In my next life: Ballerina

photography by Amanda Thomsen
I’m super pleased to introduce a new monthly column to Lars and it’s been a long time in coming. Let me explain. Growing up I felt like I was meant to be a ballet dancer. My mom was a dancer, my aunt was a dancer, and clearly I was also supposed to be one as well. The problem is that my ballet teacher didn’t agree. I was “too chubby” to audition for the Nutcracker at the age of 8. Now, it may seem harsh, but in all honesty, I was tubby and most likely awkward because I was definitely shy and turned bright red when anyone spoke to me. Not a great combo for a graceful dancer. My mom instantly took me out of ballet and enrolled me in tennis and cello and I continue to play to this day. Ultimately, she didn’t want me to grow up in a world where weight and appearance was a factor that dictated her life and I’m very glad she directed me in another direction. I’m also very happy with how my childhood and adolescence played out so though I still would have loved to have been a dancer (and with the right body type), I’m satisfied with the talents and skills I’ve been able to develop. No harm done!

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some jobs that I wouldn’t like to try in my next life. Enter new column. This whole internet thing has exposed me to jobs that I never knew existed. Paper floral designer? Color expert? Cupcake maker? Come on, these are dream jobs! In fact, I was going to label this column “Dream Jobs”, but thought that they’re someone’s reality so “In my next life” it is. Every month I’ll feature a different person who inspires me in their chosen profession. First up? Christina Michanek.
Christina Michanek is a soloist at the Royal Danish Ballet. She’s also a good friend of mine and my former landlord. Ha! Paul and I lived on the top floor of her house that she and her husband were renovating. You would think that friendship + landlord could be a recipe for disaster, but these two are the best. I’m their biggest fan. You won’t find two more kind and hardworking people. Part of the reason I was so sad to leave Denmark was because we wouldn’t be by them (and their adorable 2 year old).
Christina generously invited my mom and me to attend a dress rehearsal of a brand new show at the Ballet in September at the Opera House, The Golden Cockerel (or Den Gyldne Hane), an opera by Rimsky-Korsakov that was turned into a ballet with original choreography by Alexei Ratmansky. She said that the sets and costumes reminded her of me and my jaw just about dropped when I saw them. They’re bright and bold and colorful (see below). They’re the original designs from Ballet Russes. I invited Amanda Thomsen, the awesome photographer with whom I shared a studio in Copenhagen, to come along and document the day. She takes us through from the practice, getting ready and finally the dress rehearsal with her beautiful photos.
Mom and I had a ball watching The Golden Cockerel. Though the story is over-the-top (like all operas), I loved the dancing and original choreography. There was an exotic spin on traditional ballet. I also loved the costumes. It was definitely a feast for the eyes. I tend to like dress rehearsals better than the real thing because you get to hear the banter between the director, maestro, and dancers. It’s a bit more entertaining when you add in the real life drama.
With that in mind, Christina was kind enough to answer a few questions.
Did you always want to be a dancer? 
Before I knew ballet and ballet dancers even existed I wanted to be a librarian. The library was such a magical place for me. It was like a church for stories. And I dreamed of being this superlibrarian who could tell people as soon as I saw them what they should get! 
 
How did you get into dancing? 
An American missionary who was dancing at Ballet West in Utah, Candice Taylor, made a little dance for all the young girls in my church congregation for a Christmas activity. Ever since she danced for us I was hooked!

 

 

 

Were there people along the way in your field who you admired or helped you shape the decision to be a dancer?
In the school it was my friend Ulrik Birkjær (now principal the company) who was my ‘source’ or his ambition and ballet interest just made him the one I could ask ballet questions and he inspired me to aspire higher. Still does. Apprentice years and early dancer years it was Adam Lüders, Caroline Cavallo, Sorella Englund and Nikolaj Hübbe.
What’s your favorite part about your job?
The feeling of moving in space led by my own musicality. The drama we get to enjoy! I’m a drama junkie! I’ll do a death scene any day any time. The theater magic of costumes, stage light and a live orchestra.
Is there anything you could do without?
I could do without the judging, elbowing, never good enough chase for perfection. And that it takes forever to get in shape and four days to get out of it…that’s almost evil.

