Five Fun Facts about Ballet!

Ballet is a beautiful art form that utilizes music, technique, and grace to create stories for an audience to enjoy. This is true for our youngest dancers in Twirl Babies, all the way to those who dance for a professional company. It is a type of dance that takes a great deal of effort, dedication, and precision. Ballet has also influenced many other types of dance, and you can see it’s impact in everything from jazz to modern to ballroom. At Turning Pointe, we definitely love ballet and our ballerinas!

Today on the blog, we wanted to highlight ballet and share five fun facts to inspire and encourage!

1. Ballet is over 500 years old!
Ballet started in the 1500s in Italy. We get the word “ballet” from the Italian word “ballare.” When Italian Catherine De Medici married the French King Henry II, she brought ballet into court life and made it popular in France.

 2. King Louis XIV of France was a ballet enthusiast.
King Louis himself would perform many of the popular dances. He even hired professional dancers to continue dancing in the court after the king and other members of the court had stopped dancing each evening. He also founded the Academie Royal de Danse in 1661, which is now known as the Paris Opera Ballet.

 3. Originally, women were not allowed to dance in the ballet.
Women weren’t allowed into the ballet until 1681. The first female ballerina was a young woman named Madameosielle De Lafontaine. She danced in Lully's Le Triomphe de L'amour and then went on to be the lead in at least 18 more ballets.

4. Professional Tutus can take 60-90 hours to make!
They also can cost up to $2,000 to make. They may even take up to 100 yards of tulle. They are also so precious and delicate that they aren’t washed. Instead, they are hung up in between shows and spayed with fresheners.

5. There are six technical methods of ballet instruction.
They are the French School, the Vaganova Method, the Cecchetti Method, the Bournonville method, the Royal Academy of Dance method (or English style), and the Balanchine Method. There are many other schools of thought in regards to how to teach and dance ballet, but these ones are the most widely accepted and recognized. Each has its own strengths and specialties.

 Here a few fun books to read, if you want some more ballet in your life!

-        Firebird by Misty Copeland
-        Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder
-        Boys Dance! By John Robert Allman
-        Tallulah’s Tutu by Marilyn Singer
-        I Want to be a Ballerina by Anna Membrino
-        Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeld
-        Bunheads by Misty Copeland
-        Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird

Twirl Bible Study- September

Each month, all of our classes study a specific passage of scripture, giving Turning Pointe a united focus rooted in His word. Older classes will additionally study a word, while our Twirl classes will focus on a Fruit of the Spirit.

Throughout September, our Twirl classes are talking about joy as they read Philippians 4:4:

 “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice!”

 This month, we encourage each of our Twirl families to reiterate this message with our tiniest dancers and keep a focus on the Father all week long. We know this can be a challenge with this age group, and we’re here to help! Read on as we share our favorite ways to study this month’s focus with your little ones.

Sing & Dance

 What better way to celebrate this month’s Fruit than to make a joyful noise unto the Lord? Take a few minutes each day and express His joy through song and dance. Did your student learn a dance or simple gestures to go along with their memory verse? Ask them to show you, or better yet, teach you! You can also make up your own together, or have your dancer create their own song and dance during this special worship time. Get your joyful celebration going with one of our favorite playlists — that first song is a perfect place to start!

 Quiz & Memorize

 Your Twirl student’s teacher will go over the Fruit/verse of the month each week… why not go over it at home, too? Even if they’re too young to tackle memorization, the repetition and habit of memorization can be a helpful skill to develop way beyond the dance classroom. Say this month’s verse together (or ask your student to repeat after you) before bed or nap time, each time they wash their hands, or whenever it fits best in your family’s day. Ask them to tell you this month’s Fruit throughout the week. Ask them what brought them joy at the end of each day, then thank God and give Him the glory for those moments in your bedtime prayers.

 Read & Talk

 For Twirl students looking to go a bit deeper (or if you want to get older siblings involved), take a few minutes each day to read and discuss His word. Find this month’s memory verse in the Bible and read it together. Then go even further! Read the whole chapter or book and talk about it. What is God saying to us in this verse? What is the difference between joy and happiness?

