Wednesday, December 31, 2008

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!2009 HERE WE COME!

Hey There,
A thought,
"For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
~T.S. Eliot, "Little Gidding"
On behalf of Stepping Out Dance Factory, wishes for the happiest of years yet to come. Looking forward to sharing in another fantastic year with all of out Stepping Outers! Where does the time go? Wishing you many joys, much laughter, new adventures and magic moments every day! Most of all may you " Dance like nobody's watching..."
DUBBO ENROLMENT DAY JANUARY 16th 4pm- 7pm!
Let's dance!!!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!


"Our halls are decked, Our souls are jolly, We're festively dressed and dancing, by golly." From everyone at Stepping Out Dance Factory, our wishes for a most Magical Christmas! May there be joy and peace in your homes and in our world! Looking forward to seeing you all shining brightly in 2009!

Monday, December 15, 2008

CONGRATULATIONS FORBES & ORANGE

Wow! We are all exhausted but just had to pass on my congratulations to yet another wonderful production by Stepping Out kids yesterday! We were blown away and I even got to watch everything on the monitor! ( I cried and my "A New Day Has Come" girls- you made me weep!!) Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou everyone for so many magical moments! Just loved it all! "Candle in the Wind" was sublime and all of our Tiny Tots- you are so special!The Forbes students just shone- you guys so deserve to be seen on that amazing stage as you are such classy performers! It was especially gratifying to watch Miss Emma and Miss Jacinta watching you! They were so proud and rightfully so!Miss Leesa and Miss Rachel are very impressed with their Orange students who in such little time have achieved so much! It is so fantastic for me because I saw you last year and now this year, you have just leapt again into new brilliance!We are so blessed to have so many wonderful families encouraging and supporting our students. You are also very appreciated! There was alot of love in that building yesterday! Big thanks to everyone who travelled from Dubbo and Forbes! I love having you all together and as our finale said "We're All in This Together."

Saturday, December 13, 2008

ORANGE DRESS REHEARSALS

Hey, we are so excited! I was fortunate to go to Orange with my able and gorgeous assistants, Immy and Onny to see Miss Leesa's brilliance in Orange! The Dress Rehearsals were amazing! In what has been a busy year it was so wonderful to see how much the Orange studio has grown and how much the students have developed over the last 12 months with Leesa and Rachel's guidance, encouragement and patience. Costumes looked simply incredible! The theatre is just a dream- I am so jealous that you guys get access to this gorgeous stage but feel very lucky that for the first time ( since Disneyland) our Stepping Out family of Forbes, Dubbo and Orange will tread the same boards in a dazzling production. ( I know we were lucky to have some guest artists in Dubbo representing Orange & Forbes but his ime we will be en masse.) The Forbes students are going to be in raptures getting to dance in this theatre! We are so excited for you all!
Yes, I took pictures at both Orange and Forbes rehearsals ( you beautiful things)
Wait for the slideshow!! WHOO HOO!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Forbes Students take on the World

Ondine, Cale, Archer and yours truly had the absolute pleasure of witnessing the truly brilliant dress rehearsals of our Forbes students on Sunday, 7th December! Yes, I was weary but I was certainly woken to your wonderment when i got to see you all in action! Orange Concert is going to be AMAZING! Congratulations everyone!

Congratulations Cast of "ONCE UPON A TIME"

WOW! How awestruck are we? Congratulations to all of our students who performed so beautifully on Saturday! Yes, this was our finest feat! We are thrilled. A truly spectacular event! Stay tuned for pics1 You guys rocked the house!

Monday, December 1, 2008

GOOD LUCK ORANGE & FORBES

Miss Leesa, Miss Emma, Miss Rachel and Miss Jacinta tell me all the Orange and Forbes performers are looking amazing! Dress rehearsal for Forbes Sunday, 7th December and Orange, Wednesday 10th December! The countdown begins! Good luck everyone!

