Seize the Day!

So, I’ve been meaning to write this post for a while, ever since Martin Luther King Jr. Day. But other posts came up and I had other things to do, but now I’ve come to this post finally!

First, before you read this, you’ll need to know some background. Around a hundred years ago (not really!) I used to dance at a small, local dance studio, but my mom pulled me out. She claims that it’s because I wasn’t enjoying it, but I don’t remember that part…anyways, moving on. Several of my friends attend that dance studio, and two of my very dear friends go there. They invited me to watch their recital, where they were performing ‘Cinderella.’

I usually enjoy plays and musicals, so I was expecting the recital to be like that. But as soon as the first group of dancers came onstage (it was a small dance with Cinderella and her mother), I was entranced.

E.

N.

T.

R.

A.

N.

C.

E.

D.

It was all so stunning. The way the dancers moved with the music, the costumes, the unique way of self-expression. So even though we left at intermission (again, Mom), I was adamant that I wanted to dance again. At first, Mom said no. She said it was ‘just a phase.’ But as I kept pestering away, she finally caved and said we would talk to Dad.

We were only able to talk for a few moments before I had to leave for an appointment, but that was just enough time for me to lay out my reasons. I spent the whole of my appointment worrying about the verdict.

Guess what they said?

They said yes!

So, the beginning of the school year found me, wearing brand-new jazz shoes, leggings, and a t-shirt, at the dance academy with 13 or so other girls.

I was new.

Nobody talked to me.

We had a pretty slow start.

And I loved it.

I had decided on a beginner’s musical theater class, and it was so fun! For a few weeks, we were just learning basic steps and stuff: jazz boxes, grapevines, proper stretching. We even did some choreography to ‘School Song’ from Matilda.

You must be wondering, what does that have to do with the above gif of extremely talented dancers (and if you know who they are, don’t spoil it)? Well, I’m getting to that! Anyways, a couple months ago, our teachers decided on our recital. It is going to be…

NEWSIES!

I instantly went on Amazon and watched it, and OH MY STARS!

If you’ve never heard of Newsies, it is a musical about the 1899 Newsboys Strike. It follows the newsboys, or ‘newsies,’ as ‘a rag-tag gang of ragamuffins’ fight for their rights.

Top Five Favorite Characters:

Jack Kelly

‘Cause he’s got nothing if he ain’t got Santa Fe!

Jack Kelly is so awesome! Jeremey Jordan is so amazing, and he pours his heart and soul into the role. What’s not to love about Jack?

• He has a gorgeous voice
• He cares about his boys
• He may go astray, but he always comes back

Crutchie:

He’s got poisonality!

Crutchie is, obviously, one of my favorites, and is played by Andrew Keenan-Bolger. He’s a disabled newsboy, and one of Jack Kelly’s closest friends. But his limp doesn’t make him needy or sullen. He’s as feisty as the next newsie, and stands up for his rights. He’s a ball of energy, and is very compassionate. Also, he has one of the best songs from the musical, Letter From the Refuge.

Race:

He’s the King of New York!

Race is amazing. Played by Ben Cook, he is a snarky newsie who is always found with a cigar. He has a lot of one-liners, and is an all-around great character. He also is one of the main singers in King of New York, which is by far one of the best Newsies songs.

Katherine:

A young reporter who is ready to watch what happens.

KATHY! Played by Kara Lindsay, Katherine is a spunky female reporter for the New York Sun. In the Live, she is a love interest for Jack, but she is so much more! She advocates for women’s rights and helps the newsies in their strike. She is funny, but also smart and dedicated. A great character.

Specs:

The world should definitely know about him!

Specs is not a main character, but he’s so cool! Apart from his awesome dance moves, he’s a supportive newsie, played by Ryan Steele. Definitely watch out for him!

This is a great movie. There’s a few moments of dramatized violence (fist-fighting), and some language, but nothing extreme. It is really awesome and if you love beautiful singing, incredible choreography, and an intense story, then go ahead and watch it!

Challenge Updates:

Minimalist Skincare: I got a bit of a late start, but once I actually got going, I realized that my skin feels amazing! All I do is wash my face and put coconut oil on my face, arms, and legs.

One Year Fanfiction Prompt: I have not yet finished outlining the fanfiction yet, but I’m doing pretty well.

Reading Bingo: I still have to get a few books on Kindle. 

March TBR:

1.  Climbing the Stairs by Padma Venkatraman
2. False Awakening by Arianna Fox
3. Ghosts of Greenglass House by Kate Milford
4. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
5. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Shakespeare
6.  Calvin and Hobbes?
7. Watership Down by Richard Addams
8. ‘Letters’ by C.S. Lewis

Thanks for reading everybody! I hope you enjoyed this. I may not be posting for a while, because I’m running out of inspiration. If you have any ideas for what you might want to see on this blog, please let me know! God Bless!

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