Beautiful, sunny Southern California... I finally get to sink my toes into some sand!
I’ve been on a break since the Summer Intensive and have been experiencing what it’s like to be a normal kid during summer! I’ve been to the pool a few times, seen old friends that I went to school with, and have spent a lot of time with my family, which I love because I miss them so much throughout the year when I’m away! But approaching my last week of vacation, I can honestly say I’ve been feeling pretty antsy to get back to the city I love and the ballet school I love even more. It’s always hard during the summer to find open classes to take ballet, but I’ve been pretty lucky that there are a lot of ballet schools in Southern California that offer classes. But there is nothing like dancing in San Francisco, so needless to say I’m very anxious to get back! The School starts again on Monday, meaning the second floor will be packed once again with all of the students and faculty. I’m also looking forward to finding out all that Jean-Yves has planned for the Trainees this year and what repertoire he has chosen for us to begin rehearsing.
My cousin got married this summer and I got to be a bridesmaid!
Besides getting back to rehearsing with the Trainees, I’m also extremely excited because I have been asked to go to China this year with the Company to perform Swan Lake along with a few other girls from the School/Trainee program. Words can’t even begin to describe how much I am looking forward to everything that this trip will offer. I still can’t even believe that I’m going. I feel like it won’t hit me until I am actually sitting on the plane enduring the 14+ hour flight ahead!
On another note, lately I’ve been finding myself watching way too many YouTube videos of dancers all over the world. There is so much you can learn from watching another dancer; especially professional dancers who, in my eyes, have reached a level of perfection some people say can’t even be reached in ballet. But out of all the videos, I always find myself watching ones from dancers in this company and that is when it hits me: I realize how lucky we are here at the San Francisco Ballet School. We don’t have to watch the videos online, but we can merely walk up two flights of stairs where we are given the privilege to watch the dancers we idolize in person. I find myself on the 4th floor a lot because I am truly inspired after I watch the Company in rehearsals. I’m easily awed by their artistry, footwork, and strength, and they inspire me to want to work harder each day.
Sarah Van Patten is one of my favorite dancers to watch in rehearsal. Here she is rehearsing Tudor's Jardin Aux Lilas. (© Erik Tomasson)
4 Comments
Wonderfully worded by an obviously exceptional student and a grateful one to boot! Thank you for sharing these delightful comments with us fans of Open Studio 455!
My family admires Jordan. She is an exquisite young dancer. She is talented but humble about it. I greatly admire that. Best wishes to her. We are thrilled for her and the other trainees that were selected to go on the China tour! Enjoy this special experience.
Thank you so much for all your kind words! It definitely made my day!
I have enjoyed Jordan’s blogs so much. She is a talented writer as well as a wonderful ballet star! So happy that the SF Ballet could go to China and perform. I am sure everyone was a total success and much credit goes to all the participants. Keep up the great work, Jordan! We all love you and love to watch your progress!