"Touched by Time. The Time to Touch"

Big day today...July 4 th in the USA and the opening dance performances in Estonia!
The program says that the show is based on a fairy tale "Touch" and on the 80 years of experience of dance celebrations...

Time to press the linen blouse, apron and shirt for our dancers here...as I write this there are Estonian pannkookid (pancakes) cooking in the kitchen and our family here is bustling around.

Just freshly pressed costumes are awaiting transport to Kalev stadium... The dress is a costume from Hiiumaa one of the islands it is called Pühalepa and has a red headdress and chain belt.

First dress rehearsal this morning then a full dress rehearsal at 2 o'clock with an audience... the opening performance is set for 6 p.m. Tonight! The weather forecast is very good too! I can hardly wait but that is a lot of dancing for our performers!

We were over to watch a portion of the practice sessions on Thursday and really...it is going to be amazing.

Here are some pictures from the practice. Do you notice all the neon colors of the team tee shirts? I thought they all looked like gumdrops!

a sort of close up 

watching from the stands

panorama of the entire field

waving at the Portland group Tulehoidjad

some of our family dancers at the end of the day still smiling!!!

The singers began their practices yesterday too but they will be in another space...the one in this poster.

We spent a little time walking around the Kalamaja (Fish house) district which is on its way up to super cool with old warehouses becoming stores, restaurants, cafes and pedestrian areas. when you walk in the gate you find this friendly cafe and restaurant...there was a private party going on inside.

Walking a bit further is this great view of the old city and Pikk Hermann with the Estonian flag flying!

Next to the cafe is a children's park and this really unique use for a rail container...it is a flower shop!

This statue is made from triangular pieces of plywood scraps leftover from the remodeling going on.

There is a bike shop run by a young couple and their little son.

Here we are heading out to another street and courtyard beyond with the Rooster Bistro serving organic foods.

This row of warehouses and loading docks are to become lofts and artist studios as well as more places to eat and shop. I like how they are reusing all the materials they find on location. Also, the old brick has a really pretty look to it.

We did some balance practice in the Rooster Bistro courtyard....

Well...Happy July 4th and...
I will post more after the festivities are over...we are pretty busy here right now!