My Little Fawns...

The Fawns, our 3-4 year old class, showing off their beautiful first positions! 

These girls are amazing!  The personalities are coming through more and more everyday.  Mom and Dad's get your cameras ready, because we're planning a big move for our show!  You're going to love it! 

We Have A Celebrity in Our Midst

A couple of months ago, Deb and I received email from a woman named Mary Skinner.  Mary explained that her daughter Allison and her finance David are contestents on a new reality TV show called Shedding for the Wedding, which is produced by the same producers as the Biggest Loser and is scheduled to air on the WB on February 23rd.  After spending a couple months at the camp in California, Allison was back home and looking for a place to exercise to continue with her weight loss quest.  Allison and I spoke on several occassions, and she told me that, in addition to her goal of continuing to lose weight, she wanted to train for her first triathlon.  It all fell in place, and Allison joined the Gazella Off Season Training program.  And, what do you know, her mom Mary joined too.  They are both registered to do the Irongirl Triathlon in August.  For the past few months, Allison has been Spinning and weight training at the studio, and tomorrow morning (after one final Spinning class), she is off to California for her final weigh-in.  Check out Allison and David's Facebook site (www.facebook.com/TeamFairyTale) and then tune into the WB on Wednesdays at 9 pm.  Allison will also be featured in the Auburn Citizen on Tuesday.  GO ALLISON GO!!!!   

I Love to Ride My Bike

I had an appointment in Cazenovia earlier today.  Although it was only 20 degrees and there was snow and ice as far as the eye could see, I couldn't help but dream of riding my bike.  There is nothing that I love to do more than ride my bike.  The 45 minute drive between Skaneateles and Cazenovia is made up of screeching descents, brutal climbs, and fantastik curvy roads.  I actually thought for a moment about putting on five layers of clothes and pulling out the heating pads and actually getting on my bike, but alas, I think I'll wait for warmer days.  Until then, you'll find me indoors at Gazella on a Spinning bike.  Once the snow starts melting though, watch out.  You'll find me out there.  Who's coming with me?  

Tommies Preview!

Hi Everyone!

This week in our 5-6 year old class, group name: Tommies, we put together a little preview for you.  The girls have downloaded the music, practiced at home, and they are working really hard in class and it shows.  I'm so proud of them! So here's a little preview to see how they're doing! Enjoy!

Gazella Dancers on stage!

I want to announce that Gazella's First Annual Spring Show will be held at the Cayuga Community College Theater this May 26th at 7pm.  

We looked into many different options for the location of this show, until we found this stage.  It's the perfect setting at 426 seats, full lighting and sound system, multiple back drops, and a gorgeous stage floor that the dancers feet will be very happy about!  The dancers backstage area includes two dressing rooms with individual vanity areas and lighting; and for the little ones a multi-purpose area to hang out while the show is going on.  We couldn't ask for a better space, I'm so excited!  Here are some images I took the day we visited!  

Gazella Dancers on their way to May...

The dancers and myself couldn't be more excited for the start of this session.  All our groups have built on what they've learned since September and are eager to learn at every class!  The Gazella dancers are incredibly hard working and I couldn't be prouder of how much they've grown since we first started.  The little ones (3-4 group) are becoming more confident and we had a major breakthrough when the group as a whole stood in first position and on their own said in unison plie, releve and did it all together.  I was awe struck! The 5-6 group has moved on to learning all 5 positions in ballet during their barre work and their heel position in tendu!  The 7-9 group worked on their rand de jambre tonight and learned that something that looks simple takes a lot of practice and hard work to perfect.  Chinkara (10-14 group) cleaned the combinations they've learned so far...a snow storm on Wednesday didn't keep us down! More and more they are learning how every little detail makes a big difference! Cuvier (trio group) sat down at the beginning of class to discuss how dance is a form of art; a way for the dancer to emote their own feelings and to evoke feelings from their audience.  I'm constantly trying to push the girls past where they think they can go and what they think they can do.  They are finding such pride in that, as well as having a great time! 

Here I plan to give you all updates on each groups classes and make you part of our journey.  Thank you! 

Chinkara (10-14 group) we've grown so much we have to do barre work on both sides of the room! 

Cuvier (Trio group) had their first practice tonight and I'm already inspired.  This piece we're working on is really going to amaze you! 

Spinning this Morning

What a wonderful way to start the day.  All of our bikes were full today and the energy in the room was awesome.  Good thing, because today was a max effort day!