 

How do you juggle being a wife/mother with your job?
I make sure to leave work at work and don’t bring it home. And if I need to take a nap before a show I do it in the living room preferably in the beanbag on the floor so it’s easy for my son to play on and around me. FaceTime helps a lot too then we can blow kisses to each other and sing songs and play games. It was a great help when I went on tour recently.
 
What’s one of the most memorable moments of your career?
Some of my favorite moments… Watching a colleague on their 40th jubilee and seeing old pictures and video and sensing their love for their work and how much they are loved for sharing their talent.
First Sylph rehearsal is a special memory too. As soon as Nikolaj [Hübbe, the director of the ballet] had left the studio I let out a little scream and involuntary leap of joy and then I got a little embarrassed cause he could probably hear me.
Romeo and Juliet balcony pas de deux with Ulrik in Japan. I stole a moment to just soak in the stage, the music, the moment and save it in my heart and mind and it made me shiver with delight.
Watching Nikolaj dance Apollo in a small proconsul theater, sitting in the wing so fascinated that I almost was on stage! I’m pretty sure he didn’t mind at all.
I have a lot of favorite moments.

 

I loved watching Christina dance. She is pure passion and love for the art. I’m also very lucky to call her my friend. She is beauty, kindness, and integrity. Thank you, Christina, for being letting us follow you around.
Stay tuned for next month’s In My Next Life.
 
Do you have a dream job? What is it?
Thank you to Det Kongelige Teater for allowing us to take up some space in the practice room and letting us wander around backstage.
 
Photography by Amanda Thomsen

Three minutes.

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“You have three minutes” he told me. That’s how long Paul gave me to take his photo in front of this not-so-Danish garden home (aka kolonihave). He is so good about finding spots around town he’ll know I’ll gush over and this was one of them. Of course, he should know by now that that also means he has to be my subject. Or at least he knows it now. I love it when someone goes outside the ordinary and even provides a little resting bench outside for snoopers like us.

Blog’nhagen FINALE!

Dry up those tears, I know it’s tough to see the end finally arrive. Blog’nhagen part 4 starts….now!

After a tour of Ibsens hotel in the afternoon we headed across town to A XOCO by Anthon Berg, a chocolatier. Jesper Rahbek is the man behind A XOCO and he was so kind to give us a lesson on how to make flødeboller or as he called them “foam kisses” in English. Flødeboller are super Danish: a marshmallow type cream on top of a cookie or marzipan and dipped in chocolate. Then you can get super crazy and add toppings like strawberries or pistachios. Jesper even revealed to us his secret recipe. Gasp! You can also do a class at their Chocolate School, which I would highly recommend.

We started out by making the cream and then squeezing it onto the marzipan pieces. Some were a little more successful than others…I’m not naming names. 
Jesper was super patient with us. We were like kids in, uh, a candy store.

 While some of us remained classy, like Thea.

Then it was off to Antom Dam, a furniture and home design store in Frederiksberg.

 where we found out that pillows can be used for the sofa and for your face.

The owner was so kind and provided the prize for the winner of the Love My Guide tour competition.
Lastly, off to Sticks ‘n Sushi to pick up our dinner to take to our picnic.
Then off to our last stop of the evening, the blogger’s meet-up at Islands Brygge Havnebad

 Where we pretty much devoured our food. Anne has the perfect model hands.

It was GREAT fun to meet up with other bloggers and supporters from around Copenhagen. We were joined by the people of Everplaces and other friends who I had met at The Hive in May.

 JJ was the winner of the Love My Guide tour and came home with a VIPP pedal bin. I’m quite jealous.

I was so thrilled when Juliane of Froken Skicklig came with a tart in hand and hand-picked strawberries. 

Well, I believe that’s it! We had such a great time and were so thrilled to see so many people at the meet-up. I wish I had more pics of everyone. The rest of the pics are going up on our Facebook page. Stay tuned for more Blog’nhagen coming to a city near you! And if you haven’t had a chance to see the Blog’nhagen video, you must do so!

