Christmas Dance Program

The girls had a short program just before Christmas. They love dancing with their friends and they love their teacher, Miss Kristi.

FHE (August 27)

For Family Home Evening, we went to the Church History Museum to see the International Art Competition there. There were some beautiful pieces, many of which were featured in the September issue of the Ensign. In the same area of the exhibit was a "Celebracion of the Book of Mormon" which was geared toward children. Azucena LOVED the area they had set aside for learning a couple of simple dances. I thought I took a couple of videos but something must not have registered, since I only have this one and she's nowhere near as enthusiastic as she generally was.

My family owns most of the instruments that are shown here. And they had Mexican skirts and a mirror set up so you could flounce and twirl all you wanted. :D

Addict?

At the BYU vs UNM basketball game last night, the Cougarettes came out to perform a dance number to "Shawty Get Loose."

Which is worse: that less than four bars in, I realized that they were performing the choreography that NappyTabs (Tabitha and Napoleon D'Umo) had written for the Hip Hop round of Vegas Week back in season four of So You Think You Can Dance or that they used that choreography without (seeming to) give credit to the original choreographers?

Can't Take Him Anywhere

Our stake threw a dance this past Saturday. It was pretty cool--we got to eat some good food (including the chocolate brownie bite thingies that I wanted served at my wedding reception), a photo booth and, best of all, a live band.

However, that meant that Clark spent most of the night admiring the instruments and equipment. :)

And here's an example of how he acts in public:

Highlights from the Stake Talent Show

This is what happens when our ward is asked to participate in the stake talent show:

I love our group shots. :D

Clark, doing the worm.

Me, screwing up one of the Thriller moves. :D

And the best part: the guys performing "All the Single Ladies." :D

Cultural Festival

Clark and I went on a date on Saturday afternoon and we were able to attend the BYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures annual block party. They had a few stands where you could learn to make yearn, grind corn, see basket weaving, and lots of other stuff. A group called Morning Star also performed and as soon as the video that I want to share doesn't take more than a half hour to load (believe me, I've tried twice already), I'll post the awesome hoop dance we got to record. But, until then, here are a few pictures!

This was the part when everyone got to participate in a group dance and the main guy (the one right in the foreground) was keeping time on the drum and singing for everyone. :D

Traditional baskets!

Clark with a basket!

These are antler buttons. (Yes, buttons. Made from antlers. Really.)

A few more pictures

So, we didn't match the decor at all (which I realized when we were helping set up) but I still like our outfits. And when else are we going to use the fedora, eh? (And a special thanks goes out to Mo who trekked all the way down to Provo with her six-month-old son just to do my hair--I love you!)



And for those of you wondering, yes, I am wearing my "Dumbledore's Army" necklace. I'm that nerdy--even for formal dances. ;)

Sappy picture

And when I say sappy, I mean it.

I mean, it's kissing.

On camera.

(Bear in mind that I didn't realize I was having my picture taken right at this moment. I thought Camile was done with the photographs.)

I have other pictures from the dance that I'll upload later, when I'm supposed to be awake. :D

Stake Dance

So, last week our stake hosted a dance. And since Tryn was down, she came, too. And, since it was Valentine's Day weekend, you can see all of our support for that crazy holiday. :D

Oh man, if you're not Mormon, you don't know what you're missing out on. And, since most of the people that occasionally glance at this blog aren't in my stake, here is a sample of the activities:



Also, this is proof that no matter how old a really bad song gets, you can't quite kill it.

"She wore an itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny . . . "

After two days of Gmail NOT letting me access anything, here is my weekend update:

DANCE PICTURES!

Apparently, I can't pose for pictures with Clark. I submit the following as proof:


Well, actually, I really like this next picture. A lot.


And, sometimes, I giggle uncontrollably.


Aha! A semi-normal one!


And now, here are a couple of "dress shots" for my mom.




And a shot of me and Michelle:

Happy, happy, happy

I just got back from an evening of dancing and being with people I love and adore (and, hey, I figured out it's called Salsa Chocolate, so there you go).

The only thing making this *not* perfection is the fact that I have to be at a visiting teaching meeting in 6 1/2 hours.

"Gotta Dance!"

Not that I had the energy last night, but two of my roommates went to a social dance lab and I'm very, very jealous that they went without me. There is something about dancing that is nearly as cool as music. Being able to hear a good beat and twirl or headbang (which is a very "loose" sense of the term, I suppose) or actually move your body around. . .I don't know. I'm not good with words (hence trying to keep up this blog--it's like writing exercises!)

For example, about a month ago I went salsa dancing. I was able to interact with folks that I normally wouldn't have spent time with I also saw different aspects of my friends' personalities. I was able to be ridiculously. . .open. Unrestricted. (Is that even the word I'm looking for? Ugh, fail.) Something along those lines, at least. But it just felt good to be in a room moving to the music, being a little silly, having a lot of fun and. . .just. . .

I guess if you really want to know what I mean, you have to go dancing with me, lol.

Salsa!

Last night I went Salsa dancing and I'm fairly sure I won't be satisfied unless I go at least three times next semester.

It. Was. Amazing.

First of all, I was able to go with some of my dearest friends. They were all really good sports about it, too; they learned the steps and were creative while we were on the dance floor. The music was frawesome. I even called my mother at one point to share the awe and majesty of it all and I think I kind of floored her ("you're WHERE?!" was the response, I believe). Plus, I love dancing. There is something about being in a dark room with loud beats and everyone is unified in the movement. Don't ask, I don't know. But dancing is amazing.

Perks: I get to put this on my application.