Mes Nouveaux Amis. My New Friends.

I know, I know. . . I haven't blogged in months and months and months. I've been slacking for sure. However, I had to write about this last weekend, because it was très magnifique.

Ardon works at the University Inn right off campus of the University of Washington. Many of his work stories include interesting guests from all around the world, whether they're visiting campus as incoming Freshmen, or need accomodations while they visit from overseas. Last week, his guests included a group of African ballet dancers from France who conducted workshops and performed at Meany Hall all week. They were all members of Compagnie la Calebasse in Paris. Ardon kept telling me how cool they all are, and how much fun they are to have as guests at the hotel because they brought a great energy. He made friends with them over the week, and they gave Ardon 2 free tickets to see their show. So, he and I went not knowing what to expect to see, and the show was amazing. After the performance, they invited us to join them backstage, and I got to meet them. I was quite excited because it was a great opportunity to brush up on my French skills! The following night, we took them out into the city to DANCE, and we all had such a great time together. They returned to Paris on Sunday, and I miss them already. They are such wonderful, beautiful people who are truly great company, and they all have such intriguing life stories. I can't even begin to describe how talented and wonderful they all are because it wouldn't do them any justice. I'm so blessed to have crossed paths with an amazing group of gentlemen. Ardon and I just keep talking about how we miss them, and how we need to go to Paris to see them again. If you ever hear about Compagnie la Calebasse, I encourage you to go watch the show. . . Or better yet, watch the show and meet them. You'll never forget it.

Backstage after the show with Ardon and Serge (in orange).
Serge is a principal dancer in the company. He grew up in Africa and has travelled the world through dance. I don't remember the names of the other guys, but they were all so much fun.

Tony and Ardon. Tony performed all week with a broken wrist.

Merlin, Ardon, Serge, and me
Merlin is the founder of the company and the choreographer of the program. He is incredibly talented. His vision as a choreographer and artist is on a whole other level. He and Serge grew up in the same village in Africa and are now very successful dancers.

Bile (Bee-lay)
He was quite excited to see that I love Paris too, and he had to pose with le Tour d'Eiffel. Man, he was such a great character.