DUBBO STAGECRAFT REHEARSAL

WOW!! Dubbo was the first of our areas to hold its first rehearsal for the upcoming Concert season! It was such a successful day! Sure it was long and exhausting but we are convinced that this will be our best Concert yet! Looking good people, very good! We were gobsmacked and so proud! We keep on hoping that it is a sign of greatness to come! Costumes are looking unreal and the enthusiasm was infectious! Thankyou so much to all the dancers, Gail, Sonya, mums, dads and teachers for making it such a relaxed, exiting and inspiring day! I am still pinching myself!I should be rocking in a corner not celebrating ( YET!!) We can't wait! YAY- Dubbo Concert "once Upon A Time" hits the stage Saturday, 6th December at 3pm and I am already in a happily ever after state. Dress Rehearsals and Photography this Thursday and Friday ( you will all be gorgeous!)

THE BLOG IS HAVING BABIES!!

Exciting news! Stepping Out Dance Factory's website and original blog is expecting! Stepping Out is thrilled to announce that we are expecting the birth of a "Forbes" and "Orange" blog any day now! This is a special time for us all as we await the arrival of our two new little additions! So grab your cigars and start pacing, you will soon hear the pitter patter of our little blogger brother and sisters first teeny weeney Stepping Out steps!
In real terms, our studio continues to grow and so now there will be blogs and news section available for each of our areas! COMING SOON! Good luck everyone with your Concerts in each of our areas!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

MISS EMMA IS AN AUNTY AGAIN

I am all clucky! Miss Emma's sister Candy has had a beautiful baby boy BRINC JAXON. I love him! I can't wait for my cuddle next Monday! Welcome to the world, little BRINC! May Angels Guide Your Path. ( I have photos on my phone of him but can't work out how to get them on here....anyhow, Miss Emma might supply one.)
While I am at it, BIG THANKYOU too to our lovely, very hard working Miss Emma who always goes beyond the call of duty, is always smiling, can shop harder and longer than any of us, owns more pairs of shoes than me and is just a sheer delight to be with. Thanks for bringing such sunshine and dedication into our studio. Your routines are looking awesome.

THANKS RACH

A big thank you to one of our unsung studio heroes ( hey actually we have a few.) Miss Rachel taught today in Orange as Miss Leesa's Grandma is sadly not well. Stepping Out is thinking of you all. Rachel at the very last minute saved the day and did a fantastic job with Tuesday classes. Thankyou!! Also, Rachel has been working with Dee & Gabby and she just couldn't be prouder of the girl's achievements. Another shining example of our motto, "Dancing with your feet is one thing but dancing with your heart another." I've got a great photo of Rach in full flight mid jete'. I will post it when I track it down.

IMPORTANT ORANGE & FORBES DATES

Hi Everyone,
Big Dates for our Forbes/ Orange students are as follows;
* Sunday, 7th December- FORBES DRESS REHEARSAL
* Wednesday, 10th December- ORANGE DRESS REHEARSAL
* Sunday, 14th December- YAY- Our big TRIBUTE TO STAGE & SCREEN.
Tickets go on sale on November 17th through Ticketek. I have heard from faculty that the Concert is going to be amazing!

Monday, November 10, 2008

IMPORTANT DATES FOR DUBBO

Hi Everyone, Notes going home next week with all the info for our busy few weeks leading up to Concert. Until now, here are some important dates!
SUNDAY, 30th November Stagecraft Rehearsal - Wesley Hall, ( times available for each group in note next week.) Costume Collection will also be on this date.
THURSDAY, 4th December- Day 1 of Dress Rehearsals- Dubbo Civic Centre ( times will be given to each group.) Professional photography taken on this day.
FRIDAY, 5th December- Day 2 of Dress Rehearsals- Dubbo Civic Centre ( times required for each group will be supplied.) Professional photography taken on this day.
YAY!! SATURDAY, 6th DECEMBER- THE BIG DAY!! Rehearsals are going so well everyone- it's going to be a fantastic day!
So, get ready for information overload, notes will be sent home in next few weeks outlining timetable for stagecraft and dress rehearsal. You will also receive information about Hair & Make up, costume balances & Concert Day Organisation. THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS!!

