Author: PaddyEger

poetry

My Poetry

By the time I left grade school. I was interested in poetry. I wrote lots of sing-song verses, then turned to more abstract writing as I entered junior high and high school. As an adult, I was fortunate to have taken a poetry class from Joan Swift, a Washington state poet who inspired me to keep writing. Now I have about 150 poems at various stages of completeness. Here’s one short selection. Enjoy!   Summer Kaleidoscopes Sun catchers and wind chimes, Polarized light on Hood Canal, Swaying bird feeders, Pebbles in water, Purple clouds at dusk, Horse mane waves breaking...

Interview with Christine de Vogt from Dusseldorf, Germany

guests blogs / interviews

Interview with Christine de Vogt from Dusseldorf, Germany

Friendship is an amazing gift. My friend Karen met Christine on a cruise to Alaska. Amid their conversations about their lives, Karen mentioned my writing and once she returned home, she sent her my ballet stories. Christine enjoyed them and asked if I would be interested in having a tiny tutu costume and a pair of worn pointe shoes to use with my book talks. Of course I said yes. And here we are, interviewing this multi-talented woman and my new friend from Europe, Christine de Vogt. Tell us a bit about yourself and your life on Düsseldorf, Germany. … ...

Thanks!

Ballet Trilogy / giveaway

Thanks!

Last Thursday I enjoy the opportunity to speak with some of you about the ballet trilogy and Letters to Follow- Dancer’s Adventure in particular. It was a lovely PNW sunny day (rare for early June) and the University Bookstore at Mill Creek provided a comfy corner. I wanted to thank all who made the trek and those who wished me a good event. I enjoyed myself and I hope my guests did as well. It became ‘old home week’ since I had time to talk with people I hadn’t seen for ages. I loved having our connections reconnected. I encourage...

quotes

Writing Quotes to Inspire

We used to be close, like a paper chain family inextricably linked….Now we’re scattered across the globe. Nothing to link us together.                                                 The House We Grew Up In  by Lisa Jewell A thousand tiny strokes of fortune touch us on our way, to move or change us.                                                 Fortunes Hand by Belva Plain Love wasn’t a great burning brushfire that swept across your soul and charred you…it was everyday moments laid out like bricks, one atop the other.                                                 Angel Falls by Kristin Hannah Time marches on, turning out hopes and dreams into memories.                                                 Twelve Little Cakes by...

84 Ribbons / Ballet Trilogy / Letters to Follow / When the Music Stops

Enjoy an evening all about dance!

Meet the Author at the University of Washington Mill Creek Bookstore Join Paddy for an evening all about ballet! Learn about her 3 ballet-themed books. Catch-up on how the characters’ lives are progressing. Hear excerpts from the books. Enter for a chance to win fun prizes!! University of Washington Bookstore at Mill Creek Towne Center 15311 Main Street, Mill Creek, WA.  98012 June 6 at 7pm And get a personalized, autographed copy of one, two or all three books. Click here to learn more

84 Ribbons / Letters to Follow / new works / reader suggestions / When the Music Stops

Marta: Epilogue to Her Story

Friends and readers at book talk often ask, “What happened to Marta after her stories ended?” Here’s my answer. I wrote this several years ago, but it’s still how I think an unwritten future chapter might progressed. Marta stood at the kitchen sink washing carrots from her garden. Her mind wandered a thousand miles away from her present view. Lynne had just written from her touring along the west coast. She laughed to herself. Lynne was always a joy with stories to keep them the phone for hours. R.J., Ryan Jonas, crawled across a rag rug toward her, dragging his...

Dancing / musings / reader suggestions

Questions about Paddy’s Dance Life

Friends and guests at my book talks often ask me questions about my dance life. Here are a few answers. When did you start dancing?  At age 3. I continued to take lessons until I was 18 and danced off and on until I was in my 40s. I was never a professional dancer. Which dance teachers were most inspiring? I only had 3 teachers across all the years I danced. Each influenced me in big or small ways: Margaret Tapping gave me the first opportunity to perform. I was 3 and loved being on the stage with the light...

blog readers voting / details in writing / musings / reader suggestions

Results: The Most Antagonistic Characters in the Ballet Trilogy Are…

The votes are in! There are few surprises. The FINALISTS are: Drum roll, please…         The 5 most antagonistic characters in the ballet trilogy are… Madame Cosper…..Uncle Leo…..Lynne’s parents…..Suzette….Carol   Each character was deemed continuously selfish, with hidden agendas, and focused on how Marta and Lynne’s needs and successes disrupted their lives. Thanks to everyone who voted. If you have further comments, send them to me at Paddy@PaddyEger.com  

National Dance Week

Dancing / musings

National Dance Week

This is National Dance Week. It began in 1981 as a way to bring national attention to dance. So what are you suppose to do? I suggest you try one of these ideas: attend a dance event (local dance studio recital or professional dance group presentation of ballet or culturally themed dancing) watch a PBS special on dance watch a movie of dancers from a variety of dance genres take a lesson in ballroom, classical dance, or cultural dance (Irish, Indian, Asian, etc) turn on your favorite music and dance just for the fun of it.

FAQ About Ballet Dancers

ballet performances / Dancing

FAQ About Ballet Dancers

How long does it take to become a professional ballet dancer? Most dancers start lesson by age 7 and take 1-2 classes a week. They focus on basic techniques. Young women must wait for their feet to finish growing before they step into pointe shoes. Both young men and women will also take modern dance and partner classes. By their teen years most serious dancers are in class 2-4 hours six days a week. What are pointe shoes made from and how long does a pair last?  Pointe shoes are made from several layers of fabric. The outsides are satin...