GAVIN's NOTES - 12.23.12

Sunday, Dec. 23:

    Congratulations to everyone!  You've made it through the long, challenging, yet rewarding and fun Nutcracker season of 2012.  I can say with all my heart that I have enjoyed working with each and every one of you, and have loved seeing everyone push themselves, work hard, grow, and learn.  And then to see your joy in performing has been absolutely gratifying.

        I have gotten so many compliments on how wonderful the children's casts of Nutcracker have been this year.  You've truly impressed and moved so many audience members, as well as myself.  Please take away from this experience the satisfaction and pride you have earned from a job very well done.  Performing as a dancer is one of the most noble, and most difficult, things a person can do.  Experiencing this as a child or young adult is an invaluable life lesson, and I'm proud to have shown you through it.

    I wish you all a wonderful, happy, healthy holiday.  Rest well, and I will see you all soon in the new year!

    With my love and thanks,

            Gavin

Missing Nutcracker Shirt

Can you please check your dance bags and see if you ended up with an extra Nutcracker shirt?  It is a Youth Large (14-16) Bella Girly Style.

If you find it please let me know - there will be one very happy girl!!!

Thank you,
Shari

GAVIN'S NOTES from 12.22.12

Notes from Saturday, Dec. 22 matinee and evening:

    Act 1:
    Much better, party children!  You did a nice job with both the "Zombie line" and the boys' marches.  I know the music was fast, but that's what can happen with a live orchestra, and I was happy to see you all listening and trying to keep up with the music.

    Battle was also fast, and I know that makes it harder, but you did well.  

    Act 2:
    I was happy to see my Polichinelles running more turned out, and thank you also Candy Canes for working on cleaning up your arabesque emboites!  The V formations have been better, too.

    Angels:    I know you got confused (the evening performance cast) and got off the music before the big X crossing, but I think you all learned a valuable lesson.  Part of the beauty of a live performance is that things can go wrong, but when they do, you just have to keep on going.  Just keep thinking about what you're doing, and move on to the next step or position.  I was proud of you all for getting back together even when you were off.  

Shari's Notes - 12.22.12

We have come to the final performance of a very successful run.  I would like to remind everyone that you are not to be on stage unless you are preparing to dance.  As soon as you have finished you need to leave the stage.

If you would like to see what is happening on stage, you may watch the TV in the green room.

LOST AND FOUND:  There is a small collection of items that have been left on the 5th floor;  have a look and see if anything belongs to you.

PHOTOS and SHIRTS:  Both will be distributed in January.  Please turn in all forms on Sunday.

I look forward to another wonderful performance!
Shari

GAVIN's NOTES - 12.21.12 - Better Late Than Never!

Party Scene:

    Overall, a good Party Scene tonight.  Much better with the "Zombie Line" everyone, thank you for paying attention to that.  The "Magic" arms and leg positions were also better.  In the Grandfather's Dance, however, everyone's footwork can still be better.  I saw several of the Party Boys especially, not pointing their feet at all during the fast sections and the chasses!

Battle Scene:

    Very good, soldiers- good salutes!  The lines were pretty good, but I'd like it if you could pay more attention to staying in line even during the cannon explosions, when you're covering your ears... 

Act 2:

    All Maries:  When the Prince leads you over to stage left before he begins his pantomime, let him LEAD you- try not to run ahead of him, and definitely don't walk backwards!  Just walk naturally over to your spot and then turn around.  Also, all of you please think about the way you're walking during Act 2--- keep your weight on the balls of your feet, heels forward, reaching through your toes.  Don't walk on your heels.

    Good job, Tea!

    Candy Canes:    Much better with crossing over your arabesque emboites!

    Polichinelles:    As I mentioned to you earlier, everyone needs to think about running with their heels forward--- and feet in front of you, not kicking behind.
            And girl Polichinelles, remember to turn your head in the direction of your bourees.