Doris R

About the pins -- although my "dancing daughter" does not collect them, several years ago I started picking them up at flea markets, antique malls, e-bay, etc. I have a small collection now from which to chose when I want to wear one (which I usually do to a performance), and keep them displayed in a glass topped table. My favorite is probably a silver ballerina in a romantic tutu -- about two inches long. I also have one with "stones" that is a man supporting a woman that is another favorite. I own about 20 now and I love them!

Our daughter was only fourteen and we were guests at a wedding of friends. When we were leaving the ballroom after dinner an older couple stopped us and asked if she was a dancer -- they said they could tell by the way she carried herself.

I think it must be all that pulling up from center they tell them from the first time they put on the little pink shoes and stand at the barre. They really do have beautiful posture -- even when they're sitting.

You didn't say if your friend is a child, teen or adult.

My daughter is in her early twenties and a good gift in that price range could be a pretty pair of drop earrings, or clips for her hair, or a nice scarf. There are good books of ballet photos too.

If you are thinking of something to help her relax her aching muscles, bath oil and candles are nice.

If she's younger, there are many wonderful stuffed ballerinas -- cats, bears, even cows and frogs!

I like to sit "in the tenth row" best I guess. You are close enough to see the expression and the detailing in the costuming and sets.

But if I am fortunate enough to see the same show twice, I like to sit up a level. You get an entirely different perspective from above. You can really see the patterns and I tend to really watch the entire ballet not focus on only one dancer.

If I'm stuck in the "cheap seats" up more than two levels, I carry a small pair of binoculars in my purse and zoom in to see expression and details when I want.

I took my mother to see Sleeping Beauty on Mother's Day. We were in the fourth row orchestra. My mom is in her seventies and she loved it. I prefer to be back a little further.

My daugher is currently doing Sleeping Beauty, her variation is called "The Fairy Grace" in this production. Its the first variation. An intresting sidenote -- she didn't know that her great-grandmother's name was Grace.

Dm -- what is it with Baltimore? We have touring companies bringing in Broadway shows all season long, and incredible symphony, wonderful art museums, but for some reason ballet just "doesn't take" here. Washington Ballet used to do a season at Goucher years ago -- but they didn't have enough interest to continue. I don't know why a city of this size cannot support a ballet company. Its a shame really.

And I agree with the other poster that it is amazing how few people have actually seen a ballet, and they think all ballet is tutus and tiaras. They are missing so much!

What wonderful posts! I myself do not boo, (nor hiss I have a slight lisp and this would sound really terrible!) But as I said in the "Bravo" posts I smile and applaud loud and long when I'm pleased, so I applaud politely and try to afix a proper facial expression when I'm not.

What wonderful posts! I myself do not boo, (nor hiss I have a slight lisp and this would sound really terrible!) But as I said in the "Bravo" posts I smile and applaud loud and long when I'm pleased, so I applaud politely and try to afix a proper facial expression when I'm not.

How many times have I seen (in youthful competitions especially)a girl doing a lovely lyrical dance and lifting her leg to the point that her flowing costume loses all of its beauty?

I admit I do like high extensions -- I find them very impressive, but I have to agree that sometimes they just don't "fit".

How many times have I seen (in youthful competitions especially)a girl doing a lovely lyrical dance and lifting her leg to the point that her flowing costume loses all of its beauty?

I admit I do like high extensions -- I find them very impressive, but I have to agree that sometimes they just don't "fit".

Several years ago I was in a hand-crafted card shop looking for an appropriate gift for my daughter -- they had a delightful card with "bravo!" printed on it. I asked if they had anything with "Brava!" and was told by the owner that there was no such thing -- just bravo. I didn't argue -- but I didn't buy his card either. (By the way, I just clap loudly and smile broadly.)

Several years ago I was in a hand-crafted card shop looking for an appropriate gift for my daughter -- they had a delightful card with "bravo!" printed on it. I asked if they had anything with "Brava!" and was told by the owner that there was no such thing -- just bravo. I didn't argue -- but I didn't buy his card either. (By the way, I just clap loudly and smile broadly.)

My daughter used to do competetive Highland Dancing -- there were dancers from all kinds of backgrounds (although most are of Celtic descent) The first few times I saw a very Celtic name and a little Korean or Vietnamese child came out to compete caught me off guard. But our shared heritage is as much that of their adoptive parents as that they were born into.

On the other hand, my fair-haired freckled-nosed dancing daughter studied Arnis (Phillopino Stick Fighting) until she became too busy with her dance studies, and was a Junior Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do!

Mr. Dow was associated for a short time with the Washington Ballet in the early 90's too. I don't remember what title his position was -- maybe Ballet Master? I know Mary Day was still AD. I have a wonderful picture of him backstage arranging my daughter's costume during a Nutcracker rehearsal.

I have been wondering about the Canterna girls myself lately. I know Ashley must still be a student, but what about Adrienne? Its like she's dropped out out sight. I know her mother wasn't too keen on her moving away from home after she finished her schooling, but the last time I spoke with her was about two years ago. Does anyone have a recent update? (By the way, Ashley is the one who makes me cry, she puts her whole soul into her dancing.)

My daughter has been fortunate enough to work with Miss Farrell on several occasions. I don't think there is anyone she admires more.