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Lately, I’ve been feeling as if moving underwater through life and had to take a break from routine. So, I’ve been absent from here for a bit. In the interim, a friend shared with me the following film of an underwater artist. Took my breath away. One of the most beautiful presentations I’ve seen, it's proven hard not to replay it constantly. I’ve had dreams of dancing underwater, but I think my day will be in Heaven when I know I won’t drown. Interestingly, this video has helped me as a writer. More on that development will be revealed at a later time. For now, please enjoy this all-encompassing masterpiece.
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Please meet my New Adult, Paranormal Romance, Speculative, angsty novel written from a Biblical Worldview (if that is not a mouthful). Freshly published.  Elyse Magellan auditions at a dance conservatory for the elite. Privileged she is not, and so presses on by sheer determination, talent—and hopefully a great deal of luck—to get into the prestigious school and resident company. But nothing overwhelms her more than the aristocratic Gabriel Krist – the school’s accompanist and concert pianist. Not only does he possess a compelling demeanor, he looks like a god, an angel pale and beautiful. He’d like to possess her, but is it for love or something else? What others in the wings say about him is a shrouded story. His promiscuous reputation has Elyse, the innocent, on edge. That’s not the only thing that troubles her. Gabriel is…different. Something dark resides in him. She doesn’t know what it is, this thing that urges her to run, yet she can’t seem to pull away. At the same time, Gabriel is desperate for someone to find even a flicker of goodness in his cursed and heartless soul. Dare he lead this young fawn in his irreparable dance through the dark? Or does she possess the wherewithal to lead him out of the shadows and into light?
 This season, I had the privilege of donning my ballet shoes to dance with the liturgical lyrical ballet group, Solum Deum, under the direction of my friend and gifted choreographer, Tess Dempsey (two named “Tess” in one group, imagine that!). It became an interesting contrast in my mind when, in one of the dances, we represented holy angels. Considering that one of the three novels I am currently working on has to do with the Nephilim, descendants of the fallen angels, and because of that research and the fact that, often, I have to dive into dark subject matter, the elements of this dance were refreshing. A refreshing experience on many levels! I continue looking upward and forward.  Once, during my early balletic days, a director appointed me to a challenging role, instructing me to dance, said, “With attitude, Darling.” What he meant – what I learned – was to dance with complete heart, sense, and purpose; to abandon myself in that role. Since flamenco is such an individualistic art form, yet this particular discipline is still fairly new to me, I often hear those words of early advice trickle up from the deep recesses of my memory. I’m finding my voice, so to speak, my stylistic language within the flamenco context: to mean what I say. What I’ve added to my Bucket List, however, and what I yearn to do, is express flamenco in a worshipful/liturgical/Christian piece and venue. I believe in possibilities and have a vision for that day. In the meantime, here are a few pictures of my continuing, enriching education toward a flamenco dream.
I had decided a while back to come out of hibernation and take up my dance shoes again. However, my little home studio has grown dull and lifeless without community. So, I recently mused on the idea of taking a class. Aside from networking, with my past professional background in lyrical ballet, contemporary, and international styles wherein training occurred a long time ago, I could definitely use refreshers.
On a whim and to my delighted surprise, I located a Russian Gypsy/Flamenco troupe with a strong foundation in ballet currently based out of my local city, Knoxville. Directed by Olga, who not only offers classes for technique but also teaches the significance and history behind the movements and music, she provides opportunities to perform, complete with colorful costumes and beautiful expressions, capturing the hearts of audiences, through her company Sangria Dance. I found gold. After I took the first class, a conversation went along in my mind: “Well there you are, Tessa! Where have you been?” How could I possibly have retreated from the dance world like I had when I've missed it so much? I do know for certain it was high time to make a change and get back with it – and it feels great. Not only is dance good for the body, it’s nourishment for the mind and soul, too. A dancer without community or personal growth can feel depleted. I've joined the troupe, reconnecting with like-minded individuals in a setting that’s culturally vibrant and expansive. Truly, Sangria Dance is a feast of sustenance to a hungry dancer. Dance is a way of life. And as these things often go, it’ll enhance my writing, too. “We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams.”—Albert Einstein Here is another one of my favorites from So You Think You Can Dance (Season 9). Again, a few choice dancers partnered together, Alex Wong and Eliana Girard. In fact, Eliana is what I’d consider perfection in dance. I greatly admire her skill and persona. Performing a contemporary piece luminously choreographed by Stacey Tookey to Nancy Sinatra’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).” Today, I’m simply in the mood for something intense and lovely. Blisters on my feet . . . it’s been years since I’ve had blisters on my feet. Following retirement from dance my calluses have gradually softened . . . way softened. But I’ve decided to dance again – not for performance but personal sake. Gallant musician friends have whipped me into shape. Sure, my technique isn’t as sharp and my body is not nearly as flexible—but I’m not a complete loss. What I’ve learned is that “the dancer” never really leaves a dancer. It’s a passion and I’ve missed nurturing it. It simply is something that brings joy. And I’ve always delighted in the process of choreography, even—and sometimes especially—improvised. My feet are getting ugly again and that brings a certain satisfaction. For a gal in her 40’s starting over, this round of blister pain is bliss. Better than the first time.  SYTYCD has declared tomorrow, July 28, National Dance Day. It seemed only fitting to post one my favorite routines from that program, executed by my favorite pair of dancers from Season 3 to boot. “Hummingbird and the Flower.” This choreography by Wade Robson is genius. Okay, the music is not bad either. : ) |
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TESSA STOCKTON, AUTHOR -
Pressing through life, love, a few things that matter, and a lot of things that don't.
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