Great news Paris


Paris Burns has enjoyed the most phenomenal year with her Solo Work. She capped off her successful 2008 with stunning performances at Wellington Dance Festival. Paris won all sections she entered, receiving 1st for her Contemporary and Modern solos. Paris danced her "Across the Universe "routine ( she has been undefeated in this routine gaining firsts at Gulgong, Dubbo, Cowra, Orange, Wellington Eisteddfod and Wellington Festival.) Paris won the TALENT AWARD for this routine. Congratulations!!

Well Done Gabby


Wow! If it wasn't enough that you were serenaded by Mickey & Friends for your 13th Birthday, I heard today that you did an incredible job of your Modern Solo and received 3rd place at the recent Wellington Dance Festival! Congratulations Gabby Gough! Way to go- I knew Disneyland was going to prove truly inspirational! Fantastic news!We are so proud of you! You have come so far this year- another awesome effort for your first year of solo competition.

Congratulations Dee


Congratulations to Dee Larkin from Orange for her beautiful performance at the Wellington Dance Festival. Dee received 2nd place and we were all so thrilled and proud of you! An awesome first year of solo competition.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Trick or Treat??

"ONCE UPON A TIME" TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW!!

Hey Everyone,
I know I still have alot to fill in about our wonderful dancing adventure in the States!! Believe me, I will!! I am waiting on all the gorgeous official pics and then I will write of the totally awe inspiring time enjoyed by all. Last week saw the return of all of our students. For many of us, we are still coming down from it all.
In the meantime, we have been busy, busy, busy with Concert Season! Dubbo Tickets go on sale at our studio, 55 Wheelers Lane, tomorrow Saturday, November 1 at 10am until 1pm. Adults are $18. Children, Pensioners $14. Cash or cheque only please.
See you at the studio or maybe some of you are there now in your sleeping bags!! Hahahahaha

Thursday, October 16, 2008

THE TEAM AT DISNEY WORKSHOP


How lucky was our beautiful Gabby Gough who celebrated her 13th birthday at our first performance?? Mickey Mouse found out and surprised us at our workshop, bringing along Aladdin, Princess Jasmine, The Mad hatter and Alice to sing Happy Birthday and rave about our first dance performance.

ALOHA

Hey Everyone.
The USA team is slowly trickling back from our big assault on the States! My family is fresh from a glorious stay in beautiful Hawaii and daily I get text messages from our friends in various parts of the globe!! We truly had the most amazing time and it certainly exceeded my big expectations for the trip. I experienced both family and career highs and my thanks to Leesa, Gail, the team, the parents and Dance Around the World for making our dream a beautiful reality. I have so much to share and so many pictures! I will do so bit by bit but a very big thankyou to all who have supported us and encouraged us . I was so overwhelmed by the many wonderful messages of support in my Inbox. THANKYOU! It was fairly obvious all the blog fans couldn't wait for news and pictures! Thankyou- believe me ( I have lots of stories!!!) The big news is after an arduous audition process Stepping Out was chosen to lead and end the parade. Leesa and I had secretly hoped for one of the sought after positions and so to get both was just the most incredible feeling. It was also so satisfying to have Performing Arts Directors from both Universal Studios and Disneyland comment on our students professionalism, attitude, discipline, choreography, costuming and level of performance. All in all very overwhelming! A fabulous time was had by all.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

I AM STILL PINCHING MYSELF

OK It is time for bed but just before I depart for a few weeks, I just have to scream and say "WOW!!!" Get ready for lots of pics and lots of tales. I will be keeping a journal until next I get acquainted with a computer! We are all so excited and will come home to you super enthused and charged. Alot of us are also going to the USA Concert of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE! ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Anyway, nighty night....Happy Holidays to all of our students.. Take care of yourselves. See You in Term 4, raring to go from October 13th.

