Happy Thanksgiving!

November 27, 2013


I am thankful for these puppies. So thankful for these puppies…

Between the turkey, the gravy, the stuffing, the desserts and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, there’s a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day.

But take a moment today to think about things in the bigger picture you’re thankful for, like finally nailing your triple pirouette—on pointe!—or landing your dream role in your company’s production of The Nutcracker.

We have a tradition here at the Dance Spirit office: I force everyone to tell me what they’re most thankful for, and it has to be dance-related. In the [dance] spirit of sharing, giving and being grateful, here’s what each DS editor had to say…

“I’m thankful I get to live in NYC. Yes, it sometimes smells like garbage and there are way too many people on the sidewalks at any given time. But it’s also the city of Broadway, which is my favorite thing in the whole wide world. While we’re on the topic, I’m thankful I get to chat with Broadway performers every day for my job!” —Rachel Zar, managing editor 

“I’m thankful for Nutcracker season—and those are words I never thought I’d say. It took me more than a decade to go from ‘I never want to hear that music again’ to ‘Maybe I’ll just play a little Waltz of the Flowers to get me through my workout.’ But here I am, rooting for Team Nut. It’s a magical ballet with a magical score, and I’m seeing three different productions of it this year. Thanks for bringing me—not to mention countless trinas-to-be—endless joy, Nutcracker.” —Margaret Fuhrer, associate editor

“I’m thankful for a job that combines my two passions: writing and dance. And I’m thankful for ballet class. Any time I get homesick, I just reach for the barre and I’m home.” —Maggie McNamara, assistant editor

“I’m thankful I’ve been able to experience so many difference facets of the dance world—dancer, teacher, administrator and now Dance Spirit fashion editor!” —Meggie Hermanson, fashion editor


My beloved Matilda kids. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Me? I’m thankful for the Newsies boys, the Annie orphans and the Matilda revolting children on Broadway. I’m thankful for my dream job and the fabulous DS team that makes each issue so great and each day so fun. I’m thankful for the In the Heights soundtrack, which powered me through mile 15 of the New York City Marathon earlier this month, and I’m thankful for all those Sunday afternoons when I discover Center Stage on TV. And, of course, I’m thankful for each of you for reading Dance Spirit and sharing your wonderful stories with me.

Happy Thanksgiving!