Elsie in Romeo and Juliet

Heather's comments:
Elsie's ballet performance was part of a beautiful ballet "recital" full-length production. They had about 300 kids- high school and down- perform Romeo and Juliet. It was very impressive. Elsie got to be a flower girl at Romeo and Juliet's wedding. She practiced this dance for months and months. As soon as it was over, she told me, "I'd like to take gymnastics now that dance is over." I had to inform her that there is still dance until May. They've been gearing up for this, she didn't think there was life after Romeo and Juliet (which there ISN'T for Romeo or Juliet.) We were so lucky that Grandma Redd, Steve, and Laura could come see the play too. Both sets of Grandparents were out doing fun and important things, so I tried to take lots of pictures, but my pictures-taking abilities stink. Elsie still looks beautiful in spite of me. I promise, I'm going to get better. Laura was out looking at photos while we took pictures, so I missed her! Watch Elsie's blog for things from HER point of view (and the same crummy photographer.)



Joseph's Comments:

Ballet Best! Going to Elsie's performance was a treat. I went into it not really knowing what to expect, I thought it would be good, maybe slightly more than a recital where different groups of kids danced to different music, 30-40 minutes and we're done. It wasn't just good, it was better, it was a full blown ballet - Ballet West-esque. We had a Christmas time tradition for many years that included the nut cracker so I know what I am talking about when I say wow! I came away with the same sense of awe for the girls who can not just stand, but can dance, leap and pirouette on the tips of their toes. In imagining me trying to attempt something similar,I am impressed that nobody left in an ambulance. My mind does make me look good in a tutu though. Elsie was beautiful, graceful, and balleretic. Seeing her on the stage made me want to shout, "that's my girl, that's my Elsie;" it was the best. Isn't there a scene in The Music Man like that? Some ballets are good, some are better, this was BEST!