BON VOYAGE USA TEAM-ARGHHHHHHHHHH WE ARE EXCITED


WE are a day away from our dream trip to the States to perform at Disneyland, Universal Studios and take classes at the EDGE! We are still pinching ourselves- it just doesn't seem real!
We had our Final Rehearsal Sunday and I could have cried. You have all come so far and it was a tingly moment to be able to just sit back and enjoy you as performers. We are very proud of you all. You have pushed yourselves and worked so hard and been so co-operative with your teachers. Some of you may have doubted if it would all be worth it at times and I think we saw Sunday and I know we will see during this next week that YES, IT WAS DEFINATELY WORTH IT!You have all become better dancers and more importantly, better people because you know with Hard Work comes Great Rewards! From Miss Leesa and I, our love, best wishes and hearty applause. Have a wonderful trip, learn as much as you can, soak up as much as you can, enjoy as much as you can and have the time of your life. We can't wait to see you centre stage.
Special thanks to Gail for all her efforts with our uniform (we will look schmick- hope we don't get too mobbed at airports by paparazzi), Sonya for our stunning costumes, Anne (my mum) for the 3 hrs of hand beading on each and every Junior Modern costume, all the family and friends who shared in this from the very first audition and trusted that we were doing the very best for your children to ensure that this dream became a reality. BON VOYAGE!!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

ONCE UPON A TIME & A TRIBUTE TO STAGE & SCREEN

Hey, Our Concert theme for Dubbo Concert was released yesterday!! Very exciting ! This year we are presenting "Once Upon a Time" which is looking like its going to be amazing!! We have already started some routines and after many a production meeting we have cooked up some fantastic ideas!! The kids in all our areas have been so enthusiastic and excited and so we know its going to be great fun getting ready for Concert Season. DUBBO CONCERT will be held on Saturday, 6th December at the Dubbo Civic Centre in a matinee performance at 3pm.
Orange and Forbes students will be presenting "A Tribute to Stage & Screen" and all your fave movies and musicals will be brought to life on stage at the Orange Civic Theatre on Sunday, 14th December at 2pm.

Friday, September 12, 2008

DANCING FEET NEED TO BE FUNKY FEET


Hey, to get my kids L.A ready I made a visit to Dubbo's answer to Junior Jimmy Choos. My good friend, Kara Catto has just opened Dubbo's coolest kids shoe boutique and I am very proud to say that I am first customer. Stop oohing and ahhing over my kids shoes and take a visit to 269 Darling St from the 20th September to experience first hand specialised fittings and fabulous, funky shoes. Onny scored the most amazing silver, star sequinned boots and Both Cale and Archer are red carpet ready in their great summer shoes. I was in heaven. What to choose?? My faves are all there, including Immy's impossibly cool Lelli Kelly sequinned boots...
Step into "FUNKY FEET" as soon as you can!!

Saturday, September 6, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US



Well all the September 4 gals have started a tradition with our shared birthday and we like to have a cake and a bit of a celebration at the studio. As you can see, we were toasted and Miss Rikki enjoyed a hearty rendition of "21 Today!" Also pictured are the birthday girls holding up their American dollars.....whoo hoo, L.A here we come!

More happy snaps

BIG RED PARTY BUS HURTLES THROUGH DUBVEGAS


Pictured are the lovely Pink (aka Tania Schofield and co-ordinator of the night) and Amy Winehouse (aka Sonya O'Connor, most able assistant.) Thankyou to both starlets for a fantastic night! Thanks to everyone who was involved in making the night a success. Julie Richardson, Bec Richardson, Schofield clan, Sonya O'Connor, Anne O'Connor were all on set up and the artistic genius of Bill O'Shea. Thankyou also to Darienne Keizer, Sonya O'Connor, Rita Worboys, Kerry Campbell,Julie Richardson, yours truly, Anne O'Connor and the Schofields for the clean up. HUGE THANKS TO LANGLEY'S COACHES FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION OF TWO PARTY BUSES and to all the friends, family and fans of our dancers who supported this last hoo-rah!

DISCO NIGHT

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Congratulations Paris- Modern/Contemporary Championship Winner

EISTEDDFOD RESULTS

Fantastic solo results at Orange Eisteddfod!! Congratulations everyone! Well done to Amber Bunt, Paris Burns and Courtney Hart who danced beautifully in big sections with outstanding success. All girls received mentions in their solo classes. Courtney received Highly Commended in her Contemporary and Modern Section. Amber received Highly Commended in her Classical and Modern Section. Paris received Highly Commended in her Improvisation and 1st place in her Contemporary and Modern Sections. This amazing success was made even more wonderful when Paris went on to win the Modern/ Contemporary Championship ( the trophy is nearly as big as her.) Here is Paris looking red carpet ready at our recent Gala Red Bus Disco Night! You look like a star and as Orange proved, you dance like one too. Well Done to Gabby Gough, Rachel Shearing, Colleen Crawford and Dee Larkin for beautiful solo performances. Send me some pics girls!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Thanks Miss Rachel

Miss Rachel emailed me today to share some other fab news from the Orange Eisteddfod! I look forward to meeting these two girls and so since Rach put it so beautifully, I have just inserted her email for you all to read!
"i also had 2 other girls Dionetta Larkin and Colleen Crayford make their solo debut at wellington.

