Because professional ballet dancers do have normal lives outside of the studios and theatres...

The best summer of my life - Adventures in 2011

Besides being able to be a part of a best friend's wedding in Belize, early January 2011, I was very lucky enough to begin an adventure this summer that began as a childhood dream  - to travel and explore new places and cultures. Traveling within Europe was cheaper than I had anticipated but my time was limited.  Beginning in London, fellow dancer Oliver, showed me the ropes! From phenomenal musicals, the London Eye, the Tower of London, London Bridge, The National Gallery, The Tate, The Royal Opera House, to famous spaces like The Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, Piccadilly Square, Buckingham Palace, finding famous Street Art - Banksy and Space Invader, and getting last minute tickets to see The Royal Ballet do one of my all-time favorite ballets, Glen Tetley's "Voluntaries" I was like a little girl at her first carnival. (Oh did I forget to mention real fish & chips with mushy peas?)
I attended the famous Wireless Music Festival 2011, taught Pilates and Ballet classes in Stoke-On-Trent and visited beautiful Chester.
From there I made my way via RyanAir to Bratislava, Slovakia enjoying the culture and relatively cheap living for a couple days, before training it to Vienna, Austria, the music & art capital of the world. Here, I was just stunned by the immense but detailed, regal architecture and exquisite sculptures.

Next, a week in magnificent Italy. Italians are so kind on the Mediterranean, or at least in Alghero, Sardinia, the largest island off the west coast of Italy. Highlights here include simply being with amazing people in a gorgeous place but also, jogging alongside the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen, riding atop the bluest of blue seas, the best damned gelato the world can offer and lets not forget the most amazing carbohydrate-loading deliciousness that is their pizzas and pastas.

Then back home to Montana for a month of dancing, Pilate certifications, shooting with Dad, cooking with Mom and relaxation.
To top it off, a last minute trip to Japan across the sea in the other direction, to see family, which was in itself the most important trip of all. I fell in love with the country all over again...
Growing up in the US, I only read about some of these far off places and drooled over photos with promises to someday Be There, and I finally just decided to...do it.
Cheers! Nostrovia! Prost! or かんぱい！   

~Isha

A FABULOUS Oct rep, right here in downtown Sacramento at your Community Center Theatre.
 Dracula - Serenade - & - Second Before the Ground
Do not miss the great combination of 'ballet and vampires' in Ron Cunningham's "Dracula", nor the absolute intoxicating beauty of Balanchine's "Serenade",  and the heartwarming magic of Trey McIntyre's "Second Before the Ground". More info at SACBallet - tickets starting at $17!

Don't forget to check out fellow dancer Katie, video #1, and her weekly video compilations (SacBallet channel) of just some of what is going on in The Sacramento Ballet studios!