Why does He tell us to rejoice in the Lord always, even when it’s so hard sometimes?

 We are so excited to pour His words into our youngest dancers this year, and look forward to sharing our focus here on the blog each month. Our prayer is that we will ignite a passion for dance and the arts and a heart for worship that will last a lifetime in each of these precious little ones!

 Looking for supplemental devotional notes on this month’s word/scripture for older classes? Check out last week’s post here.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." - 1 John 4:7

 Each month, all of our students study a verse in their classes. For the month of September, Twirl classes will be reading Philippians 4:4 — Look for a specific Bible study on that next week! All other classes will be reading 1 John 4:7: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”

 As God’s children, we are all Beloved, dearly, and truly loved and chosen by God. And out of the love of God, we are called to love others. This month, we want to encourage all our students to grow in understanding how much God loves them and to learn ways they can love others.

 The word Beloved in Greek is agapetos, which is from the root agape or to love. C.S. Lewis talks about Agape in his book The Four Loves.

 “So there are 4 kinds of ‘love,’ all good in their proper place, but Agape is the best because it is the kind God has for us and is good in all circumstances. There are people I mustn’t feel Eros towards, and people I can’t feel Storgë or Philia for; but I can practice Agape to God, Angels, Man, and Beast, to the good and the bad, the old and the young, the far and the near. You see Agape is all giving, not getting. Read what St. Paul says about it in First Corinthians Chap. 13. Then look at a picture of Charity (or Agape) in action in St. Luke, chap 10 v. 30-35. And then, better still, look at Matthew chap 25 v. 31-46: from which you see that Christ counts all that you do for this baby exactly as if you had done it for Him when He was a baby in the manger at Bethlehem: you are in a sense sharing in the things His mother did for Him. Giving money is only one way of showing charity: to give time and toil is far better and (for most of us) harder. And notice, though it is all giving—you needn’t expect any reward—how you do gets rewarded almost at once.”

 Agape is a picture of the love that is all-encompassing and generous. Out of agape, Christ created all things. And we are agapetos, or Beloved. We are totally and completely loved, just as we are. Isn’t that wonderful?

 Sometimes we might feel lonely or overlooked, and yet God loves us.

 Sometimes we might feel broken or unloveable, and yet God loves us.

 As we follow Christ, he calls us to respond to His love by loving others. We are loved, and so we love. As the old hymn says, they will know we are Christians by our love. Even when we don’t like someone or don’t know someone, we can feel a generous love for them. We can do this because we know that God created them special and loves them, too.

 Sometimes we might feel frustrated or angry with others, and yet God calls us to love them.

 Sometimes we might not know how to respond to someone we don’t understand, and yet God calls us to love them.

 This month, as a family, why don’t you find a way to share agape?

 Try taking some art supplies and sit down and think of those who may need some extra love. Maybe grandparents, or friends, or even those who are stuck at home who might be sick or unable to see loved ones right now. Create some little cards with words of kindness and caring. And then mail them! Your little cards will bring joy to others.

 You could also bake some cookies or your families’ favorite baked goods, wrap it up, and share it with your neighbors. If you have any leftover art supplies, you could include little cards of encouragement for them, too.

 Contribute to our Care and Share food drive, either in the studio lobby or online to love those who are hurting in our community.

 Or come up with something unique and special just for your family!

 If you want to share what your family does, take some photos, and share it on Instagram. Make sure you tag up @turningpointedancecolorado. We can’t wait to see what you do!

5 Ways to Make the Most of your Online Dance Class

Here we are again! Time to begin another year of activities — only this year, things could look a bit different. In light of our current circumstances, did you know that Turning Pointe now offers five ways to learn to dance? With three online options including virtual solo and small group lessons,  as you navigate what’s best for you and your family, let us offer these helpful tips to make the most of your digital dancing experience:

1.     Be prepared
(Cue cackling hyenas and overly dramatic lion.) For real though, being prepared ahead of time will allow you to start focusing from the very moment class begins. With younger students, this means that mom and dad may need to help! Start by getting your space ready. Clear away furniture, set up a chair to use as a barre, or if you need to, put out a yoga mat. Make sure you are dressed appropriately. Just because we aren’t in the classroom together, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be dressed for dance! Do your hair, wear your favorite dance outfit and make sure that you look your best. Then prep anything else you might need. For example, your water bottle or a notebook. Which brings us to number 2...