Both danced beautifully and Dionetta received Highly commended and for what i saw was a flawless routine! i am so unbelievably proud of them.
all who have only been learning modern/contemp for a year to year and a half.
They have all worked so so hard for the last 3 terms!

Colleen performed her solo on monday morning and improved out of sight! 1 mark of HC from 20 something competitors!!! "

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

BIG RED PARTY BUS, CELEBS GALORE, GROOVY TUNES- Need I Say More??

Hey All,
This Saturday, 30th August, anyone who is anyone will be at the Stepping Out On Tour Disco Night! This exclusive evening will commence at 5pm at the esteemed headquarters of Stepping Out Dance Factory, 55 Wheelers lane. The biggest names in Hollywood will board the Big Red Party Bus at 5pm for a star studded tour of DubVegas and its sights. The bus will charter the celebs to Sportsworld for an evening of entertainment with refreshments and hot tunes. Tickets are in demand but as readers of the blog, you have the inside information and by placing a call to hot celebrity agent Tania Schofield can ensure that you get in to this A List Event. $10 is your ticket to a mighty good time . Call Tania on 043 1887 387 to be sure you are on the list or email Rikki at rikki@steppingoutdance.com.au.

WELLINGTON SOLO RESULTS

Well done to Onny Slack-Smith who got 2nd for her Classical and also re choreographed her Jazz routine on stage and still got Highly Commended. Jade Bunt danced her Jazz the best she has ever done! Well done our little Genie! You were magic! Amber continued her winning streak receiving 3rd In Open Demi and Highly Commendeds in her Classical and Modern Solo Sections! Well done to Immy Slack-Smith who danced like a super trouper and received 3rd for her Jazz solo! Shake those feathers girl! Courtney was her stunning self receiving many accolades, including 2nd in her Jazz and Highly Commended in her Classical, Impro, Modern and ( oh lots I think!) Brandi McGuire was awesome in her routines with a great 3rd in her Jazz and an impressive Highly Commended in her Tap Impro! Well done to the gorgeous Gabby Gough for what i hear was an amazing stage debut! We are proud of you Gab! Rachel Shearing also performed with style and aplomb! Paris Burns danced beautifully and received Highly Commendeds in all her sections ( BUT i just got a cryptic text message from Paris which I think signals HUGE SUCCESS so keep on the look out for some great news!) If I have forgotten anyone, hit me tomorrow! Its been a big few weeks!

I've Been a Bad Blogger

Hi There All,
Mmmmmmmm long time no hear and not for lack of action on the Factory floor! In fact, Stepping Out has been full steam ahead....so much so, that I have had little time to devote to our News and Events!! We have been busy little dancing pixies....so here I go, take a seat...alot to share!
Our Wellington soloists performed with outstanding results! Congratulations to all. Look out for post devoted to Wellington Results! We have also had Orange Eisteddfod ( again a post needs to be dedicated to it and that's just the music woes!!) Stepping Out had a Movie Premiere Night. I was at home with Archer who was not well. ( am now officially over the weekly visits to my doctor who i fear thinks I have some kind of crazy Mum syndrome. Not forgetting of course that I am now only just almost normal looking after a nasty bout of an eye infection. Small children do not run in terror! Miss Rikki is back!!) I hear Movie Night was awesome!
We also enjoyed a Snazzi Scrapbooking Afternoon. I was still cursed by eye disease and so with sunglasses on ( the effect was sadly not Jackie O or mysterious or enigmatic) I took a red, sorry peek at all the beautiful stuff being created! Big Thanks to all who attended ( Immy & Onny each scored a new charm for their bracelet!! Mmmmm am hoping that my birthday bracelet wish will be answered! I am so obsessed with Pandora beads.)
Disney rehearsals are in full swing ( though I was ordered from one for being too ill or as Miss Leesa tactfully said "You should be dead!" after taking a look at my face and eye affliction. Then Miss Emma and Miss Leesa laughed, long and hard and said "no really you need to be in bed!")
Sadly, a few events have happened that make me realise what precious gifts our children are and our life is and so I offer my thoughts and prayers to a beautiful boy who bid us farewell and a little man who is fighting hard in hospital!
And in the meantime, let's keep dancing..............for that too is surely a gift and always makes me feel better.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

