Vincenza's Miracle - The Book - The Script - the production

Ballerina Kallista Durbin as Vincenza

THE BOOK
            At long last...Vincenza's Miracle leads us through true 

stories and adventures of the  maternal and paternal

ancestors, of Bernadine de Mike, reaching back to 1850. 

            All lived in the ancient cities and villages of Sicily -Vincenza Bellance in Mussomeli, Salvatore Iacona in Agrigento and St. Elisabetta,  and Josephine Alessi & Anthony Ciccia in Palermo & Valledormo 

          Sicily is a unique island whose language, food, culture, and history are different in every way from any other country in the

 world.  She asks the question, “Will my children,

 grandchildren and all generations to come know the

 personalities and character traits of these courageous men

and women?  Will they realize their struggles,

sacrifices, and triumphs?” An even greater question

is, “Do third, fourth and fifth generation Americans

realize what a great privilege it is to live in this, country

 a land that has been blessed by Almighty God?   

          Precious photos taken from the archives of old

scrapbooks, negatives, news clippings, and slides

 have now been preserved and recorded. .  Best of all, there are the “word of mouth” tales from people who have lived through what the reader will experience, second hand.

Boldly presented, some stories may be shocking, yet most are inspiring. Nothing is more powerful

in the written word than truth.  No one in their wildest imaginations could invent what the

reader will experience through Vincenza’s Miracle

The ebook will be sold on Amazon.com in October for $2.99.  Here's the Forward and Introduction:

Forward   

       I was blessed with two saintly grandmothers and a godly mother.  The men in the family were great protectors and providers, but the women were the true warriors and guardians of the soul. The men also had great intelligence but the women I knew, had the wisdom to discern and live the truth, no matter what the consequences.  Men, all too often carry anger, resentment, and even the desire for revenge, but many women live with constant forgiveness – a cross they carry from day to day.

            As providers, fathers and sons are bent on acquiring money for security, investments, and the necessities of life both now and as a heritage to leave to others.  My two grandmothers were as poor as church mice, yet as rich as kings for their constant cries to heaven for family and friends were laid in the “bank of heaven,” never to be lost, stolen, or rotted away.  It is this “stash” of goods I rely on every moment that I am alive. 

            The faith of the women in my life, including many wonderful friends, are seeds that have been planted in my heart and continue to grow. They blossom into the fruit and flowers I can freely give to others.  Only when we know that a Mighty God lives inside of us are we able to pour out our love for family, friends, and the unlovable.   

            Before the creation of the world, each of us was born into the heart and mind of God who knew the time, place and talents which would be bestowed upon us.  The stories of Vincenza, Josephine and Jessie will not lie in the grave, nor will they ever end.  All three gave me life.  All three gave me eyes to see beyond this world and the courage to choose my eternity.  May their stories pierce every heart, unleashing the potential of greatness of each of us to overflow to all of mankind. 

INTRODUCTION

Sicily – where purple peaks pierce softened pastel skies and angels dance on sunbeams leaving softened shadows of olive trees. Yet, barren landscapes, formerly lush, reveal the Roman scavenger’s ravage of domination and greed endured from earlier centuries. Ruins of Greek pillars, orphaned by voluminous volcano eruptions and earthquakes astound the visitor as well as the stunning beauty of breathtaking seacoasts surrounded by sensuous sunsets.

 It was there that stories of oppression amidst golden churches, thronged by poverty-stricken peasants, were revealed to future generations.  These fleeing immigrants were forced to forsake the land of their birth and join the multitudes with carpet bags filled with hope, to another land promising “milk and honey” and “golden streets”. 

THE DANCE-DRAMA

A scene from the production of Vincenza's Miracl 

The production is a 45 minute presentation encompassing 100 years of life in Sicily and America, featuring the the Bellance, Iacono, Alessi & Ciccia families

Professional actors, singers and dancers will star in  performances in local theaters this fall and spring, through the Royale Dance Theatre,

Multi-media effects will be produced by professional videographer JL De Mike 

Dancers, actors and singers are invited to audition by calling 716 930 7100.