Thank you to EVERYONE involved! For the bloggers for taking the time to come and share the day. For the sponsors for allowing us to take over your place for a bit. And a big thank you to At Hermans and Ferm Living for providing goody bags. And a thank you to Maria for being my partner in crime. We’ve been trying to find a project to do together for ages and I think we made the perfect team.

And another thank you to Ashley of Chasing Heartbeats, Jenny of Dos Family, Thea from Sister Mag for letting me use some of your photos!

Check out parts 1, 2, 3, sneak peek

If you’d like to be involved with Blog’nhagen by either becoming a sponsor or blogger please email us at blognhagen@gmail.com 

Blog’nhagen Part 3: afternoon

I’m sure by now you’re getting the gist that Blog’nhagen was a blast and as I sit here going through the pics I’m wishing we could do it again. And to help you visualize even more what the day is like, here’s the video! Liv Prior Colliander followed us around and documented the day. Not only was she a saint for doing so, but she added so much to the day with her positive energy. We love her. Take a look at the short video here. She also made a longer video (at the bottom of this post) if you want to see the full day. I’m in love with the music by Saint Kodiak too. It’s the type you wish you wish was accompanied by a topless convertible.
After lunch at Royal Cafe (see last post), we headed towards VIPP, the legendary Danish pedal bins. Now, maybe you remember how when I worked for Celerie Kemble back in the day she was asked to design one for a special charity auction alongside Bono, Karim Rashad, and Simon Doonan. It was so fun to go to their flagship store and meet the designers and hear about their clean approach to design. So interesting to think that their pedal bins came first and then they designed beautiful kitchens to accompany them. 

Thank you, Jenny, for posing us for a group photo (though we miss you dearly in the photo!) 
Off again to…
Coffee Collective at Torvehallerne, one of my favorite parts of Copenhagen. Torvehallerned is this new marketplace with lots of terrific (and EXPENSIVE) food stops. I’m not a coffee drinker, but apparently it’s the best that anyone had ever tasted. They directly trade with farmers in Africa to ensure great quality and ethical standards for everyone involved. I had first heard about Coffee Collective from Lindsey of Lost in Cheeseland who had heard raves about it. I think it was enough to tempt Anne to drink her first cup ever and she was pleased! 

Then we went a few doors down to Agnes Cupcakes. Yes, you can’t escape them! They’re delish and have their own Scandinavian twist.

Off to Isbens Hotel to get a tour of the premises. Brochner Hotels was so kind to offer hotel accommodations to the out-of-town bloggers. They stayed at Kong Arthur Hotel right next door but we got a tour of Isbens, their more design-focused hotel. They incorporated art and designs from the local designers and artists from Nansensgade, which keeps the local vibe fresh. I’m lucky to work in this same area.
The finale comes up tomorrow! To view the long version of the Blog’nhagen film, click here.

Blog’nhagen Part 2: Lunchtime

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Blog’nhagen continues! This was perhaps my favorite time of the day and a serious dream come true. When I first moved to Copenhagen I tried to get a tour of the legendary Royal Copenhagen factory. Turns out, they no longer do such things, but I was thinking they might make an exception for our dear bloggers. Well, thanks to my friend JJ, we scored a PAINTING class to paint our own plates instead. DREAM!
By now they should be fired and we should be receiving our plates any day. I can’t wait! Now, time for lunch. A hop, skip, and a jump away (just next door) to…

Part 3 coming on Monday…plus the video!!!

Thanks again to the photographers of these pics. Chasing Heartbeats, JJ, Dos Family

Blog’nhagen Part 1: Morning

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If you’re new to Lars, let me explain Blog’nhagen. Last month 8 bloggers came to Copenhagen for Blog’nhagen, this event that Maria and I created to bring bloggers together IN REAL LIFE to experience the best of Copenhagen (the best restaurants, bakeries, shops. etc). It also gave Copenhagen businesses the chance to show what they do. Win-win! I’ve divided the day up into a few parts. First, up morning! 

