Week 3 & 4 wrap up

Happy Christmas from Australia...a few days late!! There are signs and banners everywhere that say Happy Christmas, which is just a bit different from our 'Merry Christmas' greeting in the USA. Although every bit as festive for sure! The bonus here is that the day after Christmas is another holiday; Boxing Day. So, we have just completed a very 'merry' and 'happy' few days. More about that later, because I must catch up on our activities since Dec 14...

In the afternoon on 14 December [Yes! Australia is a genealogists dream because they write the dates in that way!!] Jason, Stella and I packed up a picnic bag with wine, cheese and crackers, and doggy treats for a party at the dog park!! I learned that even though the start time was 3:00 PM, no-one ever shows up then!! Not much of anything starts at the designated time down unda'. Jason said that was so hard for him to adjust to, as he is like his mom; we would rather be early than late. Stella ran around for a bit with a friend or two, then by 4:00 one could not count the people and pets!!!! Have you heard of the phrase 'like trying to herd cats?'  It was hilarious to watch all the dogs playing!! Truly, I could not count how many were there and I tried!!! This dog park is known to be the best in the city. There is lots of room for the dogs to run, plenty of benches for the people to relax on, a few doggy bag dispensers and trash cans for those little messes, and a water fountain with 2 levels; one for the people and one for the dogs! It was a lovely day and I met some enjoyable people. This is where we take Stella at least twice a day for her exercise. It never fails that someone greets me with a warm smile and pleasant conversation. Being Jason's Mom has always been great, but now being Stella's grand-mom is fun, too!!!

Had to keep a watchful eye on this table!!

                                           Stella had to be right up front for the doggy treats

                                         A great gathering and the dogs were all well behaved!

So, the next event we attended on Tuesday, 17 December, was the grad night show at Brent Street Studios, where Jason works. Needless to say, Jason had worked night and day...and I mean until 10 or 11 PM, since I got here...helping to get the dancers  and the show ready. In case you have not been following his work, Jason is Head of Contemporary at the oldest performing arts school in Sydney. In addition to that, he runs one of the full time programs there. Read more about his program and his work at http://www.brentstreet.com.au/ .  It has been difficult for me to find the words to properly describe this night: One of the proudest times in my life as Jason's mom...and he has always made me proud!! Absolutely beyond my dreams and expectations!! From the time Jason, Renee, Steve and I arrived,  Jason was 'on!'  (Renee is Jason's best friend, former roommate, choreography assistant, professional dancer and a lovely girl!!!! Steve is another very close friend, professional dancer/actor, assistant to Jason and great guy!) If it was not parents of students, students, whole families of the students, co-workers, professional dancers and performers, Brent Street administrative staff, Jason bosses, other choreographers, former students, it was his friends, honestly EVERYONE there loves this man, my sweet son!! It made me feel so special as they all told me how much Jason has talked about me and anticipated my visit. Thankfully, one lady gave me some tissues as I was overwhelmed with all the glowing remarks they were saying about Jason's work and how much he is respected. Yep, I am even crying as I write this. It was a magical evening!! and the show...WOW!! Worthy of a New York Broadway performance!!! This show always sells out and there was not a ticket available to be bought. Jason pointed out agents, producers and so many professionals who come to this event because the quality of these graduating performers is over the top!!! When I get back to the US, ask me and I will show you the program!! Magnificent evening!!!!!

But that is not all!!! In the middle of all that I just described, Jason, Renee and Steve (and several others of course) are working on submissions of choreography pieces to be considered for use on the Australian version of So You Think You Can Dance [SYTYCD] 2014 Summer Season, which premiers sometime in January. Jason was already chosen as the lead Contemporary Choreographer and has taped the first few episodes which show the process of auditioning 100 dancers and eliminating down to the top 20. Jason and Renee (who also dances, teaches and choreographs!) went to a holiday cocktail party given by the  SYTYCD  show where they saw a sneak preview of the first show. Jason said, "Mom, they made me look really good!!" to which I replied, "Of course you looked good!!!!"

Jason and Renee dressed up for a party!!

 Since Jason is a featured choreographer, they did a background story about him for the show.  I am dying for this to come on TV!!!!!! I  should be able to attend at least one live taping before I leave...hoping for 2!!! (When we were at the Brent Street Show he introduced me to one of the producers and a judge.) There is so much work to put together a minute-and-half of a dance piece...choose the music or be assigned it, create the piece in your mind, teach someone to dance it, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, film it, explain it and send it in!!! All done by phone calls and e-mail!! I am talking many hours and there is no pay...unless your piece is chosen for the show!!!!!! I will keep you posted on this for sure!!!

Well, there is much more to tell about our wonderful Christmas...but we are off to the beach!! Jason, Renee, Steve and I...Steve has a car so we can take the dogs with us...Stella and Frankie, Steve's miniature dachshund is Stella's best friend!!! We are having so much fun!!!!! Monopoly game later today!!!!