comeback of a lifetime
Stepping back onto stage after a three year hiatus felt like coming home.
Post show hugs are heartwarming!
Lucky for you I reconsidered the philosophical heavy-hitter I planned to send your way this week to kick off your new year. You’re welcome! (eye wink) I couldn’t miss the opportunity to say thank you. Thank you for supporting my dream, for sending inspiration when I didn’t think I could pull it off, for showing up and showing out (in droves!), for clapping and cheering and capturing the experience, for cheering me on from afar. Thank you.
Performing the role of Sugar Plum Fairy again stirred up magic for me. The role I performed the most during my career allowed me to more easily trust my body in remembering the technique, the placement, ability to cover mishaps, the musicality, and artistry. Although every mistake resonated in my psyche, I still pushed myself to relinquish the tendency towards perfectionism.
After all the work I put in, once I felt the stage these performances were for funsies. For me to relish. Sharing every moment of ballet with my dance partner, with my friends, with Teton Valley, with the dancers in the show, and now with all of you is the reason for performing in the first place. The biggest treat of the entire experience was getting to perform with my dance partner again.
The pandemic ended my career. Or, so I thought until this past round of 2025 Nutcracker magic whipped my toes, calves, and back into ballerina shape. Days in the studio felt sacred even when my body hurt, when my brain questioned my physicality, when thoughts began to cycle with I’m too old, too stiff, too foolish to perform again. Through this experience I came to the exact same realization I always do when I get the chance to perform, I am designed for dance. I am an artist athlete. I am a performer.
Upon my return home TAJ asked if ballet is now out of my system. The obvious answer that popped out of my mouth was an emphatic “No.” I don’t think it has to be either. If I can conjure all my dreams to come true for 2026, there will be more performances in my future. We will all have to patiently await that news though. Don’t worry, you will be second to know so you can add the dates to your calendar. Thanks again for being my biggest cheerleader! I am deeply grateful to perform for you.
Enjoy a compilation of all the magical moments I’m so fortunate to hold close to my heart:
My partner and I begin our pas de deux
In case you’re wondering, I do contain multitudes. Some of which include wishes for a new year filled with your dreams coming true and the path you wish to follow opening up easily before you. Also, I wish for us both to engage more with our talents and to be more unapologetically ourselves. Cheers to spending more time with you this year!
Father Christmas Visit
Time with my Moon Sisters bolstered my spirit. Every visit to Teton Valley spoils me!