Summer Stories Part 2

Here's another peek into what Ballet Emmanuel dancers are doing this summer.  Stay tuned to hear from our newest company dancer, Mia, next!

Dancer #2: Laci Landry

Travel Plans? I was very excited to be able to travel back to Michigan for a couple of weeks to spend time with family and friends. We spent lots of time in my brothers new pool :-) and my niece McKenna is quite the water bug. Nathan was also able to come out for a couple of days and we were able to go to Cedar Point (the best rollercoaster park ever) with my cousin who just got back from Afghanistan. Nathan and I are also visiting New York City at the end of July. He has never been and since I lived there for 2 years, I can hardly wait to take him. I am also going on my families annual "girls trip" to Hilton Head Island in August. 

Reading time with McKenna

Summer Job? Thanks to Nathan's job, I am fortunate enough to not need to get a summer job. Plus, if I had one, I would not have very much time left to visit my family.

Meeting cousin Marissa for the first time

How did you spend your 4th of July? Nathan and I were in Michigan over the 4th of July and we celebrated with my family. We spent the day barbecuing, swimming, and bonding with my niece.

Chinese lanterns!

Favorite Summer Activity? Hmmm, well it use to be swimming until I moved to Colorado where there is no water ;-) Now I love chilling on my back porch with Nathan and the dogs doing simple things like reading, making smores, and playing games (we love Jenga).

Our husky, Leonidas

Our newest dog, Swarley

Summer Highlight? Well currently it was our trip to Cedar Point. When I was younger, my family use to go every year and I LOVE roller coasters. However, I have a feeling that our New York Trip will take the prize as this summer's highlight. 

Cedar Point!

What are you most excited about regarding BE's upcoming season? Well I am very excited about Mia joining of coarse! And I am always excited about our new choreography and concert. But this year I think I am most excited to see how the company grows and matures. Looking back, it is amazing to me what God has done through Ballet Emmanuel in the 4 short years I have been here, and I can hardly wait to see what God has in store for us this year.

Summer Stories Part 1

Welcome to part 1 of our summer stories!  We thought it'd be fun to give everyone an idea of how each dancer spends their time during BE's off-season.  We hope you're all staying cool and enjoying some time with family and friends!

Also, we want to thank everyone for your prayers during the recent Waldo Canyon Fire.  We are all so thankful that our families and homes are safe and that none of us had to evacuate.  The fire was an incredible reminder of how not-in-control we really are; we're continuing to pray for the many families who lost their homes and for continued strength for the firefighters who will be fighting fires all summer long.  


Dancer #1: Melanie Dexter

Travel plans? I'll be in Colorado Springs for the summer, but I'm excited to be visiting Oregon with my husband Tyler in less than a week!  We're looking forward to spending time with his family and camping on the beautiful Oregon coast.

Colorado homebodies!

Summer job? Yes, I'm actually working part-time for Ballet Emmanuel booking events for the fall!  We're going to have a very busy season....and I'm already looking forward to it.  Tyler and I have also kept busy with our photography business (www.tmdexterphotography.com) shooting weddings and engagement sessions.  We love photography!

One of the weddings Melanie & Tyler photographed - www.tmdexterphotography.com

How did you spend your 4th of July? Well, it was a little sad to be without fireworks this year due to the fire, but I still had a great time BBQing with friends!  I also made my mom's awesome 4th of July cake to share (it was delish!).

Happy 4th of July!

Favorite summer activity? Probably having friends over for dinner and games, Tyler and I love doing that!  Also, having iced coffee or iced tea everyday multiple times a day.

At the beautiful Dushanbe Teahouse in Boulder, CO

Summer highlight? This isn't really a highlight, but experiencing the Waldo Canyon Fire was something I will never forget.  It was horrible...but also amazing to see how Colorado Springs responded with compassion for those who were directly affected.  This city has had some major praying going on here this summer!

Waldo Canyon Fire

What are you most excited about regarding BE's upcoming season?  Our new dancer Mia!  And our new concert for the season, I'm really excited about the story we're telling. 

Say hi to our newest company member, Mia! (she's in the middle)