Little girl in the pretty dress

Every little girl has a moment when she stands before her dad, twirls and says "Daddy, do you think I am pretty?" This is affirmation, not being pretty, affirmation that she matters, that she has made her father proud. In Staci Eldridge's book "Captivating", Staci goes into depth the relationship this single act can have on a woman. After 38 years I finally think I have "spun" in my pretty dress and made my dad proud. He has been telling everyone about me being in the Anchorage Opera.

Its funny what you do that make your parents proud. I thought it would be graduating from college, having children, being a teacher... no.. its singing in an opera.


Singing has been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. In my Kindermusik profile, listening to ABBA and singing at church as a child is listed. I sang my first solo at 11 years old, from there school plays, church solos, singing in weddings, funerals came through out the years. In college I visited the Sydney Opera House, with the thought, one day! As a Theatre major the stage was like a second home, but the years and life got in the way.  Still singing, teaching Kindermusik and elementary music, one thing always was in the back of my mind. I wanted to be back on the stage and wanted to sing opera.

With the blessing of being in Alaska comes the blessing of the Anchorage Opera. I have had so much fun being apart of the Big Wild Chorus. Being back on stage, singing and remembering the things I had forgotten, has been a joy. We open La Boheme this coming week. A French opera done in Italian.  I have had my costume fittings, our staging rehearsals, now onto dress rehearsals. Can't wait to rehearse in our costumes. I get to yell at little children, calling them demons, little scoundrels. I get to be a new bride in a vintage 30s wedding dress and stroll across stage.

reacting to Musetta's aria

I have met some wonderful people that I know will become great friends. Next up is South Pacific. We go right into rehearsals as soon as we close on La Boheme. I have to start my crunches now! Costume director says, shorts and possible swimsuits.. Luckily, South Pacific is set in the 1940s.

So, I am not Musetta or Mimi in La Boheme and I will be a nurse in South Pacific, but I am back on stage singing doing what I love using a talent God has given me. I am blessed and thankful.

I am twirling in my pretty dress as a grown woman with a little girl's heart, "Daddy, do you think I am pretty?"  For my friends that are fathers take this to heart. Make sure you let your girls know how much they mean to you, whether they are little girls or "big" little girls.

With love and a thankful heart,
Angela