Nutcracker Auditions: Detroit

I was looking around the web for musical auditions for my friend who is currently without the Internet, (I can't imagine), when I came across an announcement for Joffery Ballet's Nutcracker in Detroit.

It is, of course, the children's audition but, if you're between 8 and 15 years old, I say go for it!



DATE: Saturday, September 27, 2008
PLACE: Ford Center for Arts and Learning, Detroit Opera House (across from Comerica Park)1526 Broadway Detroit, MI 48226 *use Broadway entrance

GROUP A
11 – 15 years old
4’5” – 5’2” tall
4 plus years of ballet training

GROUP B
8 – 14 years old
4’ – 5’2” tall
1 – 4 years of ballet training

Rehearsals start in September and the show runs 6 times Thanksgiving weekend. For full details and how to register, click here.

Orginal image can be found here.

So you think you can step it up and dance?

This weekend has been a nonstop dance marathon. MTV has been playing "So You Think You Can Dance" with Bravo catching us all up on "Step it up and Dance." It's pretty much all I did, along with making up a ton of choreography I will never use. At least I got a bit of a workout in as I put together the numbers.

"Step It Up and Dance" has some interesting choreography and guests and of course, overly dramatic but pretty good dancers. And Jessica Spano (on Crack?) also known as the 2008 Elizabeth Berkley. She is in great shape, but maybe too great. What makes her hold her eyes open like that? Not wanting to start rumors about what she is or isn't on, I will simply ask, does she seem normal?

Weight loss Wednesdays: Walking the dog is a total gym

Though it has been gray and unappealing outside, I have managed to take Bailey, my not so brilliant dog, for a several walks. Sometimes she is pretty good. Today we walked past Nunzio and Belmont's house, something about these two make her crazy. I have no idea why these dogs make her nuts (nor do I know their real names) but I am going to count holding her back as an upper body workout along with the cardio, she is like my own total gym.

The eating seems to be improving now that I can cook all my food and carefully plan my meals. Who knows, next week might just be awesome.

This week I plan to add in the "Look Hot in Jeans" workout which starts with some releves. You know a leg workout is on the right track when it starts with a ballet move.

Recital, who doesn't love sequins?

This past weekend was my dance recital. My many amazing friends and family were there, and I was so glad to have their support.

Dance has always been such an important part of my life, and like most things we hold dear, you don't feel the true weight of it until it's gone. That's what made this year so special. I knew I loved it before, but the pain of not having it, now that is something.

Five of my lovely classmates, and I mean it, wonderful people and beautiful to boot, are leaving class for college and life. They will be leaving something behind, a part of them. My friend Andrea, also back in class these days, and I have been discussing how much we missed it while we were in college and how they can't possibly be prepared for the loss they will feel. Dance provides an outlet for creativity and stress. It is a place that is challenging and supportive and rewarding. It's filled with relationships with people you may never have approached in your day-to-day life but whose personalities add so much to your own that they truly shape the person you are to become.

I wish nothing but luck and happiness to all the girls and I hope one day, when we all have kids, that they will dance together and grow as we did.

Weight loss Wednesdays: dinner is too late

Since it is 11:01 and my dinner is cooking I have to say my goal for next week is start eating earlier and more frequently. Some how I have found myself so busy this week that I am not eating until almost midnight. That is a must change.

A portion of my late nights can be attributed to work, (BOO) but a lot of it is dance rehearsal. My physical activity plan is join more dance. It is the best you can feel, it's rewarding on physical and emotional levels, mentally challenging and a lot of fun.

If dance is not your thing I recommend joining some kind of summer activity.

Softball (365 calories an hour)
Volleyball (292 calories an hour)
Golf (329 calories an hour)
Hiking (438 calories an hour)
Basketball (584 calories an hour)

Get out there and do something challenging that you truly enjoy. It won't even feel like work, just intense fun. To look at calorie burn more specific to your weight and check out your other favorite activities, click here.

Sweet came back! and Recital info

Today there were some fabulous homemade cookies at work and yeah, I ate a few. I am glad I did. I can't help it, food is a reward.

So off I went to the gym to pay for my indulgence. I have to look good, meaning not terrible, when recital comes around in a few weeks.

If you would like to attend the info is:

Friday, April 25, 2008 or Saturday, April 26, 2008

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Sterling Heights High School
12901 15 Mile Rd.
Sterling Heights, MI

Tickets are $13.00 in advance and $15 at the door. If you would like me to buy yours please get your money to me.

