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The Pirouette Begins

Dancer’s grace and wisdom Tens of thousands of minutes of practice Mystical hush from the crowd Feeling her strength Crones in the audience None feel her pain. Prima donna, seasoned ballerina Determined reverence, unparalleled loveliness Mindful students, enjoying the craft Her disciplined strength Sinews poised and ready Shackled, yet adorned and adored. A gypsy’s blessing Ancestral anklet forged In the cosmos Well-worn leather ballet slipper Nineteen sixties ballerina, still dancing. The pirouette begins

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Maurice Rigoler

Date: 9/2/2019 1:37:00 PM

Yes, Caren, there's a price for everything! Male ballet dancers are the worse for it, in my opinion, as are male figure skaters; both do high jumps and land hard, on floor or ice. As a result they suffer hip and knee problems in later life – but knows about it? An insightful poem. Thanks for reading "Sound Advice". Best to you. / M

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 9/2/2019 5:40:00 PM

Thank you so much. I had seen a photo of a ballerina who had probably danced ten years too long.

Kurt Ravidas

Date: 8/31/2019 6:20:00 PM

Once I attended a ballerina photo shoot. Her feet! I've never seen anything so horrible. Calloused, disfigured, overworked. I've respected ballerinas ever since.

Caren Krutsinger
Date: 9/1/2019 9:56:00 AM

I am so sad for them. I am sure they can barely walk upright except on toes.