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Sylvia Hurlburt: Queen of the Universe

Sylvia Hurlburt: Queen of the Universe

Sylvia Hurlburt is better than you and me, but she probably won’t admit it.

The Coupeville High School junior, who celebrates a birthday today, can pretty much do just about everything there is to do in this world, and do it all extremely well.

Dancer, tap and ballet and everything in between.

Speed demon track star.

Energizer Rabbit cheerleader with more pep than is humanly possible.

Intrepid photographer with an uncanny eye for detail.

The list goes on and on, and we’d be here all week (and maybe beyond) if we listed all her talents and accomplishments.

Not that she herself would take that time, because her greatest talent is this — Sylvia remains as easy-going, approachable, super-friendly and modest-about-her-own-awesomeness as any young woman you are likely to encounter.

If there’s an out of control ego raging away in there, she hides it really, really well.

So, it is up to us to frequently remind the world of how amazing Miss Hurlburt is on a daily basis.

To honor her for the way she dotes on her older brother, Larry, her parents, Kristin and Troy, and the trillions of friends she holds dear.

The way she brightens the world every time she steps out into it, a walkin’, talkin’ burst of happy radiance.

There is no artifice to Sylvia.

She is the real deal, a genuinely sweet, caring, smart as all get out superstar blazing a bright, burning trail across the universe on a daily basis.

She is going places, on her way to doing great things.

That we get to share a slice of her life, to witness her growth, is a treat.

May this day, and every day, be full of joy for her. Perfect karmic payback for a life lived well.

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Skyy

CHS students Skyy Lippo (left) and Sylvia Hurlburt are currently dancing in a production of “The Nutcracker.” (John Fisken photos)

dance

Hurlburt disappears back under the mask of the Rat King.

The dance goes on.

The Whidbey Island Dance Theatre is currently in the middle of putting on its 22nd annual production of The Nutcracker.

Notable for Coupeville fans is the fact two Wolves are dancing in the ballet — CHS freshman Skyy Lippo and junior Sylvia Hurlburt.

You still have three chances left to see the duo on stage, with two performances Saturday (2 PM and 7:30) and one Sunday (2 PM).

The show is being held at South Whidbey High School’s Performing Arts Center (5675 Maxwelton Rd in Langley).

For more info, pop over to:

http://widtonline.org/

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Emily Licence

Emily Licence

Softball is out for now, but she’ll always have dance.

Former Coupeville High School diamond star (and noted cookie baker) Emily Licence is now a sophomore at Chaparral High School in California.

While a knee injury has sidelined her softball career for a moment, the scrappy third-baseman, who helped lead the Wolves to state for the first time in 12 years during her freshman season, is continuing to dance.

She recently performed as one of the lead dancers in a night that combined talent from Chaparral, a 4A school, and neighboring rival Temecula Valley.

The dancers opened with a modern dance set to “Chandelier” by Sia, which was dedicated to Licence’s teacher, in memory of a friend she had lost.

They then switched up the mood with a Christmas performance set to “Santa Baby” that included pointe ballet.

“The performance went great and the audience was very encouraging!,” Licence said.

No word on whether she’s still baking cookies, cause, you know, UPS and Fed Ex deliver and … yep, I’ll see myself out now.

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Sylvia Hurlburt strikes a pose. (MIchael Stadler photos)

Sylvia Hurlburt strikes a pose and makes my toes hurt. (Michael Stadler photos)

Skyy Lippo elevates.

Skyy Lippo elevates.

Contributed by Joe Lippo

“Oh, you need 10 practices before you can play in your first game? That’s cute.”

Ballet dancers like CHS’ own Sylvia Hurlburt and Skyylynn Lippo can probably do your practice without breaking a sweat.

They have been in full speed rehearsal since September for Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s 22nd annual production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.

This is where the whole island comes together for eight shows over two weeks, not counting the rehearsals.

“There were no cuts from your team? Everyone made it? That’s cute.”

Approximately 75 dancers showed up to audition for parts in the performance, and fully three quarters of those were sent home.

Dancers learn to handle rejection at a very early age. It’s a tough gig, and everyone knows it.

Except at the end, there is no trophy, no MVP, no varsity letter.

Just accolades, flowers, and if you’re really lucky, a standing ovation.

“Tape it and give me a Motrin, I’m going back out in 60 seconds.”

How many other sports require you to finish one piece, exit the stage, change an extremely elaborate costume, and get back on stage in under a minute?

Here’s a hint: NONE.

And if you can’t do that with a smile on your face, there is always another dancer that knows your part cold. They are waiting for the chance to show the director that they are better than you.

This is not the kiddie version of the Nutcracker, this is the one that can compete with any other show.

The show starts on December 12th, and closes on the 21st. All shows are on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with two shows on Saturday.

For ticket info, pop over to:

http://www.widtonline.org/

To see more of Michael Stadler’s photography, check out:

http://www.stadlerstudio.com/

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Sofia Hassapis

Sofia Hassapis

Soul of a dancer, even on a volleyball court. (John Fisken photo)

Soul of a dancer, even on a volleyball court. (John Fisken photos)

The net belongs to Hassapis, who strikes with a great fury.

The net belongs to Hassapis, who strikes with a great fury.

As transitions go, this one was surprisingly easy.

Having moved to Coupeville from Humboldt County in Northern California when her parents, both doctors, accepted jobs at Whidbey General, Sofia Hassapis found herself in a new environment just as she started high school.

A lifelong dancer, she decided to take her first stab at playing a sport on a team and joined the Wolf volleyball program. The decision made her transition that much easier.

“I love the family of it; they immediately accepted me,” Hassapis said. “Although I like the overall sport, the girls on the team made it easier to adapt.

“My transition to Coupeville has been wonderful and everyone has been so nice and welcoming.”

Having girls who she could immediately share a common interest with was crucial.

“Really, everyone I have met has been extremely nice,” Hassapis said. “I would be way worse off if I didn’t meet the JV team here.”

The freshman has been primarily used as a middle front player and she’s quickly learning the game. If nothing else, she’s become a vocal, supportive teammate.

“I want to work on my serves, especially overhand and my strengths are tipping and, I guess, cheering everyone on,” Hassapis said with a laugh.

“My goal for this season is just to have fun,” she added. “And to improve my volleyball skills.”

While she’s enjoyed her first round of playing organized ball, Hassapis is not sure yet if she’ll try any other sports.

“I am taking the year as it is, but look forward to trying new things,” she said.

Hassapis enjoys skiing and refers to herself as “a huge bookworm.” She plans to get back into dancing soon, as well.

“I am a dancer, yes, that is what I mainly do and love and will probably restart that in January,” she said. “I’ve been doing it since I was little and can’t wait to continue.”

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