We met up at Copenhagen by Cart, who sponsored the carts we rode in all day. They are SO fun to drive. In fact, I think I’d much prefer one over a real car–people smile at you as you go by! They make people happy! (or maybe I just attention???? agh!). PLUS, they are electric and you don’t have to pay for parking around Copenhagen. Bonus! We topped them off with balloons from Mr. Euro Balloons himself who hand delivered them. So sweet!

The girls all arrived from their hotel at Kong Arthur, part of the family-owned Brochner Hotel chain. They were so gracious in providing accommodations for the visiting bloggers and I can’t thank them enough for being catching on to the spirit of Blog’nhagen. Thank you!

We had to stop by the Little Mermaid statue. I’m going to say it’s akin to seeing the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.

We had the best bloggers come. Jenny and Isabelle from Dos Family are a riot! So full of energy and ideas! Jenny is a photographer in Southern Sweden and Isabelle is a decorator TV show host in Stockholm. They see the world in full color and live it with so much gusto. Plus, their blog has unicorns on it.  And they blink. Isabelle immediately volunteered to be one of the drivers when we announced the call. Thank you!

We stopped to pick up breakfast from Meyers Bageri. You know the number one restaurant in the world, Noma? Well, the man behind the restaurant, Claus Meyer, started this bakery using only the finest organic ingredients. I wish my stomach would have allowed me to down it all because it is just what you think it should be, the best. We took the food to Maria’s apartment to show the girls what an awesome Danish apartment looks like.

 Liv followed us around all day to film our adventure. Video on its way!

 From Maria’s house we drove through Amalienborg Palace, you know where the royal family lives.

Then we stopped at Nyhavn where the Prince of Burundi (I kid you not) greeted us from a docked ship to tell us about his jewelry line, Brown Prince. Each piece is hand carved by artisans trained in Burundi from the umukoko nut. It’s much like ivory but without the harm! I’m even wearing the one they gave me right this very moment as I type.

Hi Anne and Thea

Off to Baum und Pherdgarten, a fantastic Danish fashion house.

Baum und Pherdgarten plays with contrasts. Masculine vs. feminine, minimal vs. grandiose. But very much a Danish feel.

We all went a bit nuts picking some things out. I badly wanted this yellow dress below, but sadly, it is not in this blogger’s budget.

You can read more about the day:

Ashley from Chasing Heartbeats here and here and here
Emma from Emma’s Design Blogg
Annaleena from Annaleena’s Hem
Jenny and Isabelle from Dos Family here, here,
Anne from Pret a Voyager
Thea from Sister Mag and here

I swiped a number of photos from everyone else since I was driving and couldn’t take many. Thank you ladies! A number of them are from my iphone. See the rest on our Facebook page. 

Branch hunt

Paul and I went on a branch-finding mission on Saturday and he knew just the place. To get to work he rides through a nearby nature preserve that has its share of discarded branches. We struck gold with piles of branches, but also came across the most lovely wildflowers in various shades of purples, yellows, and pinks. I brought them home and assembled them into some simple, wild arrangements including some luscious sweet peas, which are super hard to work with I found out. I also found out that water pitchers must suffice for a lack of vases in the house.

House update

Our house has undergone a major facelift within the past few weeks and I must say that it is lookin good. Remember what it looked like before? Brick with a red tile roof. Our landlords, who live on the bottom two floors (we live on the top), have replaced the roof with a black tile roof, plastered it and painted it white and added really lovely windows. And we are most happy that there is now insulation. Yes, after they tore off the roof it was discovered that there was none, which explains so much about why it’s just as cold inside as it is outside during the winter.

Craftenhagen: a new series of workshops

Guys, I’m seriously on a make-an-event kick and now I have one more to introduce…du duh du dum….CRAFTENHAGEN! (Because you know I love events that end in “hagen”). Denmark has a wonderful and long crafts tradition. I think everyone I know knows how to knit, sew, crochet, reupholster, etc. etc. The Danes are super practical that way but I’m not sure they know how cool it really is. SO, I thought it’d be cool to get together once a month and CRAFT! But not just that, invite someone who knows how to do something really cool who can teach us their tricks. This first event was really triggered by a master crafter, Sarah Goldschadt who’s been my online friend for awhile now (I featured one of her crafts for my 24 Days of Christmas Crafts and her darling knitted row houses) and she told me she was coming to Copenhagen and that we should do something crafty and suggested we hold a get-together and bada bing bada boom, Craftenhagen was born.

