Ciao' Ciao' from Sarah and Karin

First let's apologize to our adoring public (yes, that's you mom, dad, mema...Sam.., mama, Simone, Nicky Nick wowwwww we really do have an adoring public don't we Sarah :) ) that we are actually IN ITALY!!!!!! I know you were all wondering since whoooops our arrival wasn't mentioned (nudge, nudge :) ) Let's just say the time here in Italy has been extraordinary!!!! The hospitality, grace and beauty of the people, culture and general atmosphere has been, well,....overwhelming!!! We arrived on Wednesday about a week later than the rest of the company due to previous commitments. We sooooo wanted to be a part of the educational dance workshops and performances that Vincent, Onur, JoJo, Laurel and Douglas so brilliantly led! We arrived with mixed emotions....missing our families...so wanting them to be with us. Perhaps Sarah will be able to go again...(Sammmmm hint hint) From the moment we set foot on Italian soil....it was non-stop! We'd like to personally thank our fabulous, Goddess guide and translatress (Dehlia....MOLTO GRAZIE!!) for her patience and insurmountable kindess at every moment of our trip! From the impromptu trip to the Parmesean factory; to the Lambrusco tour (if you haven't tried Lambrusco....you had better get on that...it's lovely!) the indulgent opportunities here were endless. However, the simple pleasure of drinking an espresso, glass of wine.....eating a piece of pizza and today's gelato reminded us of just how easy life can really be. Italians are known for their passion about...well, just about everything especially their faith in God and overall tranquility. We were spoiled rotten by the organization that invited us here (Nazareno). What an organization!! Check out their website and all the great work they do! http://www.nazareno-coopsociale.it/ There are simply too many people to thank!! BUT please know how truly grateful we are! Let's talk about the theater!!!! When we arrived at the Teatro Communale Luciano Pavarotti (that's right Pavarotti's house) we almost passed out! To even think about the history of this theater was completely overwhelming! The theater itself is MAGNIFICENT! The sloped stage floor ("raked" as it's called in the business of theater) was frightening at first. But as you know the show must go on! Even though we had limited rehearsal time....we ALL rose to the occasion!! The performance began at approximately 9 pm which in Italian time is 9:30 :) We were the 2nd act on and both Sarah and I were moved to tears at the magnitude of the experience. It was an honor for us to be a part of Full Radius Dance and even more of an honor to share the billing with the globally represented talent! We could write for days about the experience and please know that you were all truly missed. Sarah and I want to extend our deepest appreciation for ALL of your support and love on this journey and know that we continue to be inspired by each of your individual kindnesses. (you know who you are) A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MASHA! We're so happy you made it to the show!!! We are returning with subtle reluctance (I will deeply miss my espressos and Sarah will surely miss walking on cobblestone streets with her heals) we lovvvvvve Italy, but as you all know......there's no place like home! Ti amo, Sarah and Karin