RESULTS

Well Done Everyone!
3rd- 8 yrs & U Classical, H.C- 8 yrs & U Jazz, 3rd- 12yrs & U Modern, 2nd- 10yrs & U Modern, H.C- Open Modern, 1st- 12yrs & U Contemporary, H.C -12yrs & U Contemporary, 3rd- 12yrs & U Classical, 3rd- Open Jazz.
We had a busy and very long few days of competition!! We all feel wrecked but it was so great to see you on stage! There were big sections and competitors from our fellow Dubbo schools, several Orange schools, Mudgee, Coolah and Bathurst schools!
I am reeling at the realisation that I have agreed to take Onny over at 7.30am tomorrow for her solo's. Arghhhhhhhhhhhh! Nice to have my little men Cale and Archer accompany me today!! Archer did a particularly beautiful modern expressive solo in the dressing room as he listened to the music playing on stage! Pity the adjudicator missed it! While Cale focused on the realisation that his mum being a dance teacher may not be such a bad thing, an abundance of lollies to keep him quiet during performances and a smorgasboard of women at his disposal. As Cale remarked many times, "Helllllllllllooooo Ladies!"

BAD CASE OF BOOGIE FEVER!! STEPPING OUT SUPERSTARS STRUCK DOWN

BOOGIE FEVER EPIDEMIC SWEEPS WELLINGTON EISTEDDFOD! Lists of casualties grew as day progressed. Saturday, 9th August proved to be a dramatic day in Stepping Out's esteemed history of Eisteddfod Participation as a mysterious illness ravaged the Performance team. Numbers depleted throughout the day as superstar after superstar was struck by debilitating illness. Rikki Slack-Smith, co-director and faithful viewer of medical programs E.R, All Saints and R.P.A tearfully made this statement; "We may be weak in body but we are STRONG in Spirit! Never in my career have I witnessed such courage, such determination and such tremendous team work. My prolific viewing of TV medical dramas leaves me with the diagnosis that today we have been hit by Boogie Fever!" Boogie Fever, is a rare condition and is characterised by feverish dance moves even in the wake of huge physical upset. Sufferers of this condition also demonstrate tenacity and fearlessness. They continue to dance even as their limbs refuse to co-operate. Their heart grows, they smile through the pain and they keep dancing!!
HAHAHA what a day!! Wello proved to be a medical marvel in more ways than one! Dancers dropped like flies. Routines were changed often at the last moment and in one amazing instance, side stage!!Miss Leesa and I were in awe of you all! We were incredibly proud of how our casualties tried to continue dancing ( despite how sick they were, how asleep they were, how close to collapse and vomiting they were!!.) and of the other team members who rallied around their fellow dancers and allowed the SHOW TO GO ON!Mighty effort by Millie Rice, Holly Keizer & Gabby Murray! Thankyou girls! Also Julie Richardson who as one of our mums was clearly very ill but never complained once!! A very big bow to the team Ash, Immy, Amber, Missy, Katie, Courtney, Brandi, Jess, Amy, Maggie, Bec, Beanie, Kate- That's teamwork!

Thursday, July 31, 2008

WHO PUSHED THE FAST FORWARD BUTTON??

