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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Our Jean Pool

Life: 

"And after all that I've been through,
now I realize the truth
that I must go through the valley
to stand upon the Mountain of God." 

~Third Day~


honestly, life is not all a walk in the park. i know with life comes trials. i know that i will be tested, i will be tried. sometimes i feel like i am just going through the motions with an uninspired heart. I want to WAKE UP. i want to feel Him on the inside, and be ready for Him to mold me to the person He wants me to be. what i need is to come back into his presence. to come back and be brand new. sometimes it takes a simple move on Gods part to change someone, to make them new in Him. it took a move all right. a BIG move for me. 

i thought i would be in a bigger place, a bigger city, a bigger dance company. all i have ever wanted in my life was bigger. God put a stop to that. so, for this season in my life, here i am, in a small city, in the middle of nature, where all i can do is focus on God. all i see is God. all i feel is God. 

coincidence? i think not. this is just God's way of saying "Hey! I am speaking to you! Can you not hear me? Do you not see what I have done in your life? Do you not remember, I know all things?" and i'm like oh. right. Hey God. 'Sup? often we forget He is the reason behind all things. what happens in my life is not because of what i have done. it's because of what he has done for me. for some, that's a complicated message. yes, i have worked hard, but only God can take it to the next level. 


(This is God's Country Now)

i don't know if you feel the same, but this is how i feel God works. this is how He moves. if you want what i have, i would love to talk to you.

do know, this whole 'God-thing' isn't about religion. it's about a relationship. one that will never hurt you. never leave you. never change you for the worse. only change you for the better. i am not saying it is going to be easy. but i do know that whatever trials come your way, God can overcome them or He will walk with you through them. that is His promise.



Ballet Emmanuel: 

there's a possibility that i won't understand why God has placed me with these amazing girls, but i doubt that. i already feel such a peace about being here and getting on board with this ministry. the vision for this company is amazing. i am looking forward to sharing with you what is happening and how God is moving. 

i do need your help though! because this is a full-time ministry we are committed to raising support in order to continue our ministry. 

throughout this season i will be updating my 'Fundraising Thermometer' on the side bar to let you know where i am at financially.



About Ballet Emmanuel:

Ballet Emmanuel is a professional, nationally touring, Christian ballet company which uses dance as a medium to glorify God and demonstrate the message of salvation. During performances the gospel is presented to audiences through testimonies of the dancers as well as dances designed to express glory and honor to the Lord.



A lot of hard work and preparation is being put into our 2012-2013 season. We start rehearsing at the end of August for our new repertoire. We are planning on traveling to Michigan, Wyoming, Montana, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Grand Junction, CO. Our Christmas production will be held in Colorado Springs and Peyton. All of our presented concerts are free to the public, which makes us a full-time ministry as well as a company.



Ballet Emmanuel works as a non-profit organization. Company dancers raise support to partially cover their basic living costs, which allows them to participate fully in all company activities without the need for outside employment, and also allows Ballet Emmanuel to have a high degree of flexibility and effectiveness in carrying out its mission. The support the dancers raise also goes towards other expenses such as taxes, traveling, studio rental fees, and workshops. 

Currently, I am looking to raise $1,600 for the year of 2012 from September to December. That is $400 a month. Would you be interested in supporting me through prayer or finances? I know, that with your help, that this will be possible. To donate online follow this link and at the top of the page there is a PayPal link.


If you wish to send a check, make checks out to:

Ballet Emmanuel 

Please mail to:

 Ballet Emmanuel
 C/O Mimi 
6547 N. Academy Blvd #559 
Colorado Springs, CO 80918 

*All donations are tax-deductible and my name cannot be anywhere on the check for tax purposes.*  

Dance:

Our Gene Pool:


are we human or are we dancers? this is the ultimate question. recently, scientists and researchers have found that dancers "show consistent differences in two key genes from the general population." amazing. there is a obviously a lot more to it than that, but too complicated for me to explain. Dance is in our DNA. SWEET. here is the link to the scientific explanation: 





 
2012-2013 Season:

the 2012-2013 Fall repertoire has been announced for most ballet companies. here are a few of my favorite that i am looking forward to hearing about, reading about, and maybe even seeing.