If you are coming Saturday the plan is to head out to the bar after I show off all my time spent at the barre, so let me know and I will reserve a seat for you! lgibalawarren AT gmail

Buy this Bra

Last weekend I was browsing at Target for a new sports bra. I found this C9 by Champion seamless camisole on the clearance rack. I highly recommend you get it. It is soft and cool to the skin, has adjustable racer back straps, and does not make you feel like you have a uni-boob. I wouldn't wear it for super intense sports, though it did fare quite well at dance class and the gym. For $13.29, I may go back and buy it another color.

Photo from www.target.com

Sometimes You're Just a Kid

While working on her master's, my friend lives with her father. I've known this family for at least fifteen years, and when we were kids, her dad would drive us to the movies, order pizza for our sleepovers and the many other wonderful things dads do.

A few weeks back I was headed to my friend's house to rehearse a tap number on a Sunday morning. I stopped at 7- Eleven for some coffee and water and was starting to call her to see if she or her dad wanted anything. When I looked up, there he was.

"I'm calling you"

"But I am right here"

"Well, I am calling Andrea, do you know if she wants anything?"

"I think I asked her and she said no, double check"

I did, and she didn't, so I go to buy my stuff and he is standing ahead of me…

"and add her coffee and water"

"I can get it"

"No"

He gave me that I'm the adult and you're the kid look, and while I know that if this had been a game of poker, he'd have taken me for all I've got, when it comes to snacks, I'm still just a kid.

I'm 25.

While I am proud of the things I have accomplished in my life so far, and I felt pretty awkward not buying my coffee, I have to admit it was freeing. For one sweet moment, I went back in time and was just a kid.

Weight loss Wednesdays part Deux

This week has been a slow start. I have had some pretty good support, and for those that wanted to be sponsored I have been emailing out tips and things to help us all stay on track. One step at a time, which is all I can take.

Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed
downstairs a step at a time. ~Mark Twain

On working out:
I went to the gym twice since last Wednesday, and did actual working out. Impressed? I am.
I went to dance. That is two hours of work. (To add to my wish list: Walking in Memphis – Marc Cohn
Walked the dog; I think she had cabin fever.
Lunges and crunches while watching TV one night.

On eating right:
This was basically a failure with a few high points.
Sunday I was hungry and I remembered I bought broccoli and ate it!
I drank lots and lots of water.
And then... I split a piece of flourless cake from Sweet Lorraine’s with Kevin. I can't do it cold.

My advice of the week is, find a friend to work-out with. Even if it's only once a week, mark it down and hold each other accountable. It's a great way to spend time with your friends while doing something really good for you. I miss my mornings with Kristen, when she lived out here I had a reason to get my butt out of bed before 5 in the morning. Accountability. Who knew it could be so motivating?

My goal for next week is a two-for-one: Spend $3 less a day during the week. This should have the effect of taking away a pop, coffee, shake (the bad kind) and other add-ons I tend to get at restaurants. Plus, that is $15 back in my pocket for weekend fun with Kevin and our friends.

Good Luck Wednesdays! If you would like to receive a motivating* email and tips* during the week, post a comment or send me an email. LGibalaWarren AT Gmail.

* For those that don't know, I am not a professional, and recommend that you assess what I say and use your best judgment on what's best for you. As the standard statement goes: Consult your doctor before attempting any diet or exercise program.

Time spent at the Barre

Tonight was dance night. I watched the lyrical class while I ate my dinner and went over steps in my head. I worked the Aerosmith number with all I had, even if my toes weren't pointed on that kick, I was feeling good. Then tap! I put so much into the first run through I could hardly breathe the rest of the hour. Best feeling ever! Certainly I am not a great dancer, but I feel great dancing. It's that thing in life that always makes my day, even when I am frustrated and can't seem to get it right, Dance=Happy.

My summer rehearsal wish list:

More than a Memory - Garth Brooks (hear it)
Apologize - Timbaland feat. One Republic (hear it)
Welcome to the Black Parade - My Chemical Romance (hear it)
Fragile - Delta Goodrem (hear it, and see a great piece)

It's doubtful that I will get one of these, but hey, no need not to want, that would be un-American. Okay, exhausted and in need of a shower. More informative post tomorrow.