Meet Ian!

Ian VanBebber, 14, is a freshman at MVHS

The VanBebber's are new to SDA. Ian and his twin Mistilyn both dance at the studio. You will see Ian's big smile in the Pas de Deux class with Jose. He is not unequivocal in his feelings towards dance, like some. Ian feels 50/50 towards ballet. It takes a lot to get him here, but when he arrives, Ian says he loves it!

He is NOT ambivalent about Musical Theater though. He is passionate about performing on stage. Recently, he was "Gus" in a production of Cats.

Ian is comfortable admitting that he doesn't know what his future holds. He didn't tell me what he wanted to be when he grows up because he isn't sure yet. That's okay! Ian has plenty of charm and talents to go far. He shared with me his amazing ability to put his arm behind his head. I bet Jose appreciates his flexibility in his partnering class. 

The farthest Ian has traveled is Oklahoma but he hopes to travel to faraway countries. Ian is a self-proclaimed Star Wars expert. I don't know exactly what that entails, but I bet he can tell you when you ask. Be sure to welcome Ian to the studio next time you see him around.

Here is a photo of his amazing talent so he won't be asked over and over to show us his skills:

The Amazing Ian! 

Double Thumbs Up for Ian! Welcome!

POINTE SHOE FUNDRAISER INFORMATION

BRING IN YOUR POINTE SHOE DONATIONS THIS SATURDAY  (10/22)TO THE STUDIO!

A journey begins with a single step! How appropriate to begin our fundraising journey for a new heating and air conditioning system for the studio with a Pointe Shoe Raffle and Fundraiser at the Nutcracker?

Ballet Pointe Shoe Craft Raffle Program

We have some craftsy moms who are looking to bless IVCBT and SDA with the first fundraiser to go towards a new heating and air conditioning system for SDA!  Our plan is to hold a raffle at each of the Nutcracker performances for a pair of stunningly embellished pointe shoes! 

Mrs. Kim Feddema has graciously agreed to lead this first project – and many thanks to her for her willingness to help improve our studio environment.

If you have some of these items in your craft closet and would care to donate them, here is a list of needed items:

·         USED POINTE SHOES – long and narrow preferred, all sized accepted.  As good condition as possible – we will be embellishing these.  They don’t have to be perfect, but the shoes do need ties (ribbons) attached.

·         Hot glue sticks and guns (guns can be returned – please put your name on them)

·         Craft glues (tacky glue, fabric glue, white glue)

·         Handmade Papers

·         Rhinestones

·         Paints

o   Fabric

o   Acrylic

o   Oil

o   Clear acrylic spray paint

·         Old Costume Jewelry

·         Ribbon

·         Coupons

o   Michael’s

o   JoAnn’s Fabrics

·         Fabric

o   All kinds – scraps are great!

Finished pointe shoes will be placed inside acrylic boxes for display and we will auction one item per show, Plus, we will have some for sale. 

Please bring items into the studio and place in the donation box – if you can, please place donated pointe shoes in a one gallon ziplock bag (or equivalent).  Donations are accepted at the front desk!

From the Desk of Paula, IVCBT Fundraising Chair

Meet Melodie!

Melodie is a Junior at MVHS

A melody is defined as "a sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying". A synonym for melody might be a song. SDA's own Melodie Raese makes beautiful music with her dancing. Her name fits her perfectly. She glides, pirouettes and jetes across the floor with effortless grace. A symphony of ballet!

Melodie has big dreams. At 16, she already knows she wants to become a principal ballerina. She is well on her way--scoring the role of "Clara" in this year's The Nutcracker. Melodie will dance the part of Columbina and Dew Drop on alternate performances.

As if dreaming big and working hard to achieve her dance dreams weren't enough--this gal hopes to become a neurologist when she grows up! She plans on attending UCSD or Stanford after she graduates. You go, girl!

We love BIG DREAMERS here at Svetlana's Dance Academy.

Keep dreaming until your dreams come true!

When she is not making melodies with her dancing and studying hard to prepare herself for her bright future, Melodie enjoys cooking dinner for her mom. Her favorite kind of food is Italian and her speciality is spaghetti with a yummy meat sauce. Maybe Melodie will share her recipe with us this month in our recipe post? Hint. Hint.

She loves the beach and appreciates the sand's exfoliating benefits on her dancer heels. Melody likes the idea of being pampered but rarely indulges. This girl will need a spa pedicure after our November performances!

Dancing since she was five has paid off. Melodie excels on the dance floor. She did admit that turns are both her favorite and most challenging aspect of ballet.

Keep listening for the lovely sound of Melodie's life--and look for her on stage at our upcoming performance of The Nutcracker.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES!

Grab your calendars and pencil these events in:

October 22, See's Fall Fundraiser Candy Sales Due

November 5, GSSGC Girl Scouts San Gorgonio Council Nutcracker Workshop

November 7, The Nutcracker Ballet Essay Contest USD entries due (Judged Event)

November 8-11, Dream Dinner's Fundraiser Week

November 14, The Nutcracker Ballet Essay Contest Winner Announced!

November 25, 26, 27 The Nutcracker at the Temecula Old Town Community Theatre - call 951-587-8402 for advanced ticket sales

SDA's Studio Treasure

George Ortiz

For more than 10 years, George Ortiz has shared his passion, his talents, his heart with the students at Svetlana's Dance Academy.

Today we gratefully thank George for his INSPIRATION to the SDA studio family!

George is a treasured gem here at SDA! We are proud to announce that after TWO life-threatening battles with cancer, George is in remission from leukemia. Chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant and many, many prayers have worked to bring healing to one of our favorite people.

George will resume his roles as Drosselmeyer and Arabian Prince in this year's production of The Nutcracker. We are all so thrilled his health has recovered for him to dance with us again!

This amazing survivor inspires dancers, staff, and family alike at SDA. George is full of the Spirit. When you watch him dance, you sense not only his passion for the art but also his fervent soul.

He glows.

He soars.

He inspires.

George performed the role of Jesus Christ in SDA's The Passion of the Christ right before his diagnosis of leukemia earlier this year. And it is to Jesus Christ that we offer all the thanks and praise for George's recovery!

His diagnosis this spring came as a shock after overcoming lymphoma in 2005. Discovering the dreaded C-word was invading his life and body again must have been devastating! His life has already been cruelly scarred by cancer--his 29 year old brother died from lymphoma. But George's fortitude, fitness, bravery and determination, along with a Great Big God, helped him conquer cancer. AGAIN! Praises!

Please be sure to welcome George with a warm smile and kind words next time you see him at SDA. He has ministered to the students here in so many ways. His big heart for young people is obvious and appreciated.

You are an inspiration to us all, George.

We are blessed by your return to SDA!

Welcome!

Instead of a traditional hard-copy newsletter, Svetlana offers this blog as a place to keep in touch with happenings at the studio.

Check back for posts containing spotlights on staff, dancer-of-the-month highlights, photos, rehearsal night recipes for quick healthy meals, helpful hints from Svetlana and other news for Svetlana's Dance Academy dancers and their families.  

Feel free to subscribe to this online newsletter for up-to-date information directly in your inbox by becoming a FOLLOWER using one of the links at the bottom of the blog.

Your comments are always welcome. Tell us what you think by clicking on COMMENTS below the post and giving us your input.

Thanks for joining us here. We hope you visit again soon!

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Svetlana's Dance Academy & Inland Valley Classical Ballet Theater are launching a newsletter!