Monday's Dancers

Lights. Camera. Action! Centerstage today are middle-schoolers Kathryn, Emily and Rachel. Like their UWD co-dancers, these girls dance all styles. Kathryn's & Rachel's  favorite style is Ballet,  while Emily likes Musical Theater & Jazz. 
Other facts to know:

• Kathryn was born in Salt Lake City and is an accomplished baker. Just try her red-velvet cupcakes!
• Emily is a fan of shopping ... from the Mall to the Farmer's Market ... "it's all fun!"
• Rachel is a figure skater and enjoys cooking ... especially baking and cake decorating.

Australia musings:
Kathryn: I had two Aussie's stay with me in December, twins - Rebecca & Ryan. Their favorite part of Bellingham was the snow, shopping, performing and Red Robin! When I go in July, I'm looking forward to dancing, going to the beach and shopping!

Emily: I can't wait to see the white sandy beaches and go swimming. I'm bringing my iPod and my Star Pillow with me (you know, for the plane). I'll miss my dog, Taz.

Rachel: It'll be fun seeing all the sights and dancing for the Australians. I haven't decided what I'm taking with me yet. I'm an avid Ugly doll collector.....

Tuesday's Dancers

Two Dancers traveling to Australia this summer are middle-schoolers, Leah and Mackenzie. Nutcracker '09 audiences saw these two dance together as Drosselmeyer's doll and toy soldier in the Party Scene. Both dance ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, musical theater and hip hop. Leah's favorite style of dance is Hip Hop. Mackenzie's is "either lyrical or musical theater". Outside of 'Dance' these two like to hangout with friends. Leah is looking forward to performing and shopping in Australia this summer. When asked what she would be bringing, she answered "Definitely my journal and my camera!" Leah hosted an aussie dancer in December,as did Mackenzie, who hosted two sisters. Mackenzie is looking forward to seeing the Sydney Opera House and will be bringing a birthday present for her host family sister.
What would you most like people to know about you? Leah: 'I'm really looking forward to Australia since this is my 11th year dancing and I'm finally getting to travel with the studio."
Mackenzie: "I looooove the arts. I play several instruments, dance and have an ok singing voice. I also like acting!"
What will they miss? Both answered, their dogs! (oh yeah, family & friends too!)

Thursday's Dancers

While moms and dads are busy fundraising for Australia, the dancers are dancing. Of the 14 girls traveling to Australia, 3 are in highschool. Colleen, Jessie and Emma are 11th graders who've been dancing together since 2nd grade. They dance ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, M.T., tap and hip hop. Colleen's favorite style is Lyrical, Emma's is ballet and Jessie's loves Musical Theater and Tap. These girls have plenty on their plates! They're already thinking beyond high school, worrying about SAT scores and senior projects. Colleen volunteers at a Special Ed Preschool, Jessie loves to sing and act and Emma is a WCC Running Start student.
Hosting an aussie dancer got them excited for their upcoming trip! What are they looking forward to in Australia? The white sand beaches of Port Stephens, hangin' with their aussie friends again, and "seeing Kangaroos and Koalas!" What special items are they taking with them? two moms, one dad and a blankey! What will they miss? Their dogs! (of course, friends and family too!)

Aussie's are here!!!

The dancers from the Robyn Yvettte Dance Studio in Port Stephens, Australia are here!!! They've been performing in area Elementary Schools. I spoke with 18 yr. old Madalynne, who is on her second trip to the U.S. She's been dancing, shopping, touring and just basically enjoying B'ham.
What's the weirdest thing you've experienced? The North Fork Beer Shrine that served Pizza and was also a Wedding Chapel. Pumpkin Ice-cream is a close second.
What are the biggest differences? The weather (freezing!), the houses and how BIG everthing is... (we didn't even take her to McDonalds for a Supersizer).
What did you like the best about Bellingham? How friendly everyone is.
What was a cool, funky, fun thing to do? Go to Everyone's Store in Acme.
What will you miss the most about Bellingham? Meeting people and getting "rugged up" (i.e. putting on layers, hats, scarves, etc) and my host family.
What do you miss from home? Vegemite (yeast spread), milo (kinda like Ovaltine)and definately the beach! Also my family!
What's the funniest thing that happened while you were here? Well, it was fun talking to the little kids after the performances and also to the sales clerks at Zumiez ... especially one in particular!!!