It is always such a great experience to invite a Ballet “newbie” into our studio and see what their response is to our company, the choreography, and being close up and personal in the studio setting. To see the dancers working on the details in rehearsal and then having an opportunity to see the finished piece also makes a big impact on audience members. Last week, Natalie came experience Nashville Ballet for the first time; here are her thoughts on rehearsal…
“Recently I had the opportunity to sit in on a full length run-through of “American Originals”, a performance by the Nashville Ballet set to debut on February 12, 2010. It is a collection of three repertory programs performed one after the other, with each having its own distinctive feel. The first is a comedy, the second deals with coming to terms with growing up and older, and the third is a tribute to Broadway’s Golden Age.
When I walked in to the rehearsal, I could feel a few eyes on me wondering what I was doing in their home. And it is their home. The Nashville Ballet began in 1981 and has since grown into a loving family. But how could this be? Through my limited knowledge of dancers, I knew that there must be competition somewhere. Someone was in the front row while someone else had to settle for the back. Surely this would create enough drama and cattiness to kill even “The Jersey Shores” ratings. But here, I saw humbleness, sincerity, support and encouragement among the dancers. There was applause between dances, hugs, smiles, and even a few butt pats. I mean, what sport was I watching here?
This brings me to another point: ballerina stereotypes. What do you think of when you hear the word “ballerina”? Tutus? Pink Tights? Well there were none of those to be found here, only dancers. And each dancer clearly had their own style, their own mojo. I noticed most of the girls were in bright colored gear, with tons of layers and even some accessories. But all the men had on black. Granted, there was no Under Armour or Nike Dri-Fit to be seen, but for the most part, any of the guys could have walked into my regular gym and I wouldn’t have noticed anything different about them.
You can tell these people are athletes. This probably explains why “ballerinas” prefer to be called “dancers.” They are not puny. They are not wimpy. They are not weak. They are strong, energetic, and could outlast the Energizer Bunny. I was completely taken back when I could hear the heavy breathing coming from them after some high-tempo moves. You can’t see the blood, sweat and tears these people shed sitting in a theatre 30 rows back. The reality of the strength and vigor these performances require shows real grit and determination. Trust me—I wouldn’t want to go to work every day and have to duct tape my toes.
That’s just what this is to these professionals: work. I found myself caught up in the music, in the performances and expressions on the dancer’s faces. But if I took a moment to glance off stage, I was surprised to notice that no one else had the same look of awe that was surely plastered all over my face. Everyone else was stretching, doing yoga or push-ups, or listening to their iPods. To these people, it was just another day at the office.
So the next time you’re heading out for a night on the town, and are tired of the same old scene, check out the Nashville Ballet. It just might surprise you, too.”
(by Natalie)
