Matilde was on stage at the Warner Theater in Washington Ballet's Nutcracker as a bumblebee last Saturday. Despite her very brief appearance on stage, there have been several months of week-end rehearsals run with military precision. The professional ballerinas and the flamboyant artistic director created hours of fun and entertainment for the aspiring little girls. There are some 90 kids from the ballet school in each show (and there are five different casts). Parents have lived in fear of getting a rehearsal time wrong, let alone being late or forgetting one. Meanwhile Matilde is in awe of the big boss in charge of the Nutcracker running up to him and hugging him - to which he replies "ciao bumblebee Matilde!"
Matilde is at the beginning of the second act, as the sugar plum fairies are finishing their dance and there is a slight change in the music, on skip these four little blue and yellow bumblebees, to much laughter from the audience. They then proceed to wiggle their bottom (their stingers!). Hilarious. In my unbiased opinion I would have to agree with the Washington Post's review:
The students from the Washington School of Ballet are delightful, and there is no end to their cuteness.
We had seen a preview performance at a small theater in South East Washington during the Thanksgiving week-end but last Saturday the theater was packed, the full set was up and the excitement backstage was palpable. I volunteered to help keep the younger ones entertained while they waited for their turn to get dressed and made up - an ulterior motive to get a photo. And here are some.
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| bumblebee make-up |
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| the bumblebee dressing room. |
Meanwhile out front was Grandfather Peter, loving every minute. Grandfather-of-the-year award truly goes to Peter. Despite the snow in England he had flown in the night before to see his granddaughter on stage (and returned to London on Monday). More impressive still, he had only got arrived back in London from a trip to India the day before that. Between them, Peter and Janie have seven children and ten grandchildren who reside in Scotland, England, Frankfurt, Australia and Washington DC. Between last week-end and the end of January they will have visited them all, in all of those places - some of us are lucky enough to receive a royal visit twice!
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| patiently waiting backstage for their moment! |
And the car? Well in short, my mommy-van is no more, it was sandwiched between an SUV and a Fedex truck from behind on Saturday morning. The girls and I were very shocked but we are now totally fine. All those times I have sounded like a broken record "have you got your seat belts on?" were worthwhile. And as a result, I may never have to say it again, they are now very quick at fastening their belts.
As we approach the Christmas period we are grateful for many things. 2010 has been a good year. Isabella's health remains stable, she is full of energy. Her hair is growing, thick strong and very blonde. Both girls are doing well at school and are very happy. We have had some wonderful adventures this past year: skiing, Disney World and our European extravaganza. I am sure that 2011 will bring new adventures and surprises. Until then we are happy to celebrate the season with friends and family here in DC. The next MRI will be the end of January. We will update you then, if not before!
With very best wishes to you all.
Buon natale,
Emma & Gregorio. xxx