2.     Take notes
In this new environment, it may be extra hard to remember feedback from your instructors or retain choreography. Write down things that your teacher says for you to review later. You can even take notes in a special notebook just for dance!

If you’re looking for an extra challenge, write down what you do throughout the class and practice during the week. This could include strengthening, stretching, warm-ups, routines at the barre, in the center, or across the floor. The more you practice, the more you will improve!

3.     Communicate with your teachers (or classmates)
Your teachers are in this boat with you, and if you’ve opted for online small group lessons, so are your classmates! We’re all navigating these waters together, so reach out! Make sure to tell someone if you are struggling with a specific step, or are uncertain about choreography. Ask questions. Your teachers want to see you succeed, and are willing to help every step of the way.

4.     Record what you learned
Once a lesson is over, ask someone to record you doing any choreography or practice assignments. If you record what you’re learning, you will create not only a reference for yourself later, but a way to track your progress!

5.     Practice your patience
Lastly, and most importantly, be patient with yourself, your teachers, and your family. This is a tricky time for all of us, but it’s also a time when we can all practice having grace for each other. Pray for one another, encourage each other, and take it one day at a time. Sooner than you know, we can all be on stage dancing for an audience again. When that day comes, it will be sweeter because of the work and time you put in now!

 Bonus tips for parents:

We know that this is a challenging time for you and your kids. We are here with you! While this season is tough, dance can be an outlet and something comforting for all kids. To help encourage students who may be having a tough time adjusting to learning dance online, consider these ideas to make dance a family activity — we’ve seen them work wonders!

●      Ask your students about their lesson and what they are working on.

●      Ask them to teach you or their siblings something fun.

●      Try playing freeze dance together. This can be a way to bond and grow as a family!

●      Give them an audience. For younger or shy students, sharing steps with siblings or parents may be a bit much. Instead, have them set up a stuffed animal audience! They can dance with their fuzzy friends, or play dance teacher afterward to share what they’ve learned.

 However your back-to-dance looks this season, we’re excited you’re part of the Turning Pointe family. We can’t wait to watch our students blossom and grow in His name!

Turning Pointe’s Top Five Reasons to Head Back to Dance

To say the least, 2020 has been full of surprises. At a time when back-to-school activities usually take center stage, families across the country are instead coping with cancelations, contemplating comfort levels for in-person schooling, learning to balance a hybrid schedule or trying on the hat of homeschool teacher or virtual learning assistant for the very first time. No matter what your fall looks like this year, read on to see why heading back to dance is a safe and healthy way to restore a sense of normalcy.

1. We’re a Safer Studio™

Unlike schools, which have students in their buildings for 40+ hours per week, well over half of our students are in the studio for just 45 minutes per week (that's less than 2 percent of the time they would spend in school). With all the uncertainty surrounding activities this season, Turning Pointe families can rest assured knowing that our studio is doing everything possible to ensure students have a happy, healthy and safe return to classes. With several policies in place, including full compliance with the city’s mask and physical distancing orders, limited class sizes, continuous parent communication, facility and circulation adjustments, hospital grade air filters and enhanced cleaning/hygiene procedures, students and families can expect a safe and sanitary space to learn and grow. Want to know more? Click here for complete information on our current COVID policies.

 On the fence about returning to in-person classes? This season, Turning Pointe is excited to offer five ways to learn dance:

●      In-person group classes
●      In-person solo or small group classes (as space is available)
●      Virtual solo lessons
●      Virtual small group lessons
●      Twirl Online

 Sign up for any of these options here, or check out our pricing guide to find the right fit. (Virtual lessons can also be 30 or 45 minutes for younger students and the price will be adjusted!)

