It seems like the beginning of the season has just flown by and all of a sudden we’re back in production week!  Tonight we have our final dress rehearsal for our Season Opener which includes Swan Lake (Act II) and a world premiere of Stephen Mills’ new Firebird.

Pei-San Brown, our amazing Community Education Director, has created these awesome interactive sites for audiences to get more background about each ballet, some behind the scene images, and casting.  Check them out here! (If your in the Austin area you can also get ticketing info via the link)

Ballet Austin last performed the full length Swan Lake my second season with the company.  Honestly, when I heard Act II was coming around again, I was a little nervous because I remembered how difficult it was.  This type of corps work is so gratifying when it all goes well but can be terrifying at the same time.  No one wants to be the swan that is out of line or on the wrong music!  Being on the shorter side has put me in front quite often and for most of the act I am one of the “line leaders”.  I have to admit that  earlier in the rehearsal process I led my line to the wrong stage markings.  But my line diligently followed me, seemingly unphased!  I was embarrassed and proud all at the same time and then promised not to do it again. =)

For the Firebird I’ve been lucky enough to create the role of the Tsarevna.  It’s been a fascinating challenge creating a character from scratch.  In some ways it’s a daunting responsibility, but then it can be freeing as there is no precident set for you to compare your interpretation.  As usual, Stephen has been absolutely great.  First, we lay the groundwork of movement, most of which he choreographed from the beginning to the end of the ballet this time, then we layer the characters on top.  He gives us tidbits early on for us to contemplate, we go away and think about it, then bring something new to it the next day.  He then says “yes”, “no”, “more of this”, “less of this” and so on.

Once again I get to have the unique opportunity to dance with my husband, as Prince Ivan, and this ballet will also mark my first stage kiss.  Early rehearsals of this were kind of amusing because Paul and I generally keep PDAs to a minimum at work, then suddenly we’re kissing in the middle of the rehearsal studio!  But as rehearsals moved on, and we started running the whole ballets and we had developed our characters a bit more, it all seemed perfectly natural.

Each of these ballets brings entirely different challenges.  It’s sure to be both an exhausting and fulfilling weekend!

This afternoon I’ll be doing an internet Live Chat for “Avant le Weekend” at 3PM (Central) with Michael Barnes about this weekends upcoming performances.  Stop by and post your questions and comments if you have the time!

Here are a few images from our last production of Swan Lake.  All of these were actually taken by Paul while I was on “Swan Duty”.

Inga Lujerenko and Jim Stein as Odette and Prince Siegfried in 2005

2005: Michelle Thompson, Lisa Washburn, Allisyn Paino, & Ashley Lynn (who will make her Odette debut this weekend!)

2005: Margot Brown and Aara Krumpe (who will make her debut as the Firebird this weekend!)