Sarah is going to teach us how to make her famous “owlies” as featured in the book Microcrafts. Not only that, but Sarah has her OWN book coming out later this year called Craft-a-day: 365 Simple Handmade Projects not to mention her awesome work for everything from Rolling Stone to Oprah to Martha Stewart Living. Wahoo!

Interested now?! So, we have to act fast to have Sarah all to ourselves so next Thursday, July 19th at 19:00 come to my studio at Turesensgade 5 to get your craft on. OR just drop by and bring your own craft projects so we can meet up and chat and talk about what other projects we’d like to do. We have to charge a little fee of 50kr to start it up and you can purchase tickets here or at the door. I know some of you are on vacay, but the rest of us can make our staycation full of crafty goodness.

If you’d like to make the owlies please bring your own materials as found from the list here.

Check out the website here, the Facebook page here, and the event page here.

Stoked are we?! Me too! Vi ses på Torsdag!

Blog’nhagen!

I promised you an announcement on Friday and here it is…dum da da dum…Blog’nhagen! Maria and I have been feverishly organizing Blog’nhagen the past few weeks and we’re so excited to finally reveal it to all of you. What is it? Blog’nhagen is a meet-up of 8 of our favorite design-focused bloggers from around Europe gathering in Copenhagen on Tuesday, July 3rd (next week!). We’re going to explore the very best of the city: the best bakery, the best restaurants, the best shops, the best museum, etc. and share our experience of the day via our blogs/Twitter, Facebook, a video. ooooooOOOOOoooo. Can you take it? I can’t. And the best part about it? We’ll be seeing the city by golf carts! It’ll be dreamy. We’ve got some amazing sponsors on board who are generously providing our experience and we can’t wait to show them to you.

Who’s coming? Oh, just some of my very favorites! Jenny and Isabelle from Dos Family, Annaleena from Annaleena’s Hem, Thea, part of the sister duo of Sister mag, Maria from Wallnut, Anne from Pret a Voyager, Ashley from Chasing Heartbeats, and last but not least, Emma from Emma’s Design Blogg. Holla! Check out a bit more of them on the participants page.

Blogging can be pretty lonely sometimes I find myself feeling like I have more friends online than I do in real life so this is partly an excuse to provide genuine, in-real-life relationships with fellow design bloggers while also exploring this lovely city. It’s a win-win!

But that’s not all! 

On the night of July 3rd there will be a blogger’s meet-up for everyone who wants to come. Bring your picnic and come to the Harbor Bath at Islands Brygge at 7pm. You can RSVP on the Facebook event here (though it’s not required). Please share the event with bloggers/anyone interested in it in the area so we can finally meet everyone in person!

For more information, check out the Blog’nhagen website and like us on our Facebook site. If you have any questions feel free to email at blognhagen@gmail.com

Roskilde

Thank you so much for the birthday wishes! You guys are the best. After working yesterday we headed out to Roskilde to attend the Royal Danish Ballet’s summer series. Coincidentally, our first date was this exact event three years ago so it was very apropos. Roskilde is Paul’s favorite town so we spent some time exploring the city including the cathedral, churches, harbor, and charming streets. If you ever get to Denmark, Copenhagen is great, but the smaller towns are more walkable and cozy. 

30 til 30: floral basket

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I’m already SO far behind on my 30 ’til 30 pledge. This is not a good sign. I thought I’d kill 2 birds with 1 stone with a second installment of “On my bike” for one of my craft days. For the month of April I made aluminum flowers and this month I caved and went with fake flowers. But really, can you resist these bright, cheap puppies? They’re like a buck at Tiger and they seriously make my day every time I look at them. 

With that, I’m off to Berlin tomorrow for the weekend to attend The Hive.

So where we at? 25 days to go and 27 more projects.