This evening I took my first ballet class I have taken since my junior year in high school. The rec at A&M offers an advanced ballet class every Sunday, so I thought it might be a way to enjoy kill myself. And yes, this does mean getting into a leotard (or reotard, as Emily used to say) and tights. If only I was still in the shape as I was dancing thirty hours a week. Le sigh. I would be lying to you if I said I didn't miss ballet, because I do tremendously. Here is a collection of personal pictures and pictures from our Nutcracker photographer for many years. Nutcracker season started Saturday, so what better way to honor the best time of year than a look back at my life from age seven to seventeen. Unfortunately, the last two years of my career are not documented via photographs. 

Rehearsal for my first Nutcracker. Of course, I am being true to form--- working hard and sticking my tongue out. I am on the left in the pink skirt. Look closely and you might see other people you recognize.

My first Nutcracker performance in "Mother Ginger." I was the second smallest girl, meaning I was one away from getting to pop out of Mother Ginger's skirt. I've known no greater disappointment. 

The infamous Mouse role. I died at least three times per performance. And my dad was almost the Mouse King. Also, here commences my love of mice. Scarred? Most definitely.

One of my first performances on pointe. This picture makes me cringe. Terrible, terrible technique. Gotta start somewhere, right?

Dancefest is comprised of two shows: a classical ballet pre-intermission, and a contemporary show post-intermission, as shown here. I'm in the awkzores position on the right.

'

My very favorite part in Nutcracker- Marzipan. This year I was in purple, although it's not different. To this day I can still perform this choreography flawlessly. Oh, and now you know why I have steaks for calf muscles. Cool.

Front and (right wing?) for Swan Lake at Dancefest. I feel like I should be playing the part of "Dead Swan". Oh, those feathers.

So that's that. Enough embarrassing pictures to last a lifetime.