2. Worship Together - Even When We’re Apart

Whether you’re joining us online or in person, each month, Turning Pointe’s teachers and staff will continue to share a word and a passage of scripture with each class, creating a studio-wide focus rooted in His word. When presented with situations that affect the whole world, we encourage our students to remember He’s got the whole world in His hands. Each class not only provides quality dance instruction, but fellowship, prayer and encouragement built in to our monthly Biblical focus, allowing us to praise His name together, even when we’re apart or physically distanced.

 Check back with To the Pointe Blog & News all season long for helpful Bible study and devotional notes related to each month’s focus to continue your spiritual growth outside of class, or to reinforce your student’s memory verse (or Fruit of the Spirit for Twirl classes).

 3. Restore Structure

 We’re not sure about you, but for us, 2020 has seemed like a bit of a blur. In a time when days and weeks seemingly run together, dance can restore structure by providing students and families with schedule and routine in a safe, compliant way (see point one above). With quarantine and summer days in rearview, moving forward with the sense of control and organization that scheduled activities provide can decrease stress, increase productivity and lead to better daily habits surrounding physical and mental health, especially in times of uncertainty.

 Want to know what else dance can do for you? Check out Turning Pointe’s look at the Top 10 Health Benefits of Dance here.

 4. Restore Focus

 Along with a return to daily routine, dance can restore focus and provide an outlet for safe physical activity. With many of our city’s schools taking on virtual or hybrid learning platforms this year, Turning Pointe students can enjoy designated time to move their bodies, exercise their minds and reap the benefits of dance in-studio or through one of our virtual class options. Studies have shown that dance not only boosts brain power, but also improves mood, increases memory and supports motor, emotional and intellectual brain function, refreshing students and increasing the focus they need to succeed in this unique time of adjustment.

 Feeling like there’s too much to focus on this season? Check out Turning Pointe’s Top 10 Ways to Avoid “Fall Overwhelm” here.

 5. Have Fun

 Let’s face it — dancing is fun! Whether this season marks your first class or your 10th year, our goal is to have each student leave the studio or log off from class with a renewed sense of joy and a passion for dance by cultivating hearts of worship and nurturing creativity. Take a break from the stress of the times and enjoy some time simply praising His name with dance.

 We are so excited to host you for fall programs this year! Click here for more information, including the full school year schedule, class descriptions, dress code requirements and more. Enrollment is now open for new and returning students. Sign up today — classes begin September 8!

The Scoop on “Newsies”

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! STARZ Theater Company is bringing “Newsies” to the Shockley-Zalabak Theater, January 24-26 at the ENT Center for the Arts!

Based on the Walt Disney film of the same name, “Newsies” the musical depicts the real-life newsboy strike of 1899 in New York City, anchored by rebellious newsboy Jack Kelly’s dream of starting a life as an artist outside the city.

“It’s epic,” STC Producer Carmen Swank said. “It’s an epic story based on historical events. The newsies strike literally turned the thought process and perspective of an entire generation. Those newsies pointed a light on some of the abuses of young people just trying to help their families and scraping by all too often.”

Likewise, STC hopes to point a light and have an impact through their season, partnering locally with Twain Elementary, a Title 1 school in Colorado Springs, and globally with Exodus Road, a non-profit that works to rescue children from human trafficking. In addition to serving others through these initiatives, internally, STC has worked to build up its students by encouraging them to find their voice, tell their story and carry His banner — not to mention the extensive stage training and experience each student gains through putting on a performance of this magnitude.

“We have never taken on choreography like what you’re going to see in this show,” Swank said. “It’s off the charts what these kids are learning to do, especially some of these tap numbers. ‘King of New York’ is going to blow everyone’s mind.”

A production six months in the making, STC’s rendition of “Newsies” will feature acrobatics, singing, acting, and dance, plus a five-tier, 4,000 pound steel set rigged with hydraulics. Each costume has been custom made to echo the look and feel of the original Broadway version, with Kelly’s signature blue featured alongside counterpart Katherine Plumber’s classic pink ensembles. While each piece of the production gives a nod to the original “Newsies” stage show, STC promises to deliver an “epic” experience all their own.

