So There was This Ballet Thing...

We had a whirlwind few weeks at the end of April/early May. Horse Expo in Red Deer went really well again. Phillippe came with me to demo with the Alberta Donkey and Mule Club. This year, the club got to demo in a large arena, the same one we were in over the summer for Westerner Days. It was nice to have more space, but we lost one day of demos. They schedule had us only Friday and Saturday; although, Saturday's demo performance was pretty packed! Phillippe was a great kid, bravely went in and did his cones by himself without issue. The ADMC had their AGM at the Expo. I've stepped away from Secretary this year, but am continuing on as a director. I like being involved, but I think a different role might be more appropriate for me. They also gave out year end belt buckles. Phillippe won: High Point Driving, Education, In-Hand, High Point Recreation and Overall High Point! 5 buckles! I went out and bought 2 more belts!

Once the expo was over on Sunday, we came home, unloaded the donkey's stuff and packed Jasmine up. She and I headed out Monday morning for Calgary! We first arrived at the Alberta Ballet studio, right in the core of the city! I'm thankful that my rig is small and Calgary drivers are patient with horse trailers in places you wouldn't expect them to be! Jasmine had her first practise with the dancers in studio for the performances of Don Quixote. They were marvellous! Every step of the way through, everyone was kind, patient, helpful and understanding of the pony's needs. The pony was equally cooperative! She took everything we threw at her in stride. She never had any issue with being in the studio with her cart and harness, nor being on stage with props, set decor, music, lighting or even the audience. She was led on stage each time by one of two "Sancho" charaters and a lovely young man, Yaro, played Don Quixote each time. He became very comfortable leaping out of that cart on stage. Jasmine went out for bows after each performance as well! The audiences seemed to love her! The ballet's artistic director, Francesco, was also very kind, greeting me each day of practise and performance and ensuring to thank me and Jasmine for making his vision a reality.

Jasmine regularly "brought" snacks for the dancers as well as the crew! We picked up Smile Cookies from Tim Hortons in Red Deer on the way down, then picked up cookies, tim bits, and other tasty treats that kept everyone in good spirits throughout the long rehearsal and performance days. I appreciatiate that "Jasmine" did not overlook the crew who worked so hard to ensure we were provided the room we needed and hit our entrances each time. And they appreciated that recognition too. There were 4 performances in Calgary over 3 days, then another 2 in Edmonton the following weekend. It was nice to go home after a full week (and a very busy week!) in Calgary. We attended one rehearsal in Edmonton where Phillippe joined us! The crew and dancers, and of course Francesco, all were delighted by the donkey's appearance backstage! It was great exposure for him as well. The shows in Edmonton were extra special for us because our family and friends got to attend. As my "fee" I asked for tickets to the shows. I ended up having 7 pairs of tickets to the Edmonton shows (plus one pair for a Calgary show for a pair of wonderful friends who came and saved Jasmine and I from a truck and trailer lighting issue...) that I gave to friends and family. The first Edmonton show was my favorite because my mom was in the audience with her best friend. And Jasmine was feeling great!

I'm truly humbled by the generosity of some animals. That lovely pony did everything I asked her to, willingly, calmly and with a trust that I'm not sure I ever truly earned. She brought so much joy to each person who encountered her, from crew, dancers, and audience members, especially those who were able to meet her outside of the venue after the matinee performance in Calgary. I will treasure the memory of a young girl who came up to meet us, proudly telling me that her name is Jasmine and she's also 7 years old! Her mom took pictures of the "twins" together. I hope she treasures that memory too. I'll share a parting thought with you. Adventure is not something that only happens in far away, tropical locations. If you're brave, it can happen in your backyard, neighborhood, home town or province. Happy Horseing!