The merry month of May!

Hey Kids,

This time last year I was a stress case as I prepared for the studio's annual recital, but of course it's always very exciting to see how the students progressed over the year.  On the home front we were in the middle of trying to figure out what we were going to do since my husband decided to leave his job.  Needless to say, this time last year was quite stressful.

This year, I have no classes, no recital, no older children graduating, we have big travel plans behind us and nothing until mid-June, so things are very quite this month and while I'm a bit melancholy for the hub-bub, I realize it's a gift to be relaxed and I'm gladly endulging. 

I've committed myself last night to officially joining the Irish Tour of Heaven & Earth (meaning, I spent the last of my UA Miles to get the ticket!).  Rehearsals are underway, and we'll leave June 15th.  Sara Honey will meet me over there somewhere and we are trying to work out the details.  If anyone else is over there at that time, please let me know!

I'm feeling pretty calm about the JUBILEE! reunion as one of our alumni has agreed to host the family day, but I've not heard back which day.  I've asked for Thursday or Friday (July 28 or 29).   I've also put out a note about 1st show on Thursday, July 28th.  I thought about 2nd show as we could go out later, but Jerri reminded me that most locals have kids/jobs and won't want to stay out late, so I took her advice.

I'm calling Randy & Diane this week to let them know what is happening.  Brooke Brown said it's probably better to see if Randy can get us the tickets at this point.  They are $15 which I think is totally reasonable.  Crazy Horse was 25 Euro for dancers and Kimberly is friends with the stage manager!  So, I don't think we can complain. 

Shannon Hardin sent an email and posted an invite on FB for Golden Rainbow.  If I was in Vegas, I'd love to do it, it sounds like a great time, especially if you never had the opportunity to perform in a Golden Rainbow event: 

Golden Rainbow Alumni Opening Number

Sunday, June 26, 2011 at 1:00pm

Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, June 26, 2011 1pm

 

Don't forget, we'll be sharing our July 28th-30th weekend with S&R performers, so if you know folks from both, please send them this link!   For S&R info please contact Kimberly Shelton either on FB or leave her a message on here!  

 

After I speak with Diane & Randy I'll let you all know if there is anything new to report.  Apparently it's the same ol' same ol'---SECRET.  

I hope that you are all enjoying yourselves and see you in July!  Love to hear from you at any time!

Cindy/Cynthia

PARIS IN THE THE SPRING

Hey Kids (as Fluff would say)

Do any of you remember that optical illusion?  There was a sign that said that and then it noted that 99% of the population won't notice the extra "the"!   Well, after last week, I would say that I probably wouldn't have noticed either.  The weather was something straight out of an bohemian oil painting with everything blooming, people strolling, relaxing, enjoying life and springtime that only the city of Paris can  take to ethereal levels.

I'd like to tell you that we talked about the Jubilee! reunion, but that would be lying.  Well, OK, it was mentioned.  Sara Honey said she absolutely can't make July, but I told her that that's pretty much when most people are expecting it.  I think that the time we had time in Paris was just as wonderful!  As it turns out, she will most likely meet me in Wales and then I'll return with her to London to fly back home.  It'll be a very short meeting, but being able to see friends whenever we can is a gift and we just need to take the opportunity when it comes.  This much is for sure, the time is never long enough.

I'm planning on the LAST WEEK OF JULY.  Angelia seems to have found a park that would be good for all of us as it seems to have some sort of fountain or something that the kids or adults can cool off in!  Also, if we are just a few people, we could probably all come to our time share and the pool. That way, if people want to go in and cool off they can.  Anyway, as I'm driving to Canada tomorrow I will call Angelia and see what sort of info for the park she's come up with.  Her idea of everyone bringing their own food is my vote (ie, Subway, drinks, etc).   At this point then, we'll have a FAMILY DAY and then go to one of the shows one of the evenings.  The family day can be on Friday when the current cast is off or we can do it in addition.  If we have kids with us, they'll want extra time at the park anyway.