The Joffrey Ballet


will be performing Forgotten Land, Pretty Ballet, and The Green Table in October. wish i could be there to see this new and exciting rep, but i am sure it will be another season that the critics will rave about.


The Colorado Ballet



will be performing The Sleeping Beauty in the month of October. i am really hoping to make it to a performance, as i have never seen the actual ballet, but have performed some variations from it.


New York City Ballet


will be performing rep through the month of september, ranging from Apollo to Firebird to Symphony in Three Movements. looking forward to reading what critics have to say about the newest principals at NYCB.


Ballet Nouveau Colorado



will be performing A Dangerous Liaison in the month of November. i am super excited about  this new company and their rep. i hope i can see this performance.



Joy Womack:


i am super excited for U.S.A. born, Joy Womack, who recently was accepted as a Corps de Ballet member of the Bolshoi Ballet. The very first American to do so. she is a beautiful and truly inspiring dancer, who has worked really hard for all that she has accomplished. so proud of her. (and secretly i love her heels)




The Jean Movement:

contrary to the average persons belief, jeans are actually possible to dance in. especially with Levis newest line of jeans, that are ultra stretchy! check out this commercial that has aired all over the world!





What's In Mimi's Dance Bag?:

i thought i would share with you, what i find as some of the essentials for getting through the day as a ballet dancer. whether you're a professional dancer, a student, or just a prospect, some items may be helpful for any sport!




Essentials:
1. The Bible- always important to start off your day reading this. you are bound for a better day if you do.
2. Sun-glasses- just so i can pretend to be Gelsey Kirkland 
3. Cell-phone
4. iPod- always be prepared to teach a class or use it to warm-up for motivation before class
5. Ashley Wheater Article: i read Ashley Wheater, the artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet's, article when I am feeling discouraged. his wise words encourage me to press forward no matter what anyone tells me. 
6. Needles, thread, and seam ripper- just in case you have an emergency and have to sew pointe shoes or flats!

Health:
1. Icy Hot- gel, rub-on, for sore muscles
2. NatuRelief- all-natural, chewable, pain-relievers
3. Bandaids- in case of blisters
4. Carmex Chapstick- for long rehearsal days
5. Secret Deodorant- travel-size. rub on feet before putting on pointe shoes to keep your feet from sweating, which will result in pointe shoes lasting longer! YIPEE!
6. Paris Amour- hand lotion and body spray for after long days at ballet
7. Dancing Waters- hand sanitizer. i use it after class because who knows what the barre has handled!
8. Extra Bubble Gum- just in case you have to partner or meet with someone. you don't want stinky breath!

Foot-Wear:
1. Freed of London Pointe Shoes Style- Classic Pros
2. Angelo Luzio Ballet Slippers
3. Bunheads Ouch Pouch

Fitness:
1. Valpo- Red, Hard Strength, foot and ankle strengthener
2. Tennis Ball- to roll out hard-to-reach muscles
3. Foot Rubz- green, arch-massage, therapy ball

  

Food:

i am not much of a fish person, but recently i tried almond-crusted flounder. and oh boy, was that good. i would highly recommend trying it. not only is it low in sodium but high in protein. great for brain food!



You can purchase almond-crusted flounder at your local grocery store! Or, you can try making it yourself! Follow this link below to do so:



the mission of this new product for dancers is to help dancers and everyone who demands clean, wholesome, nutritious, and great tasting sustained energy by providing them with a new type of protein bar. it is called barre, a real food, developed by professional dancers. i can't wait to try it!!!




it comes in three different flavors: black swan chocolate berry, pirouette cinnamon pecan, and ballerina spirulina.



Music:


this song has been speaking to me a lot this week. i love how God uses music to talk to us. to tell us things.


Song of the week: Shadows by Samestate



i don't think i have ever heard one bad song by this guy. he is incredibly gifted and i hope to see him in concert someday.



Artist of the week: Josh Groban





this guy has an amazing story. formerly known as C-lite. he was making it big in New York living his way. check out his latest album and how he has changed. 



