Behind the Scenes

Laura Mogalle, one of the dances in the show I was in this winter, has posted a nice "Behind the Scenes" sequence video.  We worked very hard and managed to have some fun too.  Here's a look!

Family in Film

I recently had the opportunity to spend a whole month at home with my family. Part of the time I was in Portland and part of the time I was in Seattle. I used this chance to try out color film for the first time.  I am really happy with the results, I think I got some really nice photos out of it.

Sheep on the River

Yesterday, Thomas and I went for a walk along the Elbe River.  We wanted to get away from the city  a bit so we drove a little outside of Hamburg.  I was surprised to learn that public park land and sheep grazing territory crossed over one another here.

Hangin' with the sheep.

I think this one liked me.

The Elbe River

Back In Germany

Ellen Murray dances in Drama

I am very excited to be back in Germany for a few months.  It's been a long couple of weeks since I first arrived and I am finally now feeling a little settled.

Jet lag hit me really hard, much harder than it has in the past.  It took me nearly a week and half to get through it.  Somehow though, I've still been able to get a lot done despite the jet lag.

First, I got myself an extended Tourist Visa.  Originally I was applying for a Work Visa but they needed more info (no surprise), but the tourist visa will give me more time to get that all together.

Next, I found a cheap bike so that I can get around more easily. It's actually really cute and I love riding it around Hamburg.

Finally, I've been preparing to teach a Jazz Dance Workshop.  Yesterday was the first day of a two day workshop.  I had so much fun, but am really exhausted.  What I love about this workshop is the diverse background of the students.  Usually  in a work shop like this I'd be teaching fellow swing dancers. But Thomas Marek a tap dance instructor arranged this workshop so in the class I do have swing dancers but I also have tap dancers and a few who have never danced at all.

The photo at the top is from when I was here on my last visit.  I performed in a production put on by Thomas, so some of the students in my class were inspired by seeing me dance in the show!

Today I will teach the second half of the workshop.  I'm looking forward to it.  I know it will be a lot of fun.