OPI "Instinct of Color" Commercial

Have you ever watched something that made you jump up and down like a kid and squeal - "that's me!"?


Not that it's literally YOU on the television (or magazine, or computer, etc), but that whatever you're watching seems to have boiled down the essence of what it means to be you and transformed it into mainstream media? Maybe something that so beautifully aligns your interests and passions that you feel almost as if it was designed specifically for you?


Well, that happened to me today...

The nail polish company, OPI, created a breathtaking commercial depicting a dance-off between a haute ecole dressage horse and a group of dancers. Oh. My. God.



I just about lost it when the ballerina and the horse bowed to each other.

The horse is a black thoroughbred who appears to be named "Lady in Black", but I have been unable to find any more information on the equine, except that he/she was trained by Mario Luraschi. Those who are not as familiar with horses might be surprised to know that nearly all of the horse's "dance moves" are real. You have not seen true nobility until you have seen a haute ecole-trained horse!

I think I might use this commercial to introduce myself to people. I have not spoken much about my equine-obsessed side of my life, but it's there! Perhaps I'll post some pictures in the future. :)

"Wings of the Swan", Princess Tutu Cosplay

Princess Tutu: Wings of the Swan by ~Stagsleap on deviantART

Last year at Fanime, I was able to coordinate quite a few private shoots for my various outfits, including this Princess Tutu, a Lolita, my vintage dress, and my red bustle gown. As soon as my college portfolio is finished at the end of this month, I'll be uploading lots more cosplay photos. Enjoy this teaser, photographed by Jason, AKA Gamefan23!

Homemade Pointe Shoes and Instant Gratification

"Homemade pointe shoes".
Punch that phrase into the YouTube search bar and prepare for a night of jaw-dropping stupor!

Girls (who seem to only exist from the knees down) post videos of themselves stomping around in handmade pointes created from clay, cardboard, tacky gift wrap ribbon, and ballet slippers stuffed like Hermann Goring at a smorgasbord.

Nearly all of the videos are filled with comments telling these girls to stop, but it seems to be of little use. Some YouTubers even have multiple models of their "Freedensteins" to view on their channels. In leopard print too!

I think those are Starbucks cup cozies in there?

Nearly all dedicated ballet dancers can tell you about the importance of that magical build-up towards their first real pair of pointe shoes. The months (if not years!) of patient waiting, working hard in the studio hoping for that day when the instructor will finally say, "You're ready". Then comes the celebrated first fitting followed by the first class. It can be a magical time, whether you earn your first pair at 12 or 35.

While the potential for injury with these home-made shoes is obvious, the greater (and more likely) danger comes from training the muscles of the leg and foot incorrectly. By the time you do make it to pointe, you may have a very difficult time breaking the bad habits you taught yourself.

We live in a culture of instant gratification. We don't want to wait for things anymore. We have grown lazy and entitled, and now its even spilled over into ballet. Not ready for pointe yet? Spent all your parent's money on videogames and can't afford classes? Then make your own shoes! Why not?

Not only are these girls robbing themselves of an important life experience (self discipline, patience, etc) and a moment of true magic in their lives, but the readiness and confidence with which they proudly claim "This is completely safe!" and attempt to teach others how to makes these things is astounding. Where are the parents? They need to sit their daughters down and cut them down a notch: "Honey, you are not a foot doctor. You have not studied the anatomy of the human foot, nor do possess any knowledge of shoe design. You are in no position to tell others whether your shoes are "safe" or not. You do not have that knowledge yet." I'm getting a little tired of these self-professed teenage "experts" that seem to sprout everywhere.

Folks, don't rush to be en pointe. ;)

Video - just being a pretty dancer... :P

This was taken at Fanime last year while waiting for a photoshoot. Just a little improvisation...

I just love floating around and being pretty! This is one of my favorite dresses too - I found it at Goodwill eons ago. It seems vintage, but I'm not sure. Shoes are Gaynor Mindens, as are the tights. :)