Album of the week: Formerly Known by Andy Mineo




Fashion:

this dress has served as an all-around-event dress. it works for get-togethers, going to work, the beach, church, weddings, or really any occasion. you can either dress it up with heels, or dress it down and go bare-foot.


on Mimi:

Elle flowered-print dress: $35 (@ J.C. Penny's) 

Black Flowered Belt: $10 ('twas a gift)

Total: $45



on Zooey Deschanel:

Alice and Olivia floral dress: $136

Black Belt: $15 (@ H&M)

Total: $151



On the Look-out:


number 6 on Vogue's 10 best dressed brings us back to basics. i love how classy and stylish Miranda Kerr looks! She is wearing an Erdem top and skirt, Lanvin shoes, Miu Miu sun-glasses, and Prada bag.






happy belated birthday to Coco Chanel! born on August 19, 1883, she would forever change the history of fashion. so beautiful!






the spring/summer fashion week is coming up in New York, September 6-13. get ready for some hot new styles and great looks!




Books:

a series that has recently grabbed my attention has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next book. i am absolutely in love with this series and how much i can relate to it! here are the first two i have read so far. it is mostly for girls, but really, guys should read them too. to get both perspectives ;)

Series of the week: The Bailey Flanigan Series by Karen Kingsbury





Movies:

well, due to the fact that this man is just incredibly talented and beautiful. i must say that this weeks choice of movies will revolve around:


Genre of the week: Johnny Depp

Movie of the week: Finding Neverland

Series of the week: 21 Jump Street








1 Tim. 4:12

Xoxo,

Mimi

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Of Love and War

Life:

through thick and thin, through fire and rain, through life and death, God is still and always will be there. even in the midst of storms and turmoil. we may be deeply saddened now, but never can we be shaken with the power of God. we will never forget the tragedy of these past few months. Colorado... know that you are in our prayers.








amidst all of this, i am still ready as ever to be heading off to Colorado. many of these situations have of course made my family uneasy but I know that God has a plan for me here. whatever it may be. i look forward to coming across all sorts of new people and different adventures. but i will always miss my friends back home.




the beauty of Gods creation is breathtaking. i could sit for hours in one place just to take in all that He has done. remember to always return to Him in time of need.




Dance:

the newest ballet company in chicago called Ballet 5:8 is preparing to merge with Turning Pointe School of Dance Chicago to become one. Turning Pointe is changing their name to Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts, where they will collaborate with the Ballet 5:8 company.


Artistic Director, Julianna Slager, with School of the Arts dancers.



Dance Spirit magazine recently released the newest promotions at New York City Ballet. Rebecca Krohn and Ana Sophia Scheller were promoted to Principal dancers in May of 2012. Good luck to them in their new endeavors! Also, be on the look-out for Taylor Stanley and Lauren Lovette to be promoted to soloists by the 2012-2013 season.

Rebecca Krohn and Ana Sophia Scheller in NYCB Company's Photo-Shoot



the Royal Ballet's Principal dancer Tamara Rojo has decided to leave her position as Principal dancer to become the newest Artistic Director of the English National Ballet. She has been preparing for this role for some years; in 2009 she shadowed Karen Kain, Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada. Be prepared for an exciting new season from ENB!




on July 6, 2012, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre, Kevin McKenzie, announced that Hee Seo was promoted to the rank of Principal Dancer and Alexandre Hammoudi promoted to Soloist. 

Hee Seo and Alexandre Hammoudi in ABT's Romeo and Juliet.


i LOVE this excerpt from Hubbard Street Dance, Chicago featuring David Shultz. David also just received the Princess Grace Award! Congrats David!!



Food:

according to Japanese Scientific Research, a fully ripe banana with dark patches on yellow skin produces a substance called Tumor Necrosis Factor, which has the ability to combat abnormal cells. The darker the patches the higher the immunity enhancement quality. Hence, the more ripe the banana the better anti-cancer quality. They are 8x more effective in enhancing white blood cells. Eating 1-2 a day increases immunity.



looking for something healthy, filling, and tasty? try Quinoa! full of protein and low in fat and calories, it can go with anything! From: Chicken to Salads, sautéed vegetables to cold corn and peas, any mixture makes for a fresh and healthy meal.



