of this spring's ballet presentation, set for May 11 & 12. We'll be celebrating our Savior and each song extols different attributes of God. From lace parasols to a dad & daughter dance, I'm excited at the diversity and sweetness this one will hold.

"Captive Faith" is, Lord willing, the summer musical I'll be directing. It's the story of Naaman, with a special focus on the Israelite slave girl that was captured and served his family. It's also one I'm writing, which was a step of faith in itself, with the busy days this semester holds. But, by God's grace, I was able to complete the first draft on January 7th, just in time before dance classes started back!

Things are finally settling into somewhat of a routine for dance, so I hope to start editing the script soon. It will be a long road of typing things in, editing, typing more, and editing again. But, it's always exciting to see a script take shape. A dear friend and student is composing music, as well as my talented brother-in-law (to share the work load), so I'm excited to see how the songs will turn out as well.

I'm not sure what this year will hold for The King's Courts, beyond the two planned productions, and even those are in God's hands - only through Him will they take shape. Of course, I already have ideas for next Christmas, but nothing concrete. :)

God continues to teach me to trust Him through each year, each semester, each production. There are new challenges, but He's always shown Himself so faithful.

I am battling some tiredness this month, as the workload continues to increase. So, I'm hoping to adjust to a good schedule, and take some time for personal projects and "down time" so as to not burn out on production work. God continues to give many opportunities, and I'm seeking Him for wisdom in how to face each one.

May God be glorified through The King's Courts in 2012!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Photo album of "The Coming King"

An album of pictures from "The Coming King" has been created. Click here to see the pictures that tell the story of the presentation.

The Coming King

"Unchanging" Presentation Poll

For parents of students in The King's Praise Ballet:

Last year I heard from some parents that they would enjoy having two presentations for the spring presentation, like we do for the Christmas presentation. After all, you buy costumes and the girls work hard learning their dances, so we get to use all of that more if we present twice instead of once.

However, I also know that the spring is a busy time, with many recitals and trips, and I don't want to overload your calendar.

Please vote in the poll below.



Right now I'm planning two presentations of "Unchanging" (the spring recital celebrating the attributes of God) but if the majority shows you would prefer one, then I can go with that.

Feel free to clarify your vote or add any comments you have in the comments section of this post.

Thanks for your vote!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Stuck with Sheep

"Were stuck here with a thousand sheep!"

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Flying shepherd

These shepherds were fun to work with. They came up with more daring stunts than I would have dreamed of, and Ben survived without ever breaking a bone! :)

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

"You're Here"

"You're here!"

Picture credit: Robyn Clement

Heart Sisters

It was fun seeing these girls be "big sisters" to little 4 year olds, when a mere 4 years ago THEY were the little ones!

Picture credit: Robyn Clement