“I think the Broadway musical had one kid in their whole show, and we’re a student company, which has been awesome and challenging all at once,” Swank said. “The score was written for adult voices. It’s been a leap at times, and we’ve had to really work with our cast and with the score to make it work for our voices, but our kids have really stepped up and risen to the challenge. As far as choreography, technically speaking, we’re comparable to the Broadway show. We’ve studied the show, even though, because of licensing, we can’t use their exact choreography. There are pieces we can pull, but the choreography has to be original.”

“It’s a high-caliber show, and we give a new take on it. It has the same essence, but with our own unique quality. It’s going to be fun. It’s a really fun show.”

With five chances to watch, this production is sure to make headlines! Tickets and information are available at STARZTheater.org.

On Our Hearts: January

Cultivate
Verb

1. To promote or improve the growth of (a plant, crop, etc.) by labor and attention.

2. To develop or improve by education or training; train; refine:

3. To promote the growth or development of (an art, science, etc.); foster.

“For as the soil makes the spout come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.”  — Isaiah 61:11

Each month, Turning Pointe’s teachers and staff share a word and a passage of scripture with each class, creating a studio-wide focus rooted in His word. This month, as we begin a new year and a new decade, Turning Pointe is committed to investing in our students and cultivating hearts of worship in the studio and throughout the Colorado Springs community.

While a new year on the calendar marks a new season of growth, it also marks the halfway point of the dance year. As we look to the remaining months with hope and joy, we also celebrate the seeds planted and the work done in the months that kicked off the season.

“Now this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” — 2 Corinthians 9:6

In September, Turning Pointe began 2019-20 classes during Hunger Action Month, successfully collecting and donating more than 50 lbs. of food for Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado. October brought participation from Turning Pointe leadership, staff and families to celebrate CityServe, a COS I Love You initiative that saw 4,100 volunteers performing acts of service at 186 project sites through 66 church partnerships to shine His light throughout the city of Colorado Springs.

“From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” — Ephesians 4:16  

During Fidèle Youth Dance Company’s November performance of “Out of Egypt,” the Turning Pointe performance company raised more than $680 for All Things Possible Ministries—a Victor Marx charity that provides faith-based trauma relief to children and families in the war-torn regions of the Middle East. Throughout December, Turning Pointe held a donation drive headed by STARZ Theater Company to collect winter gear for the Community Closet at Twain Elementary (a Title 1 school that serves low income students, many of whom are affected by financial hardships and incarcerated parents or caregivers), and Turning Pointe’s Training Division visited with and performed a repertoire of Christmas dances for the residents of Brookdale Vista Grande and Windsong, two assisted living centers that neighbor our studio.

As we continue to invest in our students and our community, Turning Pointe remains committed to fully developing the artistic skills and talents of our students in an atmosphere that is glorifying to God, and encouraging our students to use their gifts to bless others in our community and beyond. As we move forward to develop and build on the seeds planted thus far, we invite you to join us in prayer over the new year as the Lord continues to cultivate growth in our students, staff and leadership.

For more information about upcoming outreach initiatives, follow Turning Pointe on Facebook and Instagram, and don’t forget to read your monthly Turning Pointe Newsletter!

On Our Hearts: December

Joy

Noun
The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation

 Verb
To feel joy; be glad; rejoice

 “The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in Him and He helps me. My heart leaps for JOY, and with my song I praise Him.”                                                             

            — Psalm 28:7

 Each month, Turning Pointe’s teachers and staff share a word and a passage of scripture with each class, creating a studio-wide focus rooted in His word. This month, we’re celebrating the Christmas season with JOY!

 Experience the JOY at Turning Pointe!

 Even though the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is in full swing, there are plenty of ways to experience the JOY at Turning Pointe this month!

 Christmas Programs are being held December 2-7 in the Pirouette and Chaine Studios, December 9-14 in the Fouette, Soutenu, and Pique Studios. All programs are the last 10-15 minutes of normal class time on the assigned week. Come and see what our students have been learning and working so hard to showcase, and celebrate the JOY of the season with us!