The Death of Butterboy Bob

The Death of Butterboy Bob

I am an admitted seafood addict.  Shrimp, Crab, scallops,  freshwater fish and especially lobster are the ultimate I fishy fare for moi!  My one son, whom I visit quite often, knows all too well my favorite foods, desserts (ah yes, crème brulée), even wine, and loads the usually spare fridge (he’s a bachelor), with my favorites at each visit.

            Sadly, he neglected to supply me with the ultimate gourmet of gastronomics on my last two visits – live lobster, and vowed to make amends.  On a surprise visit this past weekend, this wonderful, thoughtful and crazy son carried I three huge bags of groceries  and dared me to open them.  Standing there with the most mischievous grin on his face, he watched as I unwrapped cold cuts, pastries, shrimp, rye bread etc.  The last one however, had the strangest shape.  I don’t know which was louder, my shriek or the gales of laughter from my son. 

Lo and behold, there was this poor unfortunate sea creature, Butterboy Bob, as my son named him, wriggling around the plastic bag with huge rubber-band-held claws,  horrid looking eyes,, tongue and antenna -destined for an untimely death. I was then subjected to the famous reminder, “If you teach a man to fish…”  He, also, in his former Lieutenant-Colonel voice stated, “I’m going to teach you to cook your own lobster, so you can do it on your own”.  (or did it sound more like a general?)

Later on, carrying this black  mini sea urchin to  a pot of boiling water (with my bare hands), and posed for a picture to preserve this momentous occasion.  All of a sudden, ‘Bob’ whacked me with his tail. I screamed and flung him into the waiting bubbling waters.  No, he didn't scream, but I’m sure  I heard a faint voice saying, “I’m dying of this heat”. 

Fifteen minutes later, with hammer and screwdriver, we cracked him open, doused him in butter and feasted on this most luscious, long-awaited lunch

Yes, he taught me to “fish” – I’ll have lobster for life.  Au revoir Butterboy Bob.  Bonjour Slippery Sal – my next victim

Yurek Lazowski and me

Great memories / great times.  From the archives of the Royale Dance Theatre - Seminars held with guest artist Yurek Lazowski, star of the  Ballet Russe.  Yurek told me many stories about his tour with the Ballet and incidents with the famous artists who painted for the touring Diaghilev company.  Bottom right photo is Debra Evans, fourth from the left.  Top right is former student of Bernadine de Mike,, prima ballerina Michelle Lucci in a typical fun moment.  Yurek was a charming, yet meticulous choreographer. Yurek performed as the leading soloist in Stravinski's  opening of "Histoire du Soldat"  In Boston Massachussetts.  I won't repeat what happened at that event!!!

  

My "Sidekick", A Genius Invention (though you may not think so)

Is all this necessary?

        It all started at Hilbert college last fall.  I kept leaving my totally precious hard drive, containing my life's work and photos, plugged into the USB near the floor of the computer.  After loading my books, purse, etc. who could remember that little black thing at my feet?  I was nearly insane with fear of losing this  box called the  "Passport." It certainly was my passport to all future printing at that time.   The Hilbert Campus security was enlisted and Frank,the "Knight in shining Blue" (who should have been an FBI agent), vowed to invade every venue to find it,  Lo and behold, after investigating who sat where  at what time, he tracked the finder and returned it to me.  I was a happy camper until I left the next one in the library. (same scenario) and later in the academic service computer room (that time it was the mini thumb drive - easier to forget.  Every when I walked into the Campus Security office they immediately asked "What did you lose this time Bernadine?"

The "Bing" boy - my dad, my inspiration

       On a a trip to Florida, the Office Max people forgot to give me the thumb drive they were using to print my photos- their fault this time, but equally as stressful.  Not only have I left hard drives, but, worse than that, my cell phone which I put on shelves in the library or in stores to examine items with both hands. Restaurants, friends homes, my car, various rooms in the house, bathrobe pockets - you name it, my cell phones been there.

