Hi Wingers!
Yikes - it’s been *how long* since I posted on here? Months? That’s insane…and what an insane time it has been! (I haven’t been blogging much even on my own blog, but I’ve been busy on Twitter at least…)
I figure it’s finally time for an update. I’ve had lots of performances the past few months and there are a few exciting things in the works right now…but here’s a quick rundown of all I’ve been up to!
For starters, I did the Radio City Christmas Spectacular once again, and year 2 was even better than year 1! We had a really fun cast this year…lots of laughs offstage and on.
(my friend and I after opening night)
(the infamous ballerina bears without heads 
)
(being silly in the wings)
(gold cast ensemble at our closing night party)
After 100+ shows I thought things would slow down come January but…I was wrong! Right away I started rehearsals for a showcase at The Ailey Extension that I help direct, and in late January I performed in a benefit for the Haiti earthquake tragedy. I loved dancing for a cause, and I got to perform one of my favorite variations: Kitri Act III from Don Q
(my teacher and I before the benefit performance…sadly I didn’t get many good pictures of this one…camera was dead, haha)
Next up was some work with Rebecca Kelly Ballet, including a fun fashion show and then her spring season performances in April.
(Rebecca Kelly’s piece, “Travelers” photo by Adrian Buckmaster)
Somewhere in between there I branched away from ballet and worked with a small jazz company called Push Factor Dance Company. It was definitely a step out of my comfort zone and a challenge to my aching body, but it was fun! We performed the new piece “Women’s Strength” at the beginning of April.
(Push Factor Dance Company)
I’ve also started working with a little company called Exit 12 Dance Company, and last month we performed excerpts from “La Bayadere” out in Connecticut. This one was nice because it got me out of the city for a bit…I’ve been dying to travel and even though it was just…Connecticut…at least it was something, haha. I also did “Tea with a Ballerina” with two little girls who won a raffle, and it was so sweet! I love talking to mini ballerinas and seeing their excitement. It reminds me so much of myself when I was little…how magical tutus and pointe shoes were…then…haha
This past weekend I danced excerpts of “Swan Lake” and ”Sleeping Beauty” with New American Youth Ballet - and that was an experience mostly because we had live orchestra. Unless you’re at ABT or NYCB, live music at performances nowadays in this city is rare. We had a very limited rehearsal period, but the two days we rehearsed in the studio with the musicians were amazing. To be so close to such gorgeous music…I was almost in tears when they began to play the overture to “Swan Lake.” It’s different even dancing onstage with orchestra than dancing in rehearsal literally feet away from them. How beautiful to watch the strings…you definitely hear more nuance in familiar music by watching…
Anyway that’s the quick rundown…I have a few more projects coming up and in the works…I just found out I’ll be dancing in the Latin Choreographers Festival with Exit 12 in July, and we have another showcase at Ailey coming in August…and more TBA
Hope everyone has a lovely summer!