 Want to share the JOY of Turning Pointe? December 16-21 is Free Trial Week! Students (both new and current) can try any class for free all week long. Have friends or family members who want to give Turning Pointe a try? This is the perfect week to shine! Participants can sign-in at the front desk before trying a class, then experience the JOY of dance with us.

 Help us spread the warmth and bring JOY to our community by making a donation to our Winter Clothing Drive! We’re collecting hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves for Twain Elementary’s Community Closet (boys and girls ages 5-11 in kindergarten through 5th grade). Make a donation in the Turning Pointe lobby December 1-21 (look for the red and green sign)!

 May the God of hope fill you with JOY and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

                                                                                                                        — Romans 15:13

Performance Preview: Out of Egypt

Fidèle Youth Dance Company presents “Out of Egypt,” an original production based on the book of Exodus, Saturday, November 16 at 2 and 6 p.m., and Sunday, November 17, at 2 p.m. at Mitchell High School. Tickets are available at the door, or in advance at www.TutuTix.com/TurningPointeSchoolofDance.

 
Creating “Out of Egypt”
As told by Fidèle Youth Dance Company Creative Director Bree Mielke

 
And the Lord said: I have seen the oppression of My people in Egypt, and have heard their cry... and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians.

          — Exodus 3:7-8

 
"As far back as I can remember, my favorite Biblical characters have always been Joseph, Moses, and Daniel. I read their stories repeatedly, and I still love to hunt down archeological articles, radio dramas, sermons, documentaries, novels, anything even remotely related to them. I’m captivated by the way each of these men -two of them at very young ages learned to be courageous by trusting the Lord completely, and were used in powerful ways because they were faithfully looking to Him.

 During most of my childhood, I was fascinated with all things Egyptian history, since Moses and Joseph lived out much of their stories in ancient Egypt. I even started trying to learn to read and write hieroglyphics, though I never got terribly far with that.

 I was also already in love with dance. My mom describes our home decor style from those years as something like Wide Open Space For Dancing-Classic. We had a giant CD and record collection, and one record had a stage musical-style take on the story of Joseph; so I spent hours and hours dancing to and dramatically miming my favorite songs from that one on repeat in the living room. (Of course usually dressed in fabulous blanket-and-fabric toga gowns I’d created.)

 Then when I was about 6 years old, I saw my first in-theater movie. I was instantly captivated by Dreamworks’ The Prince of Egypt, playing out in one of my favorite settings, about one of my favorite people. And I couldn’t quite grasp what moved me so deeply about that beautiful scene when God speaks to Moses from the Burning Bush.

 Not only is the story of Moses very well told, especially coming from secular filmmakers (and amazingly without trying to downplay or explain away the hand of God in the story!), but Hans Zimmer’s incredible score completely captured my little dancer heart.

 Once I got the soundtrack, The Prince of Egypt and that Joseph record were turned on to dance to constantly, for hours on end through the next years. Sometimes I’d choreograph a little of what was in my head for The Burning Bush; things that reminded me of the golden angelic creatures the Lord later told Moses to craft on the top of the Arc of the Covenant.

 Most often I’d dramatically choreograph “Deliver Us,” complete with props and costumes and fabric, cast my dancer friends in parts, then invite them over and try to get my grand imagination to come out in a full performance on my parents’ wide-open bedroom floor. Unfortunately my friends were never as enthusiastic about it as I was, but getting dressed up in my colorful layered fabric-togas was still fun, even if we didn’t get far in the planned performance. And I’d try it again another time. Once my little brother was old enough to join in, I made him a pleated reversible tunic out of an oversized t-shirt, complete with detachable accessories, so he could be little Aaron and then switch to little Moses. (I’m pretty sure I also put him in a laundry basket as baby Moses several times when he was smaller.) He was happy to join in, and my sister was always game and loved dancing as little Miriam.

 Over the years, I wondered occasionally how I could put the full story of the Exodus on stage. I saw one smaller dance company do a show based on The Prince of Egypt once, but nothing that captured what I was picturing. I still loosely choreographed and thought through scenes in my head, but there it stayed.

 Last fall we were talking through ideas for Fidèle’s 2019 season, and I felt prompted to suggest this long-dormant idea, just in case. When Mimi and Tina were all for it, I was definitely surprised. And a little stunned. It felt like it was the right time, but I suddenly wasn’t sure I was ready to pull this massive project together.

