Flashback Friday - Spring Ballet Performance "Thumbalina" 1996

I took ballet for 8 years. My first ballet class was when I was in 3rd grade. I had gone to The Nutcracker with my mom and had seen a family friend play the role as one of the party girls. From that point on, I became obsessed with becoming a professional ballet dancer. Clearly, this dream did not come to fruition - mainly because by the time I was 15, my ballet schedule was interfering with my social schedule. Friends and boys clearly were more important than my life long dream of becoming a ballerina.


Anyway, this picture was taken after the last performance of Thumbalina with Children's Ballet Theater (CBT). My BFF Nicole (shown in the picture) and I were inseparable. We had decided that at the mature age of 14, our ballet careers at CBT had reached it's climax and we were off to bigger and better things. Ballet West Conservatory. Or, otherwise known as my careers' demise - but that is clearly another story.

My ego had soared to such a toxic level that I thought I was one of the best dancers at CBT. I mean, I was in 3 different dances during this performance. An unheard of number at the time. Gosh, the cover of the program should have read:

Thumbalina
Starring
Natalie Harris
Top Ballerina of 1996

What I remember most about this performance was the costumes. We were all very concerned about the low cut leotards and the fact that our cleavage would show. Yes, I said cleavage. Apparently I had some at 14. Or, I just thougt I did. Whatever. It was a grave concern. However, no ones boobs felt out during the performance and I went away happy knowing that my last dance with CBT went well.

Two years after this picture was taken, my ballet career ended. I am still sad to this day that I no longer dance and/or feel the rush of adrenaline as the stage curtain opens and the music begins. I heart ballet.