June 25th, 2014

6-19-14

The final dress rehearsal and performance process was kind of a rollercoaster for me. My back went out during the last run on Monday night. I’ve never had to work through an injury that quickly in order to perform well. So part of what I learned during this process was efficient self-care. Luckily it worked out, and I was able to really enjoy myself! I loved performing – I felt the energy of the audience on Thursday night, in addition to the final product of the music, really helped me perform better. I had had some trouble figuring out how to perform the movement, in terms of acting and everything else, but I really felt I understood the message and the temper of the piece by the time we finished. I also felt there was a good energy between all the dancers in the cast, especially during the Continental Motors section. I felt that our cooperative energy during that section made it easier for me to be an active watcher during the solos. Maybe it was because I was literally out of my own breath, but I really felt in tune with the breath of my fellow cast-mates for the rest of the piece. The music, especially during the pedestal section at the end, really became rich and dynamic. It was much easier to feel connected (and therefore in unison) with the other dancers, as well as with the message. I even felt more connected to the cloth. All in all, the performance process was a huge learning process for me. I'm also so happy to have worked with this cast! I love you guys!

Alayna Baron