I’ve created this for the users of Tale of Tales’ MMORPG screensaver, The Endless Forest. Recently I approached the developers about creating a ballet based on The Endless Forest, and they gave their blessing. Since TEF is a collaborative work of art set in a peaceful place where deer run and play, I have asked the other Forest Dwellers to come up with costume and story ideas. This blog is a place for us to discuss our plans, because this Ballet belongs to all of us. I am grateful to the forces that guided me to The Endless Forest, and to the wonderful people who live there, and most of all to Micheal Samyn and Auriea Harvey for giving their blessing to this project. Thank you, and love to all.
We’re Back!
After months of wedding and studio craziness, it’s time to redevote myself to this project. Starting in January we’re going to plan fundraisers and events and stuff.
Our plan is to present the Ballet as part of a children’s collaborative art organization that will raise money for various charities.
I’m sorry to have been away for so long… life just gets you sometimes, ya know?
Been a while…
but lots of interesting things have happened.
We have an exciting new dance company in town, the studio is going strong, and I…
got married.
Yep. Now that it’s done I can focus on our Christmas performances and also on the Ballet.
Slow Going
It’s been a bit rough here at TEF Ballet Central. We’ve been so busy at the studio with my sister’s dance camp and all the visitors and my wedding plans that we haven’t had much time to play with ideas and such. Right now I’m on the edge of getting all the major stuff finalized (ceremony, reception, guest list) and after that I’m free and clear.
Where we’re stuck is finding the time to write letters to the various artists who are on our musical wish list. We’re going for a different feel on this one and looking at artists who have more of a contemporary sound. Mostly I want to do justice to the designs and stories that have come in already. I feel like we’d be compromising the intent of M&A’s creations if we don’t go for something really special.
So much to do! Designs, fundraising, auditioning local dancers, scheduling rehearsals… none of this can happen until we have the music. Makes my head spin sometimes.
Inspired by…
one of my Little Sisters, who is also in the Forest. I think you’ll recognize the artist’s style.
I’ll just leave this here. Don’t drool on it, we need it.
And to the artist… you have an incredible soul and a magnificent gift. We’re blessed to have your talent in our little project.
We’re baa-aack…
The recital was incredible (as usual, pictures and video to come on the Dance Project site) and we’re in full-on Forest mode! We’re still trying to find good music, so if you’ve got a recommendation, post it here.
My wish list… David Arkenstone, Troika, Al and Amy, Vollenweider… anything that evokes a sense of peace and beauty like that of the Forest.
We need costumes, set ideas, t-shirt and poster designs. I’ve been talking to Builder Dad (who made an amazing battery-powered artificial campfire on wheels for the recital) and he’s ready for anything the Forest Community can think of to throw at him.
Best idea so far for set design came from Sewing Mom, who suggested we get big red umbrellas with white spots on for the Mushrooms. Yes… Dancing Mushrooms.
So if anyone is feeling brave enough to design Dancing Mushrooms…
Down to it
the recital is coming…
after July 18th I’ll be able to devote more time and energy to the Ballet. My apologies for not having been around as much as I should… we have a new dance company coming in, a performance next weekend. Life is Crazy.
I can’t wait to get back to the Forest.
Break Time
Next week, we’re off at the studio. Our Performing Group is going on a trip at the end of the week, but for the first few days I will be at home relaxing with my kitties and the man I love. I might do another playthrough of “The Path” which is another ToT game. These two are brilliant, and if you get a chance go to their forum and read some of the game theory. It’s really quite stunning.
Hopefully I’ll be able to spend some more time in the Forest since I won’t have to go to the studio in the evenings. It’s been really hard getting in any play time because everything is so insane right now, what with the trip and our performances and the lot. When you’re amused by watching your tubby Buddha-cat attempting to chase a moth and failing to jump after it and instead doing a massive belly-flop onto the coffee table, you know it’s time to relax.
Foresty Stuff I love: Ephra’s Masquerade Design. 88 playing Hide-and-Seek in Forest Games. The multiple screenshots of Nature Walks, strange occurrences, and fawns. The Censor Lily. Finally finding JF3 and saying thank you for “At The Pond” in a relatively scare-free manner. Figuring out who my deer is (she likes spinning around in place. Who knew?) and truly hearing her voice for the first time. Email conversations about characters and finding out how incredibly fantastic the people behind them really are. Coming up with ideas for the name of a certain fawn. Dancing and spinning and dancing some more. And Giant Mushrooms.
I love this little lambchop!
Meet Spangled Plushblue. She’s a little bit devilish and, according to her Human, not very well-mannered. Therefore she will be in “Antlers!”, running around and trying to get people to put stuff on her head. And the Giant Mushrooms will be making an appearance, of course… not sure where just yet.
There’s something about her that makes me giggle. She looks like she’d whap you in the face with her tail and then try to cute her way out of being in trouble. I think I luff this little deer.
Inspirational Screenshots
Courtesy of Kassy, she of the OMG-LOOKITHOWCUTE Fawn.
She could do a screenshot of her fawn stomping on a squirrel and it would still be fierce.
This just gets better
There are some wildly creative people in the Forest…
This is our Forest 