Alaska Day Show
Dear Editor: Alaska Day Big Show: thank you, New Archangel Dancers. My final big show was a rush of emotions, memories and genuine gratitude for having been a long-standing member. I have so much to be thankful for – here goes.
I want to pay tribute to the amazing emcees who created a show within a show. Their sense of humor and camaraderie brought the audience to a new level. I still hear the chanting.
Tribute to the graduated members – Dancing with the graduated members including some founding mothers – wow – I can only imagine how bold, brave and independent you were to start the NAD, our amazing sisterhood that has touched so many in our community. I look forward to my time with you all.
Tribute to the dancing – The show-stopping Axe Dance, much to my wondrous eyes did appear my favorite flower from my roots “the tulip.” The dances that everyone took extra time to make perfect. Opening with welcome, filling the stage with Kalinka, sharing our wares with Korobienki, strolling in the woods with our beautiful Doschechki boards, kicking it up in the Ural Mountains, riding fearlessly for a silk scarf, closing the first half with my all-time favorite Timonya, and so many more of the dances I hold dear.
Tribute to the members – The genuine show of appreciation from the past and current members of the NAD who I’ve had the opportunity to dance, laugh, travel, sew, dance more, raise children and share so many moments of each others lives with.
The after-show celebration at the Baranof Island Brewing Company that provided the perfect space for conversation, spirits and complimentary pizza by the “Mean Queen.”
Tribute to my family – I couldn’t have been this active of a participant without the support of my family. My children and husband have supported me during my practice nights, provided baby-sitting services to so many of our children, and pitched in when there were parades, parties and cleaning to be accomplished.
Tribute to the NAD – I can’t thank the NAD enough for all of the great times I’ve had over the past 22 years. If you have ever considered becoming a member, don’t hesitate, start looking for audition advertisements next fall. I can only say, I wish I had started seven years sooner!
Linda Speerstra, member,
New Archangel Dancers
D.C. View
Dear Editor: I made this up last week and I’m proud of it.
‘‘They didn’t drain the swamp, they just added scum on top of it.’’
Ron Rau, Sitka
