I have embarked on a journey.

An experience, for lack of a better word.

I am joining four other dancers in a gala tour through Russia, performing a solo and a Chris Wheeldon ballet created for the program called 4 four.

After the close of the City Center season, at the crack of dawn the next day, I flew to London to learn this supposed solo, by one of my greatest inspirations, Sir Anthony Dowell. This piece was created for him in the 80’s by Sir Fredrick Ashton (so many Sir’s) called ‘Dance of the Blessed Spirit’. The music is from Gluck’s Orfeo et Euridice.

I have just passed an amazing three days at the Royal Ballet rehearsing with him (the facilities!) and realized what an honor it was for me to work with him. The solo has never been performed since he last danced it in the 80’s. It was an unparalleled experience. His innate sense of coaching and vision of the role was what impressed me the most. He is so elegant, so poetic in his movement. It was clear why he was such a revered artist.

During my stay, I was able to see the company dance Kenneth MacMillian’s Manon (in ABT’s rep) and a rep. program of Balanchine’s Serenade and Theme and Variations. Its interesting to watch a ballet that you have JUST performed and see the different staging, tiny nuances in execution of choreography. The company looked great. I even saw Alexandra Ansanelli, a former City Ballet principle and New York favorite. She was her usual brilliant self.

So here I am, writing 37,000 feet in air, on my way to Moscow to rehearse at the Bolshoi for a couple of days. Then on to…