Quinoa Caesar Salad Recipe:
2 cups of cooked Quinoa (refrigerated)
1 cup of cold Peas
1 cup of cold Corn
3-4 cups of Lettuce (tossed with low-fat caesar dressing)
1/2 cup of Fat-free shredded cheese
1 cup of cooked onions and tomatoes (cold)
Mix it together and ENJOY!


recently, i tried a new type of burger. a turkey burger with spinach and feta cheese! i actually LOVED it! you can either buy it made at your local grocery store or make it yourself. Here's the recipe:

Nutrition Facts:
234 Calories
11 Grams of Fat
155.1 MG of Potassium
23.4 Grams of Protein



Spinach and Feta Turkey Burger:

  • Ingredients:
  • Serves 4 people

  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 ounces feta cheese
  • 1/2 box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
  • 1 pound ground turkey


Directions:



  1. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil grate.
  2. While the grill is preheating, mix together eggs, garlic, feta cheese, spinach, and turkey in a large bowl until well combined; form into 4 patties.
  3. Cook on preheated grill until no longer pink in the center, 10 to 15 minutes.




Music:

to honor the beauty of Colorado this song in-particular really speaks to me and shows what an awesome and majestic God we have.

Song of the week: Mountaintop by The City Harmonic




i am always looking for music to be inspired by. whether it's just that i need a lift spiritually, or am looking for choreographic inspiration. this band always gets me back into the groove of things.

Artist of the week: Abandon 



i truly enjoy all songs produced by this talented singer. her voice captivates me every time i listen to her music. her most recent album really has me hooked!

Album of the week: Ceremonials by Florence and The Machine




Fashion:

before going swing dancing on a tuesday night, a girlfriend and I decided to get dressed up and make it a girls fun night out. check out our outfits and how much we really got them for!!




                       
on gabby:
blue v-neck t-shirt= $0 (hand-me-down
floral shorts= $0 (free fabric, made them herself!)  
brown belt= $1 (@ Salvation Army)                 
light-brown shoes= $.50 (@ Salvation Army)   
Total= $1.50

on mimi:
necklace, earrings, & bracelets= $0 (they were a gift)
black and creme polka dot dress= $19.99 (@ Target w/gift card))
cream flowered belt= $12 (@ Pricsillas Boutique)
black sandals= $5 (@ Love Culture)
Total= $36.99

the same looks @ a designer price



Alexander Wang t-shirt:  $97
Forever 21 Floral Shorts: $28.80
Etsy.com Belt: $30
Total= $155.80



BeetleJuice London Polka-dot Dress: $48.99
Total= $48.99

Fashion News:

according to Michael Kors, Stripes for the 2012 Summer Season are the new polka dots. Polka dots are last season (oops). I still like them though. 



top trends for Fall 2012, according to Elle Magazine, are: 

The Color: Golden
The Era: Shakespeare In Love
The Theme: Military Minded
The Silhouette: Room to Grow
The Fabric: Velvet
The Item: Suit Up


loving the new style of swimwear. still fun, but way more modest! old school. i like it. 1950's vintage style swimwear. (you can find this look on modcloth.com)



Books:

i love all genres of books. this summer i have not been reading as much, but i have been trying to catch up these past few weeks. some books that i have been or have enjoyed reading are:


WWII Book of the Week: Number The Stars by Lois Lowry



Thriller/Suspense Book of the Week: Hangman's Curse by Frank Peretti


Inspirational Book of the Week: Mistaken Identity by the Van Ryn and Cerak Families




Movies:

movies are often the thing that motivate me the most. to see others lives put before me, often inspires me to want to do greater and better things. i love the movie of the week because it makes me want to be the best dancer i can be and to know that it must come from the heart. the series of the week always shows me that we should all try to be like Molly. (watch and you will know what i am talking about!)


Genre of the Week: Inspirational

Movie of the Week: Mao's Last Dancer

Series of the Week: Wives and Daughters




1 Tim. 4:12

XOXO,
Mimi