No Tutu, No Problem

Dear Madonna,

I started rehearsals at the National Ballet School today for a performance to take place at the Eaton Centre on International Dance Day: April 29th.

The National Ballet School! I'd never even been in the building before. Years ago I joined my friend Dianne and her daughter Holly at the old location, when Holly auditioned (unsuccessfully) to join the school. There were tears, and burgers at Toby's on Church Street afterwards as I recall. My own experience as a ballerina was even less glamourous. Due to my less-than-svelte physique I was regularly cast in the role of "The Prince". No tutu for you.

I couldn't help thinking how appropriate it was that we were in the Veronica Tennant Studio. The first professional ballet performance I ever saw was Swan Lake at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, with Veronica Tennant in the starring role. What I remember most about her dancing were her calves: they were as big and round as apples every time she was on pointe.

The instructor, Rachel, identified herself as a TTP - which I assume means "Teachers Training Program", or something like that. She's encouraged me to learn the entire piece, not just the chorus, even though I struggled a bit with the "rhythm part" at first. (My brain *was* a little foggy following Vinita's SATC birthday party last night). Rachel also teaches adult ballet at Joy of Dance - small (dance) world!

Gotta run...I have a bunch of stuff to do putting on my "True North Strong and Free" T-shirt and heading to the nearest bar to watch the final men's Olmpic hockey match: Canada versus the U.S. Our women's team already have taken Gold, and this is the last event of the games. A final win in "our game" will be such a great way to wrap up something that started out as the *Vancouver* Olympics but which really seemed to bring the entire country together.

I even got a Gold mani-pedi yesterday for luck!

Ciao for now,
Julie

Red Mitten Club

Dear Madonna,

Well, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games just opened in Vancouver and I think it's safe to say that most Canadians are feeling a bit patriotic these days. It might be my imagination, but there seems to be an ubiquitous display of the word "CANADA" (or our cherished maple leaf) everywhere you look.

And then there are the mittens.

I've always fancied myself as a bit of a non-conformist (I'm sure you can relate) so am surprised by the inordinate pleasure I get from sharing in this unlikely fashion statement. My red "torchbearer" mittens were a thoughtful gift from the Hotel Place d'Armes in Montreal*

Anyway, I LOVE seeing other people wearing their red mittens - with ski jackets or fur coats, in the grocery store, at the movies, in Starbucks, on the TTC, walking around Yorkville, at the Canadian Tire, going for Sushi, waiting for a bank machine, skating at Ramsden Park, buying a Globe and Mail...

I keep thinking we should be acknowledging each other in some way - with a special Red Mitten handshake or salute. At the very least a wave (the way boaters wave to each other or to people sitting on the dock watching as they pass).

But nada.

I don't know how many pairs of red mittens were sold. They were modelled after, but are not exactly like, the ones worn the the 12,000 torchbearers who covered 45,000 kilometres - from coast-to-coast-to-coast in Canada - the longest torch relay in Olympic history. I'd heard the mittens were so popular that they'd run out of stock, and indeed when I was in The Bay buying my "True North Strong and Free" T-shirt there were only kids sizes available.

This is only the third time Canada has hosted the Olympic games, and despite a marred opening (the tragic death of luger Nodor Kamaritashvili and a malfunction in the final lighting ceremony) we have great hopes of glory (i.e. medals) in the next few weeks.

GO CANADA!

Julie

*http://www.hotelplacedarmes.com/ - I know you stayed at the St. James last time you were there - an excellent choice! - but this is a lovely boutique property with surprisingly good meeting space.