Debussy’s Quartet and remembering Camille Claudel

Debussy’s String Quartet in G-minor is one of those pieces of music that I will listen to over and over, struck anew by the power that resides within it, its energy and originality and rich textures. The third movement, ever my favorite, seems to impart a secret message, one you must be very still and … Read more

Pointe Shoe Haiku

Young girl live for dance Teacher say “now pointe shoe time” Finally dream come true   Torture instrument Blame Marie Taglioni Romantic Era   Pink, peach, all hand-made Burlap, glue, many layers Bring lots of money   Freed, Gaynor Minden Feet on fire, toes squished and numb Soon blisters will form   Shoe hard like … Read more

Violin at risk: quitting or preserving?

I have decided to quit my weekly violin lessons, after nine years. This is a daunting prospect, but it feels like it’s time. I’m burnt out; I simply can’t continue to make time for it, keep up on the material, week after week. Years back, I’d assumed that having a child move on from elementary … Read more

Zen and Ballet: 10 Tips for the Journey

It’s time once again for my annual trek to Vajrapani for a three-day silent retreat. Last year, upon my return, I penned an article for Dance Advantage about how my meditation practice paralleled, oddly, my experience in taking ballet classes. Rereading it now, I’m grateful for the wisdom I’d accrued last year and utterly, wholly … Read more