Happy birthday Mommy!!

Every time there is a birthday among one of the dancers I will post a little blurb about them and why they’re awesome. J

Michelle is turning 19!

Nickname: Mommy, mother, mom, Auntie Michelle to some (you get the idea); also I call her Louise (Thelma and Louise reference).

Age: 19

Known for: Colorful hair and combat boots

Ripped tights status: I don’t know how she gets her tights on! It looks like she wrapped thread around her legs.

Music: Tori Amos, Ani DiFranco, Alanis Morissette, Sarah McLachlan, The Indigo Girls, etc. She should have grown up in the 90’s.

Favorite Foods: Carrots, cake, chips; yeah that’s all I know.

Will not eat: Tomatoes, olives, anything that came from an animal, she’s vegan.

Why she is awesome: Michelle is one of the least judgmental people I know. She is always there if you need someone to talk to. She cares about her friends more than anyone I’ve ever met before.

Why she is mommy: She is one of the oldest members of the company, she helps us cross the street, she has saved me from being hit by cars numerous times, she drives me EVERYWHERE, always calls to order the Chinese food, and she generally takes charge in “adult like situations”.

Running joke: Don’t mess with her; she has a black belt in karate. Of course we all know she couldn’t hurt a fly. Also, jokes about her being a college student/ English major.

Random Fact: She does ATS (American Tribal Style, a form of belly dancing)

I consider Michelle to be one of my best friends. The two of us are pretty much Thelma and Louise (it is really, really sad if you don’t get this reference). There are many other things I could add to this, but it would take me a lifetime. Also, she’s going back to school right after her birthday, which makes me very, very sad. L It’s okay though, we all know she’ll be back. J

Love!!!

I think it is safe to say that last nights campout was a success! Honestly, I think it is one of the best get togethers we have had. Even though, who, what, where, when and why didn't exactly work I still had a blast, and a left feeling fantastic regardless of lack of sleep. Usually the get togethers are filled with fun and laughter which this one definitely was (Maddie's email to Hannah's boyfriend made my life), but a new atmosphere was introduced to the mix. As we were playing truth or dare (it's fun, okay) the truth was, if you could trade places with anyone in the tent who would it be? We decided that everyone had the answer the question because it was so good! We went around in a circle and each girl had to say who they would want to be and why. Every girl had a different person that they would want to be, it created a very loving and flattering atmosphere. It felt so good in fact that we decided to do affirmations. We went in a circle affirming one girl at a time, each girl said something, usually it took a while for each person to finish, and there were usually extra comments even after everyone was done, all of this of course followed by cheesy clapping. Girls were complimented on things they usually wouldn't expect to be complimented on, but everyone else sees. I was so flattered at one point that I started crying (I don't cry very often guys). I think it's safe to say that none of us realized just how much we admire each other even if it's just the little things that a person does. Telling somebody how much you care about them and why can change a persons view of themselves or at least change their mood for the day. All I can say is that I have the best group of friends in the world and I wouldn't trade them for anything. Love you guys!

Dance Campout reminder!!

Dance Campout tonight guys! Get ready for some epic stories!! I'm sure there will be a dancers camping part 2.

A Different Perspective

I know many of you girls like reality dance shows, it's entertaining and the dancers are good, I'll give you that. Here is a different perspective. Ally and Melissa have both posted it on there wall.  http://www.backstage.com/bso/content_display/news-and-features/e3ied8519e098ecf0008963a07cd3fb2e64

HAIR

I'm too lazy to write a full description of these photos... but I think most people will completely understand them :D

*Here are just a few mandatory facts to be included for this blog post...:*

1. Avery has VERY long hair
2. According to Stacey, this hair is magical if you eat it
3. Destiny plans for Avery and Ron to be together. Forever.
4. Avery will soon star in the Broadway production of HAIR
5. The dance company is still in the process of choreographing a "Scissor Dance" (again, no explanation needed)
6. These photographs are pure perfection.

FIREBALL

In the fall and spring I participate in a weekend retreat called Operation Snowball. A couple of other girls participate/ are planning to participate in the weekend also. It is a fun, drug/alcohol free weekend where you can meet other people who are drug and alcohol free.

 It is notorious for what we call warm fuzzies. When you give a warm fuzzy you give someone a well thought out compliment and then tie a string of yarn around that persons yarn necklace type thing. It makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, hence the name. We also like to give hugs.

Welcome to Appalachia!!

The History of Appalachia:

Once upon a time there was a group of dancers who were in rehearsal for a performance with the Dupage Symphony Orchestra. They were trying on beautiful (but not really...) dresses for the costumes. But alas, there was not enough dresses for everyone!!! (*gasp*) So, plan B was taken into action... This plan consisted of costumes that had a shirt and long pants with brightly colored ribbon embellishments. The dancers were thrilled to discover that these magnificent (just kidding :D) costumes were made in... (*drum roll*) APPALACHIA!! A short time after trying on the costumes the saying, "Welcome to Appalachia!" was born... (*epic music begins to play*)

The "Welcome to Appalachia" Chant:

I must say that I am extremely sad to not be a creator of the saying, but I can explain it nonetheless. To say "Welcome to Appalachia" like a true élan dancer, some things must be taken into consideration:

1. You must raise your arms above your head (as if reaching to the sky)
2. Your hands must be in a jazz hands/ spirit fingers type of thing
3. You need to shout the words "WELCOME TO APPALACHIA" very loudly.
4. When you shout the words, you must speak in an Indian accent (at least that is what I think it was)
5. Don't try to shout the phrase by yourself (you need to be with a group of people). Otherwise, you'll look like a freak (I know this because I tried it while sitting alone at my computer).
6. I think that's it...

*Over vacation I was fortunate enough to visit the real Appalachia and learn about real Appalachians (and their love for quilting..). I also got a bunch of amusing pictures of Appalachian merchandise :)