We just finished our final Dress rehearsal in the theater and we are ready to present Sacramento with a stellar Romeo &Juliet. The dancers are exactly where we hoped for them to be; motivated, inspired, confident and dancing on the edge. I had to personally fight away tears during the rehearsal last night and that is a good sign. When I got home, I took some time to reflect on the last 40 days and wanted to share with you one particular day that still stands out in my mind.
Back in mid January, at the end of the second week of rehearsal, it became apparent to Ron and myself that because we had staggered the dancers' days off we had worked 14 straight days and perhaps we should feel tired. Let me explain about that 14th workday and what we experienced. We worked in the morning with our individual Juliets and their Romeos and yet, none of the time did it feel like work. We simply spent a wonderful time with people we really enjoy. The next 3 hours we continued with Amanda, Alexandra, Chloe, Stefan and Rick, alongside several previous artists from the company who will be appearing in character roles in this production of R&J. What is it like to be surrounded by so many beautiful artists. Bliss! Nina Baratova, our original Juliet nineteen years ago, will be one of our Lady Capulets. Lynlee Towne, our wonderful ballet mistress who has been associated with our Company for 17 years, also plays Lady Capulet. Michael Separovich, who danced many major roles for the company, appears as Lord Capulet, and Christy Schreivogel, who danced in our last rendition of R&J, now plays the role of Juliet's Nurse.
I can't describe the sense of creativity and continuity all flowing at once. Our former dancers wanted to give as much as possible to support our present cast of Romeos and Juliets. Nine artists, so physically and emotionally present, were working collectively to shape the characters they will become on stage. I delight and become rejuvenated by inspiring days like this. Every dancer we have worked with in the past, has been influential in shaping the aesthetic of this company. These four particular former dancers were very instrumental in helping us define the creative atmosphere we foster.
Working with dancers has an everyday reality. Their careers are short and so, your time with them is precious. I am most grateful to Nina, Lynlee, Christy and Michael for the many hours and Sundays they shared with us. I am also thankful to have the talents of Nolan T'Sani, Michael Vester and Colby Damon who are also joining us to make this production of R&J extraordinary.
I can't describe the sense of creativity and continuity all flowing at once. Our former dancers wanted to give as much as possible to support our present cast of Romeos and Juliets. Nine artists, so physically and emotionally present, were working collectively to shape the characters they will become on stage. I delight and become rejuvenated by inspiring days like this. Every dancer we have worked with in the past, has been influential in shaping the aesthetic of this company. These four particular former dancers were very instrumental in helping us define the creative atmosphere we foster.
Working with dancers has an everyday reality. Their careers are short and so, your time with them is precious. I am most grateful to Nina, Lynlee, Christy and Michael for the many hours and Sundays they shared with us. I am also thankful to have the talents of Nolan T'Sani, Michael Vester and Colby Damon who are also joining us to make this production of R&J extraordinary.
It has all come together and I am feeling quite joyful. Thank you to all who have contributed to the process of this R&J. We are deeply grateful. Love and Merde to the dancers!
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