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Dance because you LOVE it and don't let the lack of support deter you.

I got back into ballet because it has always been my passion to express myself through some form of performing arts. As a kid I wrote songs, stories, poems, was a gymnast, played the guitar, and did a bit of ballet. I grew up poor without financial or family support... I was an "A" student and was told that I must have a SERIOUS career and I wouldn't be allowed to go to New York City and be a starving artist.

Age should not be a deterrent. It's only a number!

The rest of my story as an adult ballet re-starter can be read at the bottom of the page. Meanwhile here are some pictures.

My inner child is 10 years old. How old is yours?

COLOR PICS

Here's the Rest of the Story....

I spent nearly 20 years working on the editorial staff of a a peer-reviewed journal. I then was a business consultant until I put myself through college graduating last August with an honors degree in Psychology. I own two businesses that I run outside of my home. One is buying and selling vintage wedding gowns as well as refurbishing old gowns with vintage materials and laces from all over the world. I also do web design and maintenance.

I remarried five years ago, after falling in love for the first time. My new husband is my best friend and nurtures and believes in my dreams. Therefore, I've been encouraged for the first time in my life to pursue my artistic side for the sheer joy of personal expression. I sing, dance, and am learning to play the piano. We also have a banjo and mandolin in the family, which I've been eyeing with interest. We have six children between us...all grown expect one. And as of February 2007, we have 7 grandchildren.

As far as my pointe shoes, first I'll describe my challenging feet! I wear an American women's size 8.5 medium to wide because of my wide fore foot. I also have a high arch, a tapered foot, 2nd toe longer than the first.

In addition, I fight pain in the ball of my feet [Morton's Neuroma] which bothers me in my aerobic exercise, but ironically not in ballet! I have many pairs of pointe shoes, but my Gaynor Minden's (GMs) are by far my favorite!

My GMs are size 9 sleeks with a number 4 box and a sleek heel. I also have a pair of Fuzi's which I will probably ditch [too wide]. I also have Pawlova's, [easy to go en pointe, but overall not comfortable] and Maya II's [new from Russia which I'm saving for when my other pointe shoes die]. The quality of my Maya IIs surpasses the CHEAP paste shoes I so often encounter. I also have a pair of Ulanova II's for sale. . . I bought the wrong size and they wouldn't take them back!

What's in Your Dance Bag?