It all went very well; we had a standing ovation for all three performances," says Fiona, who studied with the Columbia City Ballet, as a child before accepting a scholarship to study with the Royal Ballet Company in England.  "The character I play is the evil fairy Carabosse.  William Starrett (who also plays Prince Charming) is the artistic director.  He changed the choreography in Sleeping Beauty a fair amount and made it more exciting.  William is introducing ballet to people who wouldn't normally go."

     Fiona admits she was terrified during the moments when she was lifted high in the sir.  "It took several weeks rehearsal.  Although I wasn't able to do the lifts without screaming out loud, I finally managed to do it on opening night.  When you're held up that high, held by one leg, you just never know.  I'm certainly an example of that.  Thank goodness there were no mishaps."

     Despite those few moments of terror, Fiona says she hasn't felt that good in a long time.  "I'm much older and my spine is a mess, but with the help of tremendous coaches and chiropractors, it's wonderful to come back from an injury and get back into something you were doing before.  The mere fact that I'm in point shoes is more than I ever dreamed I'd be doing."

     Fiona also expresses gratitude at belonging to a company which offers her the kind of character parts she's able to play.  "And they've made me a member of the honorary advisory committee, which means I get to partake in their ideas and decisions.  They've also asked me to perform again," concluded Fiona with a smile. *