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~
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
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!!!
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