 Around December I dove in headfirst. Sifting through notes and ideas, finding and arranging and cutting music, thinking through sets and costumes, bouncing ideas off my wonderful siblings and my best friend Darcie, writing the scene-by-scene script notes, choreographing (more than half in collaboration with Mimi and with Moriah Swank — I’d work with you guys on anything!), building the Burning Bush (thanks for “Bushing” with me, Mimi!), sewing some of the costumes, etc. etc... Fleshing out a dream I hadn’t really seen coming.

 So many people supported me in so many ways as I’ve invested hundreds and hundreds of hours in what has been truly a labor of love. I know I can’t thank them enough!

 Seeing this show come together has been a surreal experience. At every step, there has absolutely been no way I could take credit for anything coming about as well as it has; God’s hand has been everywhere, and any concerns I’ve had have been met with solutions I couldn’t have dreamed up or forced to happen in a million years.

 There were still moments when my heart would fall, feeling totally unsure whether any of this made sense or would work outside my own head. But those times were most quickly washed away by hearing people excitedly anticipating the story, and by these phenomenal dancers (and actors!) taking my little dream deeper and farther with their skill and passion than I could’ve hoped.

 We hope you are engaged and encouraged by our take on a portion of this enormously epic part of history. I hope you come away with a bigger picture of the power, tenderness, and patience of God, and knowing that He is not distant."

"We must tell stories the way God does, stories in which a sister must float her little brother on a river with nothing but a basket between him and the crocodiles. Stories in which a king is a coward, and a shepherd boy steps forward to face the giant. ...Stories with fiery serpents and leviathans and sermons in whirlwinds.… Stories with dens of lions and fiery furnaces… Stories with courage and crosses and redemption. Stories with resurrections."

           — N.D. Wilson

On Our Hearts: November

Gratitude:

 noun

1. The quality of feeling of being thankful.

Synonyms: Thanks, thankfulness, appreciation, gratefulness

 “And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving Thanks to God the Father through him."                                                                  

       — Colossians 3:17

Each month, Turning Pointe’s teachers and staff share a word and a passage of scripture with each class, creating a studio-wide focus rooted in His word. This month, as we cultivate hearts of gratitude, our staff sat down to share what they’re grateful for this season. Throughout November, we invite all of our Turning Pointe families to pause and to praise, giving thanks to Him for His many blessings!

 “I am so grateful for my family. It is such a gift to watch my littles grow and become friends. God is good!”                      — Miss Jennifer

 “I’m grateful for all the new people I’ve met this year and those I’m getting to know better. TP is such an amazing community of people that blesses me regularly.” — Miss Melissa

“I'm thankful for the kindness of Jesus in my weakness and for how good He makes me feel about myself.”
— Miss Sarah

 “This season, I am grateful for the ability to constantly be learning and growing, and for being surrounded by people who encourage me to grow through everything I go through.”— Miss Emma

“I am so thankful for the love, support, and encouragement I have received from my family, friends, and community.”— Miss Morgan

“I am grateful for strength; physical strength, emotional strength, mental strength and spiritual strength. Without these gifts and grace from God, I would have long since crawled into a corner!”— Miss Sara

 “I'm grateful for my friends who encourage me, pray for me, and keep me on track.”— Miss Jenner

 “I am grateful for my wonderful students and for my friends and family for supporting me through my senior year!” — Miss Emmy

 “I’m so thankful for the amazing environment we have in Turning Pointe. What a blessing it is to have such a joyful place where we can worship, learn and encourage each other in His name!” — Miss Mimi

 “I am thankful for my story with all its crazy twists and turns, and how it has crossed paths with the stories of the amazing individuals on my lead teams, my cast, my fellow TP staff members and TP families. The beauty in it all is that we are never alone in our journeys!” — Miss Carmen

 “I am thankful for our amazing Turning Pointe families, students, and staff! My life is so blessed by the beautiful community of people the Lord has brought into my life. What a gift!” — Miss Tina