Summer Stories Part 4

 

Here is the last of our 'Summer Stories'. Check back soon for 2012/2013 updates and stories!

 

 

Dancer #4 -Erin Benson

 

Travel Plans- This summer my sister and I traveled to Ecuador to work at an orphanage called Casa de Fe. This was our fourth summer working with these kids and it was wonderful to be back!

Fourth of July- I spent the 4th  of July hanging out with some of the kids that my sister sponsors through Compassion International. Visiting with these little ones makes me really want to meet the girls that I sponsor, but they live in Africa. Maybe another year ;)

 

 

Favorite Activity-This summer I had the opportunity to teach some dance classes at the orphanage. So much fun! Kids everywhere love to dance :)

 

I think their favorite part was trying on my shoes!

 They learned how to do an Israeli folk dance..

..and how to skip across the floor together, giggling all the way

 

 

Summer Highlights- One thing that I really enjoyed this summer was craft time with the big girls. It was wonderful to see their individuality and creativity come out.

One of their favorite projects was making their own sandals....

...start with a regular pair of flip-flops...

...do some creative sewing...

 ...put it all together and you have beautiful sandals!

  

Another summer highlight was taking the kids on outings. This was a great way to give them one-on-one attention, and it was just down right fun!

 

 

 

Looking forward to the Upcoming Season- It is hard to believe that Ballet Emmanuel is starting its 7th season this month. God has brought us so far! It's been a privilege to witness His provision and faithfulness as He guides this company each year.

What I am most looking forward to this season is seeing the hand of God move. -Seeing Him move in the wonderful ladies who serve along side me, in the audiences that we perform for, and in the students that we teach across the country. It is such a blessings to see our amazing God at work and to be a part of what He is doing!

Summer Stories Part 3

Introducing..... Mia Calabrese!  Find out how our newest company dancer is spending her summer.  Part 4 is coming soon, you won't want to miss hearing about Erin's summer in Ecuador :-)

Dancer #3: Mia Calabrese

Travel plans? When my family moves me out to Colorado they will be taking a vacation as well. We have not been on a vacation in years and we are very excited about spending some time together away from home in a beautiful state!

With my family after my most recent ballet performance

Summer job? I worked in retail until the middle of June, then decided that Babysitting paid better. So I have been babysitting and paying for my dance classes and gas that way.

How did you spend your 4th of July? My family and I went to a small town called Saugatuck in Michigan where we ate Gelato (Italian ice-cream) and shopped. I bought a fun Paris/French themed scarf for only $7.50. I love good deals. Later, we went to another town called Holland where we watched fireworks and met up with some friends.

The 4th with my brother and best friend

Favorite summer activity? Spending time with my friends and dancing, of course.

In the Windy City, Chicago!

Summer highlight? One night, a few of my friends and I spontaneously decided to watch a movie and go swimming really late at night. I was out until about 2 in the morning. It was so much fun being with an awesome group of friends who love the Lord!

What are you most excited about regarding BE's upcoming season? I love teaching, so I am really looking forward to putting on the workshops when we travel. I am also looking forward to spending time with the rest of the company members as they will help me grow not only spiritually but technically as well.