Behind the Curtain

13 hours in the theater. 6 quick changes. 3 performances. 2 dress rehearsals. All in 1 busy day.

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I glanced at the bruises forming on my feet, and my body was overcome with a state of pure exhaustion. It was my eleventh hour in the theater, and I stood behind the curtain listening to the constant murmur of the crowd as they made their way to their seats. The final show of “The Little Mermaid” was about to begin, and I was minutes away from tackling another ballet with the very little energy that I had left. It is expected that every performance has the same quality, and the audience deserves the same experience every show because tickets all cost the same. This is where it gets challenging and stressful for us, dancers. At the end of the day, fatigue and aching muscles must be concealed by bubbly smiles and seemingly effortless movements which is extremely difficult. I don’t think the audience ever truly realizes what actually goes on backstage, and the beauty of this art form can be very deceiving by the graceful image that we portray.

All in all, it was great to be back in the theater, but I think ballet officially kicked my butt.

What did you do this weekend? Have you had any performances recently? Are you ready for summer?

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Prom Number 2!

Thanks to my best friend, I had the most amazing opportunity to experience prom for the second time this year! She was able to get me into this event for her school, and I am overjoyed that I was able to go because I had so much fun.

From spinning in the field to singing/screaming so loud that I lost my voice for days, it honestly couldn’t have gone any better. The DJ got the whole venue thumping with good beats as glow sticks flew in the air and dramatic lighting swirled across the crowded dance floor. My wild-party spirit was released that night as I was able to truly let go of all my stress and just have fun. That rarely ever happens, so I couldn’t possibly thank her enough for the invitation!

I never imagined that I would be at another prom so soon, and I wish I could just go back and do it all over again. This is certainly one that I will remember for a very long time, and this awesome group of people really made it special. Thanks again, girly!

Prom 2019

Prom 2019 was the best night that I had in a very long time, and I am still in shock that it all actually happened. Memories still flood back as I scroll through the pictures…

Our limousine awaited us outside of the Thai restaurant, and we were all escorted downtown where a red carpet led into a club filled with dozens of chandeliers. I saw all of the elegant dresses and I couldn’t help but feel like I had entered a new world.

At first, we didn’t even know what to do with ourselves in such a fancy atmosphere, but the DJ was spinning beats that lured us all onto the dance floor, and we danced for hours screaming the lyrics to our favorite songs. Confetti flew through the air, and I honestly could not wipe a smile off my face. I reunited with old friends, spent time with close ones, and met many new ones as I embraced every moment prom 2019. Being asked to prom meant the world to me, and it is something that I will never forget. Honestly, I never would have even gone if it wasn’t for my friend, so I appreciate everything that he did to make the experience so wonderful for me.

I want to thank everyone so much for making me part of your night, and I loved hanging out with y’all. Prom 2019 is officially complete… 

The Parakeet Post #12

“God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.”

~Josiah Gilbert Holland

The Lord provides the tools that are necessary to achieve something great, but He does not just hand you success in a gift box. You must do your part by opening your heart to Him and putting in the effort to discover His chosen path for your life. In other words, he gives you seeds, but it is up to you to plant them. Once you take that step, He will nurture you and help you grow, but you must be willing to put the work in. 

Keep this in mind as you pray for your dreams and goals to become a reality… 

Yours Truly,

little Olive.

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Did you enjoy this Parakeet Post? What does this quote mean to you?

Also, you may have noticed that there have been several changes to the blog over the past few days. I decided to mix things up a bit, and this led to the addition of a header image, sidebar text updates, revised pages (available on the Menu), and the creation of a new tagline! Maysa Rose is now “the random musings of me.” Let me know what you think in the comments below, and I hope that you have a great weekend!

Sounds of Spring 2019

Spring has officially arrived, and the weather has been absolutely gorgeous for the past few days! I have been fully embracing the bright blue skies as I cruise down these roads. My hair blows in the wind, and my questionable singing skills are revealed as I occasionally catch a few glances at stoplights. I know this weather will soon become replaced by the annual storms that whip through the area, so I am going to enjoy every single moment of it. I thought I would share a few songs that I have recently added to my spring playlist for 2019, so I hope you enjoy!

• The Middle by Jimmy Eat World
• Ridin’ Roads by Dustin Lynch
• If Everyone Cared by Nickelback
• Cough Syrup by Young The Giant
• Slow Fade by Ruth B.
• Amsterdam by Imagine Dragons

What have you been listening to lately? Are you familiar with any of these artists or songs? Happy Spring!!!

Redemption

I stood backstage staring at the vibrant feather that I was about to pin back into my hair, and I began to remember January’s performance…

This was our moment of redemption.

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My bare feet slid across the stage, and my arms swayed to create abstract shapes that showcased the wonders of modern movement. It all happened so fast, and there wasn’t much time to overthink the steps that my body had instinctively began to do. I soared as high as I possibly could, and I felt like I was really able to live in the moment this time. Just like that, it all ended. Looking out into the audience, the six of us stood together and bowed our heads. The applause filled the theater, and our hearts filled with relief; we did it!

It was honor to perform with this incredibly talented group of dancers, and I am so thankful that I was chosen to be a part of this piece. It was such a wonderful opportunity, and I feel like I have grown a lot as an artist by discovering new ways to move. This piece has also inspired my own choreography because I was able to see how unusual movements develop into something truly amazing. Overall, I really loved this dance, and I hope that I have more opportunities to work with brilliant minds like the choreographer behind “Flight.” Thanks for everything!

Brand New Smile!

After two years, my treatment is finally complete, and I got a brand new smile that is even bigger than the last. As annoying as braces were, the process actually went much faster than I expected, and I cannot believe that it is finally over. I clearly remember the day that I walked into the orthodontist’s office for the very first time and learned that I had to get multiple teeth extracted before I could even begin my treatment. I remember the fear that overwhelmed me as I sat in the dentist’s office as I mentally prepared myself to get all four teeth pulled on the same day. I also remember awkwardly glancing at my new silver brackets knowing that I had twenty-two months before I saw my teeth again. Looking back, it was quite an adventure to get where I am now, but I am so thankful for every step because the result is drastic. I am so happy with this brand new smile, and I cannot thank my parents enough for all that they have done for me throughout this entire experience. Now, I just have to keep up with my retainer and wear it (I WILL!)

I just thought I would share this exciting news, and I hope that you are all having a great weekend! 🙂