Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Lac des Cygnes - Swan Lake experience




Swan Lake theme by Tchaikovsky;
image of the swan herself, Anna Pavlova
Ode to Odette

"Get my swan costume ready...[and]... play that last measure softly."  

Those were the last words of the swan herself, the incomparable Anna Pavlova. 

There is a good chance that at least a few of you reading this have bypassed your opportunity to realize your dreams of travelling the world as a prima ballerina. Our le Cygne experience allows you to revisit that dream.... if only for a few hours.

Our Ballet Mistress Madame Rouenska takes her job very seriously.  Disappointed in her own dance career, she takes out her angst on her unwitting pupils in true drill sergeant fashion.... She also moonlights as a tea leaf reader. All this adds up to the most uproarious dance class imaginable. 

This event runs approximately 4 hours and includes:
  • Rudimentary dance instruction (emphasis on rude)
  • Pointers on how to curtsy with class, catch bouquets, feign humility, sign autographs, deal with paparazzi, get free 'stuff' and lock in an infomercial
  • Feather hair adornment craft keepsake session
  • Pre-performance poser photo shoot (before you're all sweaty and shiny)
  • Videotaped prima performance - each dancer will get a brief moment in the spotlight if desired... no pushing, ladies
  • Glamorous recital reception with dainty delectables, sparkling wine (the key is the glitter), rushin' caviar, and ... wait for it .... a lovely traditional Pavlova dessert
Extras: Professional hair, makeup & photography are additional, items from the suggested Kaboodle Kit, a copy of our performance DVD.

Pre-requisite: ability to participate in the most basic of ballet steps... and look like you mean it. 

Anna Pavolva's original swan costume
Packing List: Please see our Kaboodle Kit at the bottom of this page for everything you may want in order to feel like the beautiful swan princess you know you truly are.  You may also want to bring practice dancewear, white or black shirt/top and white or black tights or leggings; byo tutu or borrow one of our scanty ones. It would also be beneficial to know how to spell your name prior to our 'signing autographs' tutorial.

Event takes place in a privately-reserved dance studio.  Please join us for this one-of-a-kind artistic encounter. It's sure to be the most fun you never had.

Event cost per guest: $55




Tuesday, May 22, 2012

As American as Apple Pie & Pin-Ups

Click here for our 2014 live interactive video workshop

“The practice of putting women on pedestals began to die out when it was discovered that they could give orders better from there.” ~Betty Grable


Relive the era of innocent allure and wholesome exhibitionism, when a dimple and a stocking seam could inspire a grunt to glory.  Our All American Pinup event is a fun girly get-together, complete with baking, knitting, a hair and makeup party... and a little boogie woogie tossed in to keep things lively.


9am-3pm for basic session (elective evening activities are additional and end around 10pm)

Event basics are listed in blue. Optional extras are in grey italics.
  • Hot Mommas & Apple Pie (9-11am): Reveille! Nothing gave our boys in blue the will to hang on and make it back home like the beautiful women waiting stateside for them.  And there were few reminders as iconic as the pin-up photo. Go back with us to the fabulous 40's, a time of great courage and great music. We will conduct our morning lesson as we bake apple pie, from scratch, of course, taking photos. Includes a mid-morning coffee cake break... we're saving the pie for lunch!
  • PicKnit Lunch Break (11am-1pm): We're off to the park for a leisurely picnic lunch, during which we will have a knitting session to create beret keepsakes, pompon optional; if you'd like to stretch your gams a bit, feel free to play horseshoes or 'Frisbie'... we'll need our apple pie tins for that
  • Sing & Swing Time (1-2:30pm): Get ready to boogie woogie and wiggle at our 1940's song and dance session.  Choose to sing harmonies or jitter like a bug.  These will be the basis of our performance later. Includes a mid-segment Snickers cookies & tea break 
  • Afternoon Respite & Pin-Up Transformation (2:30-5pm):  Take this time to enjoy any of the following 
    • Treat yourself to a Mayonnaise hair treatment  
    • Practice your musical number 
    • Put your dogs up and rest a bit 
    • Primp for your evening performance
    • Professional hair & makeup, available from 3-5pm
  • Calendar Girl Cocktail Reception & Photo Session (5-6pm): Mix and mingle while waiting for your turn to pose for a Professional Photography Shoot in your Pin-Up garb. While you're at it, why not have 12 photos taken and create a calendar?
  • Pin-Up performance (6-6:30pm): Time to flaunt your perfect victory roll hairdo and kohl-lined eyes with your pin-up sisters. Whether as a singer, dancer or applauder in the audience, come cheer us on to victory
  • Supper Club (6:30-9:00pm): For pinup events held at Siren Central in Long Beach, CA, we will join the nightlife out on the town for dinner at The Sky Room. They close at 9pm on weekdays... most likely because of wartime curfew.  (Dinner plans in other areas will differ.) 
  • Pajama Party (9-?): For our for our overnight pin-ups... throw on your p.j.'s, break out the hair curlers and slather on an avocado facial mask... we'll make the popcorn and grab a film noir movie 

Monday, May 14, 2012

Water Sprite Spree

[updated 15 July 2015]
Please visit our
Naiad Springs Respite site for full details on this Mythic Adventure experience


"Come to my fathomless pond
Where it is so gently cool
Hear my notes from far beyond
Pick the rose and I will rule!" 
~The Water Sprite by Noekk

Dive into the mythical world of the Naiad at this aquatic getaway. Experience includes nymph lore and language. 


Saturday, May 12, 2012

A Site to Behold




"La joie de vivre est de dĂ©couvrir qui vous ĂȘtes"
{The joy of living is discovering who you are}

* * *

$25 Annual Enrollment Tuition 
Enroll today and start earning siren rewards points immediately