It's amazing we still have no official news from Bally's but at this point, I could care less!  After this last week in Paris and meeting the people who really made an effort to get together with us, that is really what it's all about.  

I'm going to already go ahead and ask some current cast members to see how many tickets they can get for Thursday, July 28th, second show.  Can we all stay up that late??  If we can do Moulin Rouge and Crazy Horse at mid-night, we can do 10PM ish! 

I'm off to my first traditional Indian wedding!  I'm so excited! I wish I'd had some time to look at some Bollywood moves, but alas, I'll just have to try and fake it, ha!

Much love to all of you and yours!  Cindy/Cynthia

Mini Reunion in Paris Aptil 19-27, 2011

Hi all!


It's great that folks are starting to comment.  Angelia, thank you so much for finding that information about the parks.  If you could call or check the web-site for us, that would be great and thanks!  Kimberly, also thanks for posting the Siegfried & Roy agenda.  Maybe folks would like updates when you receive them.

Since Bally's set the date as July 30th and S&R is also that weekend,  some people have told me they feel it's best if we do it before so we don't interfere with their happenings.

(PLEASE NOTE:  our unofficial date has not been set.  I'm sorry if the previous blog about the Bally's date of July 30th was confusing.  BTW--info from inside sources tell me that they still have nothing more than the date!).


On Tuesday, April 19, Kimberly Shelton, Sara Honey and I will all meet up in Paris!   While we are there, we'll meet with current and past LIDO & Moulin Rouge dancers and their growing families.  We will surely be discussing the Jubilee! reunion.  I will have my SKYPE set up  (cpbeschel is how you find me), so if any of you would like to talk to us, we'd love to talk to you too!  One of the nights I will be spending with Bricky, when she's off from the LIDO and won't be on there, but the rest of the week you'll find us! 


I'm continuing to get input/info via FB, I'm still trying to get those folks to post their great ideas!  So, next time you think of sending me a note about the reunion, please think about posting it.  I appreciate all of you and will write to you from the original "City of Light" (although, I now think that title more aptly describes Vegas).  


Love to all,   Cindy/Cynthia

Jubilee! reunion: Bally's date set to July 30th

Hey all,

thanks to Donna's post on FB (head dresser), she mentioned the new Pier costumes for the 30th Anniversary, July 30th!  So, we have the date, even if was obtained in a round about way.

I assumed it would be then anyway from the few insiders I've talked to.  Again, it works for a few folks that have done both Jubilee! & Siegfried & Roy.  

So, let's start putting in our thoughts for things around that date.  For me, as a traveler, it's still cheaper to avoid the weekend, unless it's a Sunday, but of course, I realize that may not be possible.

I still think Holly's comment about having a BBQ sounds good.  Now, we just need someone on the Vegas side to find a place with a shelter and reserve it.  Any takers?  If we have to pay a reservation fee, of course we will split the difference.  

Honestly, I think the BBQ would be the best time.  It's casual, family will be there and we can just relax and not shout over slot machines or bar noise.  Anyone agree to that?  We could make that the MAIN EVEN, then those that want to go to the show that night or another can be arranged as well.  (That said, it'll have to be a Friday for those current folks??  Donna, Diane, Anthony, Brooke, Steve, Julie, etc.--KIMBERLY--please let us know when the BBQ is for S&R!)

Please make some suggestions!  I just see that as the most basic for everyone.  Hope to hear from you!  

Vacation is waiting....love to all!  Cindy/Cynthia

What's Next?

Bonjour a tous! 

The show was a success beyond all of our imaginations.  There is some bible verse that states: An Unexpected Adventure....forgive me, I suppose I could research which book it's from, but you get my idea.
 
Unfortuantely, very few photos turned out due to bad lighting, sigh.  I've posted a few on FB.

Tomorrow, Friday, we take off for San Antonio, Texas.  We'll be driving roughly 1,000 miles, one way.  We will be down there until April 15th and then we have to make a flying trip home so that I can leave for Paris by the 19th!  It's going to be tight since it will probably take 2-2.5 days to get back. 