     Time for a "bing"  (my inventive dad's name for a solution).  Hopefully following my father's creative genius, I knew I had to come up with something no one had ever thought of, no matter how crazy it might seem.  I started with the cell phone.  throwing it in my purse did no good.  I had to carry that huge thing around then fumble through to the very bottom to find it.  By the time I did, it stopped ringing - of course.  I couldn't carry  a strap at my wrist - needed hands for writing, so wanting something elegant and useful, I took a piece of sheer blue beaded fabric and made a holder and strap.  It was certainly elegant but impractical, wearing through the flimsy fabric.
     Persevering until I got it right took six months and at least four prototypes. At last I came up with a little number I call the "Sidekick".  It has everything - glamour, bling,  personality, a "see-through" cell phone holder at the back (you can see who's calling in one second and answer in two), a pocket for credit card, even room for a small point and shoot camera (I'm never without my Samsung).  At the bottom, I keep three small thumb drives and hook my car keys on the side.  Who needs big purses with everything but the kitchen sink.(do you really put on makeup in the store?)  Another exclusive perk is the fact that all sidekicks are personalized.  (this took a lot of trial and error).  I sling it around my neck and shop, write, clean, cook. and never miss a call!  

Sidekick with jewels added and flounced strap

     The kids at the gym ordered some so while I was at it, I decided to make some for dear friends and relatives. Adding to this craze for personalized holders, I even made a Chromebook holder to die for.  It's a Google designed bag with photos of every child on the back.  Who needs a wallet to show family pics?

My "Eat your heart out Google-lovers" bag (holds my Chromebook and flat notebook)

Campus Security is wondering why I haven't visited them lately!

As I Look Out My Window

Grandma's Chicks

 
          I am five years old and as I look out my bedroom window, I see a dark dirty alley separating our dull gray rented  west side flat from a brick wall housing the corner drug store.No one ever comes in the alley.  It is blocked off at both ends.  I know, even at that young age that the world holds more beauty than that leaf-cluttered, prison-like passageway, for we visit grandma and grandpa in the country on weekends. There, at the top of the hill in Silver Creek, I look out my upstairs window at lovely gardens and flower beds, winding roads and grandpa's huge fig tree, a prized possession, nurtured from a small cutting.   It is the Sicilian memory of a boat trip taken at the turn of the century.. The colors of my life begin to grow as I scan the deep lustrous green and purple figs, orange zinnias lining the sidewalk and hundreds of fluffy chicks, a breathtaking golden yellow fluttering around on the barn floor.

Brother Sam & I in Silver Creek on our first communion

        There, in Silver Creek, are great memories of aunts, telling me how to live, uncles, bragging about their latest business ventures, and cousins sharing sliding rides down grandma's highly waxed stairway. In a prized photo from my mom's archives, we see proud aunt Clara - the spirited one with cousin Jean, Aunt Mary, always the proper lady in back of Vincenza, beloved uncle Tom, the baby of the family and fashionable aunt Chris with tiny toddler Antoinette.  Time for Sunday's usual fresh chicken soup.(yep, Vincenza killed the chicken that morning!)

Iacono sisters  Clara, Jessie, Mary and Chris with brother Tom

     I am fifteen and again as I look out my window on the upper story of a home we now own in a little better neighborhood, I catch the alcoholic father across the street, chasing his teen-age daughter as he yells cruel curses at this poor child.  the neighbors on one side are having their week-end drinking party and the gray house right across from my bedroom window is the home of a typical Italian family whose son I avoid at all costs. My refuge is the local dance studio and the lovely nuns and friends at Nardin Academy, most of whom came from wealthy homes.  The colors of my life have now grown to include dreams of a glamorous life, inspired no doubt from the many Hollywood movies I watched every chance I could get.

