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Kelle Diaddigo is the curator of Bluebird: merch and the only non-dancer joining this year's team.  With a true servants' heart, she has been our biggest fan from the beginning and is always there to cheerfully lend a hand while offering wisdom and encouragement. Follow her on twitter and instagram @kellediaddigo 

Q. What is your favorite dance memory?
A. My favorite dance memory would be when my daughter's ballet teacher told me she was casting her as Clara. She had wanted to dance that role for "years" and I knew how happy it would make her. As the teacher was telling me she showed me a new prop she had just bought for Nutcracker that year- a full size carousel horse. Carousel horses had been a ' golden thread' for me as I had found one in an antique store before I ever had children and really wanted it. We also read the storybook ' Watercolor Ponies' by Wayne Watson to her when she was younger, along with my husband gifting me with a carousel horse music box to mention a few.

Q. If you were a super hero, what would your power be?
A. to be able to be in multiple places at once.

Q. What advice do you have for younger dancers?
A. being a ballet mom and not a dancer I would have to say- enjoy everyday in ballet- whether it's at the barre or in the theatre or at a summer intensive. All of those moments make up the story of the ballet part of your life. Try not to get caught up in how you measure up to the ballerina next to you or the next level and don't let another girls drama ruin a joyful time in the theatre. God has you in the palm of his hand- he is big enough to write that story.

"So excited to be able to be traveling with such a stellar group of dancers. They are a delight to walk alongside."

June 23 

Read Romans 15:5-13

    How can we “be of the same mind toward one another” and “accept one another as Christ” did? 

     How have you experienced God’s perseverance and encouragement?  

v. 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

 

Jesus, thank you for fulfilling your promises to us and inviting us into your story. Unify our team with servants’ hearts motivated by your perseverance and encouragement as your love overflows onto those around us. We ask you to prepare the hearts of those we will interact with in Panama, that they might glimpse you and your freedom in a new way. 

 

 

June 27

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 

    What are some reasons we might “sow sparingly?” 

     What has God “purposed in your heart” for this trip? 

 

Be encouraged!

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, ‘He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. ~2 Cor. 9:8,9 MSG 

 

Thank you Jesus for your astonishing blessings and preparing us for anything and everything. We trust you to equip us to sow abundantly and courageously. We pray for clarity in communication among our team and with those we meet in Panama. You are big enough to transcend any language barriers. Make your name famous!    

 

June 28

Read 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

    Do you always trust Him to provide/equip you for the job He calls you to?

     Are you always aware that your obedience to God affects the worship and prayers of others? 

 

This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough! ~2 Cor. 9:10-15 MSG 

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord for your generous gifts. Thank you for the Church and how we reinforce/inspire each other. May we be aware of your extravagance and and let it motivate our actions as we are courageously obedient. We pray for the students we will be teaching in Panama; raise up a generation of artists creating relevant and redemptive art for the glory of your name. Spark dreams. Reinforce confidence. Inspire creativity.  

 

June 29

Read John 4:34-38

     Do you think you are a sower or a reaper?

     vers 35: “Look” –do we miss the fields that are ripe for harvest sometimes?

 Jesus, thank you for those who have gone before us and prepared what you have called us to harvest. May we be alert to discern the opportunities you’ve called us to step into. We pray specifically for the leadership of Ballet Adorad, Alas de Angel, and La Escuela de Danza Teresa Mann: Paola, Genesis, Maricela, and Myriam. Thank you for their vision and pioneering. Continue to be their strength; as we come alongside them, may we encourage each other. 

 

June 30

Read 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 

        verse 36 death is required for life–discuss in light of Romans 8:13

        verse 43–How can something be sown/planted one way but blossom/harvested another? 

 

Prayer points: thanksgiving for the redeeming power of Christ, we stand firm and remember our work is not in vain, our performances: that Christ’s redemption will be manifest and hearts brought to life

 

July 1

Read Ephesians 6:19-20 and Colossians 4:2-6 

 

What does it mean to pray at all times? How do we stay alert?

 

Why does it take so much courage to share the gospel? 

 

Prayer points: fearlessness, grace{full} conversations, alertness, safe travels, trusting Jesus to go before us

 

 

 

July 3

Read Isaiah 42:6-9 

 

What sticks out to you?

 

 

Do you believe that God wants to use you to bring others into His Kingdom? Why?

 

 

How can we apply this scripture practically in everyday life as well as in Panama? 

 

Prayer points: choosing to stand in the Truth of our calling as we have the courage and discernment to speak Light to the darkness, Instituto Comercial and Panama Christian Academy

 

 

 

July 7

debrief about our time in Chiriqui, share Jesus stories and takeaways

 

Prayer points: trusting Jesus to water the seeds planted and seal the work He performed in hearts, that the students would continue to work on what they learned and be encouraged in the confidence of their identities. 

 

 

July 8 (with Ballet Adorad girls)

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-25

 

How can we apply verses 14-22?

 

 

How have you seen verse 24 manifest in your life?  

 

 

Prayer points: thanksgiving for those who “labor among us” and for His faithfulness, Ballet Adorad  

 

 

July 11

Someone share a scripture that’s been on your heart.

 

Prayer points: the workshop and performances tomorrow. 

 

 

July 14 

debrief from whole trip, share Jesus stories and takeaways.

 

Prayer points: Jesus would seal all that He’s done in our hearts as well as those of the Panamanians we interacted with. 

 

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Congratulations on surviving audition season and deciding on where to spend your summer training! Whether it’s your first intensive or fiftieth, here are a few things we wish we had known before we went away for the summer. Know that we're cheering you on and praying for you. As always, if you have any questions or thing you might want to add to the list, feel free to drop us a line here! 

Overpacking is ok–I am a firm believer in bringing everything you might need just in case. Just make sure you can get it through the airport or packed nicely in the car. 

 A lot of dorms will let you ship a box or two prior to your arrival. This is nice if you have to bring bedding (oh, make sure you have the right size sheets), cooking utensils, costumes, etc. Don’t forget that you have to bring everything home too. ;-) 

 Be sure to pack an ankle, knee brace, and ice pack (the instant ones are convenient) just in case as well as extra blister care, toe tape, band aids, and toe pads. Your foam roller may take up a lot of space in your suitcase but it might also save your legs–if it doesn’t fit, a stick will suffice. And don’t forget the arnica and icyhot or tiger balm. 

Also, calculate how many pairs of pointe shoes you will need and sew them before you leave. Remember that you will be dancing more than usual and might need to pack an extra. It’s always good to have a clean pair of ballet shoes ready for performances as well.

    

Don’t try to figure out why she got level 6 with sickled feet and pique turns with bent knees while you’re stuck in level 4. Really, it’s a waste of brain energy and not worth it. Choose to learn as much as you can regardless of the level you are placed in. Remember there’s a bigger picture going on. More than the director’s decisions, Jesus placed you in the level where you will bring Him the most glory. Keep that in mind as you love as He loves, and dance from a heart of grateful worship. 

Choose to be yourself–and be confident in who you are. You’ll be in a new environment with lots of new teachers and styles. Of course we want them to like us but be careful not to compromise by chasing an elusive goal of being the dancer “they” want you to be. Remember, your identity does not lie in other people’s opinions (or the cast list). You are a royal princess of the King of Kings–dance in His confidence. 

Don’t get distracted–whether it be boys or petty girl drama, try not to get sucked in. Remember you are there to dance. It might be tempting to critique the way that girl dances more like a chicken than a swan; your pas de deux partner’s dreamy eyes might make you wonder if he’s really your prince–whatever it might be, stay focused. 

 Happy dancing!