I've sent Diane another mail for an update, but she's not responded.  Also, it's up in the air about whether or not I go to Ireland with Heaven & Earth.  Right now, the production is not slotted for dancers in the EU tour  but I'm working on that!  So, if I go, it'll be around the 3rd week of June.

Angelia mentioned that Golden Rainbow is end of June, but since she didn't post it  (take heed all those with great ideas but not posting them!), we didn't really get any feed back.  I don't mind doing it then, so we could watch Golden Rainbow as well, but until I get some feed back...!  As it would interfere with Ireland, I won't support end of June at this point unless it works for most.


I talked to Holly Dexter, who was talking to Michelle (can't spell her maiden name) Gaftoi and they were saying they should have a Jubilee! BBQ, she told Michelle to organize it, and so it never happened.  That seems to be the whole attitude.  Everyone wants something to happen, but no one wants to follow through.

I will be doing a bit more research (digging for info/gossip) on this road trip.  In Paris, I will have help from Kimberly and Sara and we will nail this puppy down!

Have a great weekend!  Love to all,  Cindy/Cynthia

Heaven & Earth: Celtic Mass => SOLD OUT, BUT.... (read on)

For all the folks that had intended to come to the show and could not get tickets because it was sold out, GOOD NEWS:

It was decided to allow admission at the filming/dress rehearsal AT 2.30PM,  SATURDAY APRIL 2nd!!!

Here is how it will work:

• $10.00 suggested donation per person regardless of age.
• Seating between 2:00 and 2:25. NO ADMITTANCE AFTER THIS TIME.
• Make your donation at the south welcome desk in the narthex
• Entry to the sanctuary will be by the south side door of the narthex.
• NO YOUNG CHILDREN. IPTV WILL BE RECORDING
• NO INTERMISSION.

WHERE? First Christian Church, 25th and University in Des Moines

WHEN? April 2nd starting @ 2.30pm (remember: no seating after 2.25pm, because of IPTV recording)

HEAVEN & EARTH: one week countdown!

bonjour a tous!

I've now entered the one week countdown to my "coming out of retirement" show and I'm a mess.  My perimenopausal brain has left my memory crippled and insecure.  Usually, when I'm in a show, it's pretty easy to lose a few extra pounds.  I'm actually trying hard and while I'm getting into shape, I'm not really losing weight.  I've never considered doing a "Natalie Portman diet,"  I could almost go there this week, but I don't even know how to do a drastic weight loss...I guess that's a good thing...?  Anyway, for the average person, I'm in pretty good shape, ha!

Anyway, most of the stress comes from doing solos.  I've never been a soloist and I find it crazy that  now, at this age, that's what I'm doing, and a lot of it to boot.  I was glad to see that a few other dancers my age have also come out of retirement recently at the "Lido Tour goes to Moscow," a couple of weeks ago.  I saw that one of the dancers, two kids later, who started with me, actually looks BETTER than she did when we were starting the LIDO.   A new genre of dancer is emerging and it's so exciting.  They realize now they can have a family, age, and still enjoy dancing.  I'm a bit jealous that this wave didn't start 10 years ago when I thought at 33, "oh, I'm getting too old to do this anymore."  I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling that way (if you are reading this). 

I'm sorry I've not done anymore for the reunion.  I promise that I'll get back in the mode.  Even as I apologize, I'll be honest that no one else is coming up with anything either!

Kimberly, Sara and I have all of our logistics worked out for Paris.  We'll be staying with another fellow dancer the first two days and catching up with 2 more during that time (the Moulin Rouge group).  After Sara arrives, we'll then move to the Bastille area (where she and I stayed this summer during the LIDO reunion) and then we'll see some LIDO  & Crazy Horse friends.  I'm excited to see the Crazy after so many years.  The one and only time we saw it was when our friend Stacey Shea (SNude, Jubilee '94 started with Angelia and myself) was there for a few months before she got bored to death. 

Ok, I look forward to hearing from any of you out there! 

Dancers Dance,  love, Cynthia