My first year dancing with Ballet Austin was the 2003/2004 season.  In the spring of that first season we performed Stephen Mills’ “Hamlet”.  On day one of rehearsals I fell in love with the ballet.

Maybe I’ve always loved a good tragedy.  I remember being intrigued by the play even in high school, and still have my notebook from those studies.

My first time around the ballet I was, naturally, in the ensemble.  I loved the dancing that I got to do in the ballet (some of the best ensemble work I’ve been able to partake in), but I also loved my time offstage watching the tragedy unfold, and even then, snapping away with my camera.

Next week we head back into the theatre to bring Hamlet back to Austin audiences at our new performing arts venue, the Long Center.  This time I received the privilege of being double cast in the role of Ophelia.  My Hamlet, on Valentine’s Day no less, will be my very own husband, Paul.  Unbelievable.

Rehearsing for this ballet has been an experience like none other.  I’m excited to get on stage next week, but alittle sad at the same time, because I know it will be over far too quickly.

Here are some photos from the last production of Hamlet:

(Spring 2004, spacing rehearsal. Act I, Scene 1.  That’s me on the right in blue/black and guest artist Desmond Richardson at the top as Hamlet)

(Margot Brown as Gertrude and guest artist Desmond Richardson as Hamlet. Act I Scene 7.)

(One of my many favorite moments, the opening of Act II, Ophelia’s Funeral.  That’s me, just left of center.  This time I’ll be lying up in the center, is 20 feet as high as it sounds?)

(More from Ophelia’s Funeral.  That’s me up in the air on the right)

(Tony Casati as Hamlet and Inga Loujerenko as Gertrude.  Act II, Introspection.)

For more photos, video excerpts, and tickets if you’re in the Austin area visit Ballet Austin’s website.