Halloween: The night before

Hereby I present myself as the Beginner, the Entry, the Novice and Tyro of Halloween!

Please don't blame me if I 'Boo' you in an inappropriate way or place. Please act like you are scared when you see me in a costume.

My first time of Halloween starts today..

Ballet Austin: Inaugural Season Opener Part III

Liminal Glam

This choreography wasn't only about the combination; the entourage, the music, the costumes and particularly the light was a big part of it. The light created a web on the floor, which was the energy field during the whole show. The web became smaller when dancers left the stage and became bigger when more dancers entered the stage.

A curtain was situated at the back of the stage, through which dancers entered and left the stage. The curtain reflected wonderful shadows and created a mysterious atmosphere.

A central theme in the music was the sound of a clock. The first word of the title was represented by these two aspects: liminal means treshold. Going in and out in combination with the sound of a clock.

The glamour part of the title was certainly represented by the costumes of both the male and female dancers. Costumes designed by Susan Branch had a glamorous touch. They looked soft and smooth but actually they were made of very stiff material. The colors of the costumes and the light fit together in every little detail.

Although this choreography was abstract, it contained a very clear beginning and end. Because of the fact that the duo-parts represented a big part of the show, it seemed easier to get an actual story-line out of this detailed and glamorous piece of art.

Cowboyhat

I did it!

I bought it!

I'll wear it!

This is unbelievable, this Dutchie finally bought a cowboyhat, now I am one of you guys..

Ballet Austin: Inaugural Season Opener Part II

Episodes

Clear as it may be, this choreography consists of different parts. These parts fit to one another as if it covers one era broken up by particular events.

It could have been the group as a whole, it could have been the couples, it could have been the contradiction represented by the dancers by wearing black and white suits. The seperate details of this show impressed me as if they were absorbing my attention in order to make their point towards the world. Although the story it represented was abstract, watching this choreography puts you in a little black and white box from which you feel you are able to get the specific meanings of every movement out of it.

How simple it may seem to get a story out of abstract and intricate movements.

Ballet Austin: Inaugural Season Opener Part I

Ballet Austin opened its season this weekend in the Dell Hall in the Long Center of Performing Arts in Austin.

According to the show I saw today, this season is going to offer a lot of variety.

The show contained three parts. The one combination I keep repeating in my head is 'Nine Frank Sinatra Songs'. Although titles of choreographies are often figurative, this one was literally true and surprisingly special.

The performance started with a shiny disco ball that lightned the whole hall in all kinds of colors, which created the exact right atmosphere; suits, ties, hats, high heels and colorful dresses. Both the choreography and the facial expressions of the dancers didn't only represent the melodies but also the lyrics of the songs in every little detail.

Figuring nine songs from Frank Sinatra, like 'Something Stupid' and 'That's Life', it came to an end with 'My Way'. Showing how every single dancer represented this thoughtful, stylish and rythmic version of Sinatra in his or her very own way.

Spoiled by technology

Although in general I am pretty punctual, I always lose my keys at the most inconvient times and I can never find the most ordinary and daily things at times I really need them.

Sometimes I wish everything was a cell phone, but without a voicemail please.

'This is the voicemail of your keys, if you want to know where we are please leave a message after the beep" would be even more annoying.

Voting is cool

Voting isn't only a right, a priviledge and a democratic pride, I think voting is pretty cool too.

I remember voting for the first time a couple of years ago in The Netherlands. A voice in my head screamed all day "You are going to vote tonight!", which felt pretty mature for a just 18-years old girl.
Although you may think your vote doesn't really count or you find it difficult to make a final decision, please vote. It will make you feel priviledged, it will make you appreciate the fact that you live in a democratic country and it will make you proud: you have a voice.

By the way, don't you think that walking around the whole day with a sticker saying 'I voted' on your chest looks pretty mature?

I wish I had the right to vote here. Can I borrow your sticker, please?