Brother Sam and I as a dance team on national television

     Finally, married and with children, my kitchen window reveals young children playing on swings I bought for them.  They swirl on the merry-go-round placed at the back of the yard (it would ruin the grass!) and from time to time I reveled in the many picnics that included both sides of the family.  What fun, The laughter, story-telling, presenting of new babies filled my life with unspeakable joy.Babies turned into teens and now graduation parties were the norm.  The weddings came and the parties ended.  Nothing however, can erase the memory of the glorious colors of my life with family viewed from my kitchen window.

Flag on the fourth in front of Our Lady of Victory Basilica

   Now I look out the family room window at the same  four acres of newly mowed lawn, huge overgrown trees and daily visits by families of deer, squirrels, rabbits and an occasional wild turkeys. My window reveals the Majesty of God and His blessings over our family throughout the years.  But another window is one I am privileged to see quite often from my apartment/office just ten minutes away.  it is the glorious, world-famous Basilica of Our lady of Victory, guarded by four trumpet bearing angels atop a turquoise dome. The colors of my life have included the red, white and blue since two of my sons and my husband have served in a number of wars.
     Years from now, as I look out the windows of heaven,I know I will see the family partying in the back yard, the children playing on the swings, and the baby chicks in grandma's barn. By then, t
he colors of my eternal life will be too unbelievable to even begin to describe

Interested readers will find the an authentic story of love and adventure in the forthcoming book, "Vincenza's Miracle".  It will be sold on Amazon.com shortly.
   

Snow Queen at the Swan

        Every effort will be made to produce the exquisite dance-drama spectacular, the "Snow Queen" this fall at Hilbert's elegant and well-equipped  Swan Theater.  Formerly presented at Shea's Buffalo and Branson, Missouri's Grand Palace, this unique ballet/musical will delight young and old alike.  
        Based on Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale, the "Snow Queen" boasts of nine breathtaking scenes, nine foot puppets, lively ethnic and world-renowned classics, stunning dancers, projected scenery and talented adult and child actors,  
       Audition notices will appear in the Buffalo News and all local papers in September.   Apprentices who love theater will be invited to assist in lighting, sound, costume and even choreography.
      This will be a fund-raising event for a number of children's organization.  The mission of the Royale Dance Theatre is "Children helping children through the arts".  
     Future productions include "Match Girl" based on a musical from London and "Vincenza's Miracle"  based on a true story of an immigrant family.

Wild Deer? No fear

   
             The deer in our yard in Orchard Park usually run back into the woods when spotting a human even 500 yards away.  Apparently, this cutie loved being photographed and had no fear  when Mia walked up to him.  Snapping his pic from a few feet away, Mia also, was brave enough to get close.

      This was taken at a family gathering in July when all seven children and their families were present.  What cherished moments in the life of a mother and grandmother.

          The boys played it safe with our Pomeranian, Elvis.  He loves having his picture taken as well.  When Elvis visits nursing homes, he goes to every resident and gives them a greeting - usually a wet kiss.

 
 





Of course other family members would rather climb trees

BALLET FOR GYMNASTS

Ballet training for gymnasts is completely different than any other type of training that exists in the dance world.  Based on intensive and complete studies of both the Cecchetti and Vaganova syllabi and coaching from great choreographers, I have found that there is still a specialty in achieving the needed exercise for the gymnast.

They can study ballet by a great teacher, but they cannot apply it to their floor routines beam and use it to develop the needed artistry unless it is linked in a special way so they may retain the qualities needed.

Special attention must be made to the strengthening of the back and ankles,, perfect posture, fluid arms and hands, and forced stretching of the feet.  The biggest problem, however lies in the tight hip, not allowing for turnout of the leg in extensions and developing muscle on the inside  of the thigh.  This is why they cannot lift legs easily to 135 degrees with the hip down and leg turned out.  

through years of training gymnasts privately, I have developed a series of unique exercises given slowly and carefully to pinpoint the needed stretching and strengthening.  Students need at least one hour of concentrated study in a real ballet studio with mirrors, barres and dance floor.  They should then practice this one hour routine  every day  for the most amazing results.  

Also important is their sense of MUSICALITY and acquaintance with correct FRENCH terms. These students will inevitably study dance at college and will need both to enter and participate in dance class.