Hey There,
Thought I should drop in and say hello................whoah can life slow down just a tad? We are almost in Week 3 of Term 3...craaazy! As usual at the Factory, we have not slowed down! So what has been happening??
Classes are back and along with all of our returnees, we are welcoming new students each week in all three of our locations. Cale has had a stint in hospital....looks to be recovering (we hope! Back to doctor today but he did sleep in until after 11am....that is very un-Cale!)
Miss Emmy J continues to stop traffic with her cool moves and ever transforming bod!! Whoo hoo- looking hot girl!
Miss Leesa is busy, busy, busy with all the USA details. We are pretty much non stop with all the co-ordination between us and the Disney Production team! NEWSFLASH :USA TEAM ALSO NOW APPEARING AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, L.A!! Congratulations to the team!
We are also submerged under a heap of CONCERT To Do Lists....we're getting there!
Wellington Eisteddfod is the 9th & 10th of August! Soloists commence 11th August! Orange Eisteddfod is 23rd & 24th August - Soloists performing week before and after Group Weekend! Good Luck to Performance Team members and all soloists!
Disneyland Rehearsals are now weekly ( every Sunday!)
I am really looking forward to the onset of some warmer weather! I am so over Winter!..... of course my motto for next few weeks is BRING ON L.A!!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

RHYS- Big Heart, Loads of Talent!!

Here is Rhys- my fave!! We were lucky enough to stumble ( ok- run like crazy stalkers) upon some of the dancers and Rhys was definately the most obliging of them all. Here he is pointing out himself in the cast line up. Katie managed to get loads of autographs on her poster and Rhys was most entertaining as he mingled with the crowd. No wonder his Dad was so proud of him on the series. He is a sweetheart!!

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN TAKE PHOTOS


I tried my best to get some great on stage snaps but unfortunately I am not the photographer that Millie Rice is......................HINT HINT Millie...anyway, people hang out for some of the amazing shots that Millsy ( as Immy refers to her) managed to achieve!! Rach Shearing has also promised me some great ones so girls I wait....and hope...My shots are all shaky, out of focus, too excited to breathe, let alone push button shots!!

Immy with JACK!!!


Are any of you fans of Will & Grace?? I know most episodes word for word! Love it so I was thrilled to hear Jack in the crowd, give the spirit fingers and say "JUST JACK!!" What a cool man!! Here is my little Immy pictured with JACK, "Just Jack" winner of the very first Australian So You Think You Can Dance. I have Cale and Archer limbering up as I write ( no pressure boys!! No none at all....)

Miss Rikki tries to woo Henry!

Here I am with Henry and Evan Jerome "Henry" Slack-Smith. The kids were in such a crazed fury trying to get autographs that Evan was tossed my way and I was literally left "holding the baby." Evan turned out to be quite the snare with many people ( including a few dancers) convinced he was a "real little boy." I felt like Geppetto from Pinnochio. Anyway, as a dancer would come in our vicinity I would call out oh look Little Henry or oh Little Jack and it did prove quite a successful lure. Henry even said to me , "well this is a first!!" I think judging by the commotion he made with the girls every time he walked out on stage that if he so chooseth, there could be an abundance of little "Henrys." hahahahaha.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE WAS "AWESOME!!!!"


I don't have enough words to describe how utterly amazing the live tour of So You Think You Can Dance was!!! It was spell binding, inspirational and I didn't want it to finish!!! LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT!! I am a huge Rhys fan and that was not only confirmed by his dancing but his beautiful, gracious and giving spirit that saw him hang around ( much longer than the other dancers) and speak to his fans, sign autographs, take photos. We were blown away by his generosity and his willingness to happily hang around and chat. He is just SOOOOOOOO NICE SOOOOOOOOOO FUNNY and just SOOOOOOOOOO GORGEOUS!! That being said, the other dancers were also seemingly really great people but Rhys jus exuded so much "spirit"!! JACK, is as much as I adore Rhys, undoubtedly the most sensational dancer, a true STAR! To see him perform in the flesh is to just witness sheer dance genius, talent galore and tremendous charisma!! So, I have to concede, he was definately the rightful winner. All up, the BOYS well and truly out danced the girls ( but Kate is also an amazing dancer and performer!) I was so excited to relive the wonder of Henry and Vanessa's Samba ( the tribal one!). Not that I actually watched Vanessa all that much (sorry!- But Henry, Oh Henry!! Regina and I almost had to be revived at stages! ) Also giving us heart palpitations was Graeme, who was loving his meet and greet with the throng of young girls screaming his name. We saw funny things in the audience too, like a girl with a tshirt that said "marry me Jack!! There were also some new routines performed which were unreal!! I also was ecstatic to see "NEW DAY" with Rhys & Gemma and "SINGING IN THE RAIN" with Kate & Jack blew my mind!! Oh and Jack tapped as well..........argggggggggghhhhh can he tap!! Sorry Fred, you have lost your crown! Anyway, I am still on a crazy high!! I am just so excited and inspired for Term 3!!

