Prosser School of Ballet

Last night was a fun class. I found a new song and was very inspired to create a new dance for my Friday Advanced class. It is a small class of 7 kids, and only 4 were there last night. The new dance depicts a battle, and so there are several moves that need to be made, a lot of partnering...we had fun collaborating to come up with some great things. It's fun to work with kids with different talents. I had some putting their tumbling experience to good use, and others taking after their teacher by coming up with physically impossible stunts. We were all sweating by the time it was over, but it made me happy to see the girls inspired by and excited about the dance. I'm terrifically excited about recital this year. The kids are really into it. It's kind of a "relaxing" year after Swan Lake. I think the dances are just as difficult, if not more so, but the girls just love doing something a little different- and I do as well. -Miss Nicole

I thought a Blog would be a good thing to add to the website for two reasons. First, because I think it will help new people see what we are up to and what we represent...following past entries on a Blog is a great way to do that. Secondly, I really want my ballet family to know me. While I try to remain open and friendly, there is only so much interaction that happens between myself and the parents of my students, before or after class, or through e-mails. I have a few ballet mommies on Facebook, and that's been fun, both for me to get to know them and for them to get to know me.

 A lot of people are surprised to learn that I am a shy, person by nature. It used to be nearly impossible for me to make new acquaintences by myself, and getting me to stand up and say something into a microphone was just about the toughest thing ever. Owning a business and being in many positions of leadership has helped me to overcome these difficulties in many ways. While it is still difficult for me when I meet someone for the first time, I have learned to dig up some confidence, smile, and do my best to just be myself.

 I find that writing enables me to communicate much more efficiently, and shows more of what is in my heart. I will use this blog to post my thoughts about our different events, or happy things that occur in the studio.

 For people who don't know me, I will share a little about myself. I have spent the majority of my lifetime right here in Prosser, as have my parents. We spent some time moving around the Northwest, and my parents spent the first few years of their marriage in New Hampshire as well, so I was born there. We always settled back here, though. I love this town. I was homeschooled as a child, as were my younger brother and two sisters. I took a few supplemental classes and activities at PHS, but my diploma was earned through Family Christian Academy, a homeschool-supporting organization, when I graduated in 2001. During High School, I was also involved in 4-H, FFA, Drama, and Junior Miss. I went to Yakima Valley Community College for two years and earned my AA before opening the ballet school in 2003.

 In the summer of 2004, I went on a 2-month mission trip to Zambia. It was by far, the most out-of-my-comfort-zone I have ever been, and I imagine ever will be, but it was beautiful and I loved it. I'm glad I made the decision to go, and I made many lifelong friends and memories there.

In 2006, I met and married a wonderful man named Micah. He packed up and moved across the state to be with me, and has been so supportive. He is not a dancer, nor does he have any experience in the ballet world, but I would say he has itegrated wonderfully. He has become an avid appreciator of the art, and he loves watching "our students" grow and develop into lovely dancers. Our daughter was born in October, 2007 (A month after our first anniversary) and our son was born in December, 2008. Having two children so close together was difficult, but they are the light of our lives, and we are enjoying every minute with them.

 There are many other activities I enjoy, but don't have a lot of time for them. Still, it is nice to have something fun to "escape" to when I do have a little free time. I have a small "farm" in our back yard...bunnies, mainly. Okay, my farm consists entirely of bunnies! I grew up with them and I just love them. They are the perfect pet, if you know how to care for them. I also enjoy singing, and I play the guitar (very poorly). Writing stories is also one of my favorite things. I usually type a few pages over coffee in the morning, but I have never finished a novel...yet.

Otherwise, my days generally consist of chasing my babies, typing up informational papers for ballet, planning and plotting, and attempting to keep my house clean. We live in a 100-year-old 2-bedroom house in downtown Prosser, and it is very cozy.

I hope this helps you know me a little better!