Life has certainly changed since my last newsletter, therefore I have a bit more to say. Our daughter, Phoebe, made a rather dramatic entrance into this world on June 3rd. (You may have read about this in Hello!.) Her arrival was totally unexpected. The day before I was taken into hospital I had been in class. Since Phoebe was so small when she was born, it was a while before we could take her home. After that, however, we had a lovely summer and even managed a short holiday. Angus and I enjoyed the chance to get away and relax, though Phoebe, of course, had more luggage than both of us put together. I think there's a possibility that Phoebe may have some of my dancing genes - she points her toes when she is being fed.
I have been back at work for just over 6 weeks now. That's been great as it's allowed me to be physical again - I'm not very good at sitting on my bottom. For the first three weeks I was doing body conditioning and then had coaching for the next three. (That's one-on-one coaching by Monica Mason, who's brilliant at bringing dancers back from injury or a long absence from the stage.) In the last week I've started back to class which, surprisingly, didn't feel at all strange, though I thought it might do. I actually had my full Nutcracker costume on the other day for a photo shoot and it felt as though I hadn't had any time off at all. (Monica Mason said mine was one of the best planned pregnancies in the company, as my time off coincided with the 6 week summer break). I am, however, so pleased that I've given myself a good, long time to come back - even longer than I'd planned, since Phoebe was born so early. That has given me a bit more time to get myself slowly back in shape. When I first started body conditioning it felt as though I'd never be fit again. It's rather like coming back from an injury. There are times when you feel that you won't ever be able to move without pain. But you do eventually get there.
For some dancers the hardest part of coming back from pregnancy is going on pointe again. They find that their feet widened while they were pregnant, which means they'll have to change their pointe shoes. Thankfully, my feet haven't changed and they also seem to be strong, so going back on pointe hasn't been a problem. It probably helps that I was still doing pointe work the week before Phoebe arrived.
Next week I am starting back in rehearsals for Nutcracker and also Beyond Bach , which is part of a triple bill. I'll be dancing with Jonathan Cope in both shows and although I'll be fully prepared for my comeback and ready to go, I'll be nervous about the first shows. I suppose that's only to be expected after being away from performing for nearly a year.
One aspect of the job that does feel strange is coming back to the press work - interviews and photo shoots. It's not new to me, of course, but I did very little press work when I was pregnant and now that I am back I've been asked to do quite a lot. Finding time for it all is a problem, however. Once class and rehearsals are over, all I want is to get home and see Phoebe. One interview to look out for is with Good Housekeeping that is due to be published in the December issue.
One press launch that I was closely involved with was for Bussell and Taylor , the Design Company I set up with Lindsay Taylor, my friend from school. The launch went well and we have had a positive response from designers who are interested in using our material. Of course now I'm back at work, Lindsay is dealing with the day to day running of the business.
I would like to thank everyone who has sent cards, letters and gifts to me at the Opera House; I really appreciate your support! Sorry for the delay in replying to some of them - I am slowly working my way through the pile, so if you haven't heard from me yet, you will soon! Thanks also for the comments regarding this site.
I hope you enjoyed the newsletter. Please come back again to see what I have been up to.
Enjoy your dance!!
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