Monday, July 14, 2008

AAAAAAAAAAAAARGH- I'M EXCITED

I am going to SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE TOUR tomorrow. Arghhhhhhhhhhhh- could only be made better if Jason Coleman was going to be there. Will let you all know all the highlights!!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

I AM LOVING.........

I am loving Grant Davies books, "Think Like a Champion, Dance Like a Star" and "The Next Step." Both books are just so inspiring and I haven't even yet turned to the audio companion!! I love how this man thinks!! The whole premise is that everything in our external world starts with our internal world!! The books are full of powerful affirmations and fantastic quotes, "Remember when you see a man at the top of a mountain, he didn't fall there." I love is emphasis on work ethic ("a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step."), his emphasis on positivity ("When you dance, your purpose is not to a certain place on the floor. It's to enjoy each step along the way.") and the sense of gritty determination ("Fall seven times, stand up eight.") Every page urges you to the best you can be. So take time out today, to find your joy, to be grateful, to dance, to laugh....................
"For I believe that whatever the terrain our feet can learn to dance
Whatever stone life may sling, We can moan or we can sing."- John Bucchino
Thankyou Mr Grant, oh guru of dance, your dvd on Mind & Body Conditioning is hot in my hands. Think his summer workshop is an absolute must, anyone keen let me know. WE can stalk him en masse.

HOLIDAYS!!



I am finally feeling like I have had a break- I really needed a week off just to unwind. I know we are all in for a super busy term and I wanted to go back recharged!! The girls and I had a great time at Mamma Mia....if you haven't seen it, YOU MUST!! It is such a joyful, uplifting, feel good movie! I laughed, I cried and I wanted to DANCE!! Leesa, Gail, Emmy J, Rachel and myself travelled to the DANCE EXPO In Sydney and that certainly helped with inspiration for Term 3!!We sampled some unreal products, saw some exciting new dance programs, oohed and ahhed at some cool shoes, costumes and dancewear plus got to encounter the Guru of Dance, Grant Davies!! Watch out kids in Stretch class- we have some great new methods! I am now counting down the days to SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE!!

More pics from the studio floor!

FINALLY!!!!

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Happy Holidays

Hey,
I know, I know- not all the end of term photos are up yet ( but not for want of trying!!) It is a gruelling task uploading all of the photos and it takes time!! I normally do it late at night or while I am in the midst of some other mindnumbing task such as folding laundry. Anyway, due to the scale of the project ( so many snaps of you guys!!) the computer has timed out 3 times as I have almost uploaded the very last photo for the slide show. This as you can imagine, is a devastating blow and I normally curse, run around kitchen wailing and then collapse in frustration. This reaction is almost as exhausting as the process itself and so i must retreat from the computer, gather my sanity and breathe in peace, breathe out tension...............so I am in a place again, where i think i can try, again!! Mind you, I also have housework to do, so it is a good way of procrastinating...........so before too long, you should see a slide of all the other photos we took!
In the meantime, I hope you are enjoying your holidays!! How fantastic is it to have some time out!! Onny got a camera for her birthday and is already very snap happy (like her mum!) She has visited Dubbo landmarks ( the Zoo, the Gaol) and taken some impressive pictures!! Which reminds me, we got our passports! I am finding it hard to correlate the image before me with he fact that I work with small children on a daily basis. Small children should run, screaming in horror! Cale looks like a serial killer in his and Archer like a smiling assassin! Immy and Onny just look deadly serious about having a very good time in any country these passports intend to take them. Anyway, its getting close......if I am not contemplating laundry, I am on the internet, trying to work out my future USA purchases! mmmmmm me thinks its baked beans for a few months!