Debut-Drop: Tackling a New Challenge
Photo Courtesy of Scott Serio
PA Ballet has been performing George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker” since 1963 when the company was established by Barbara Weisberger. I have never truly been introduced to the Balanchine style until I joined Pennsylvania Ballet in 2016. Last season, I danced in the Waltz of the Snowflakes, Spanish Hot Chocolate, and the Waltz of the Flowers. I remember, at first, how intricate all the mechanics are to this style that I had no knowledge of. I had yet to know anything of how to place my arms, epaulment, legs, and fingers; not to mention the extremely complex footwork and musicality his choreography is known for. The first and only Mr. B ballet I have done so far is “The Nutcracker”.
This season has been my second Nutcracker, I feel more familiar with the way the ballet is supposed to be portrayed and danced. I was cast as a party family, Snowflake, Flower, Flower Demi, and Dew Drop. In the Waltz of the Flowers, there is flower corps, the two Flower Demis (they are like the demi soloists, dancing around the flowers) and the Dew Drop. I remember after the flowers dance last year, the two Demis would run off the stage panting, looking like they just ran for miles. So the image at first was a little daunting knowing how difficult it was going to be. For Dew Drop, I begun as much research as I could, considering my limited technical experience and knowledge for this role. I was blown away by how physically demanding it is, dozens of jumps, turns, and extreme series of footwork.
The choreography was made to be danced very quickly in order to make one simple pas de bouree just as exciting as doing a big jump or a series fouettés. I am 5’7” and I am not quite used to dancing these technically challenging steps at a considerably speedy pace so this role was slightly out of my comfort zone. I knew in order to perform my best, to make everything look as natural, effortless and explosive as possible; I knew I had to do research. Although I learned the steps, I needed to see with my own eyes how the choreography is truly supposed to be executed, exactly the way Balanchine wanted it to be. I hunted down as many videos as I could, to watch all of the NYCB ballerinas perform the role including Kyra Nichols, Ashley Bouder, Tiler Peck, and Voilette Veridy. Of course, so many days of absorbing knowledge from the beautiful artists of Pennsylvania Ballet performing Dew Drop as well. I picked it apart as much as I could until I could truly understand the way every movement could flow into the other, even at its vigorous speed.
After as many rehearsals I could fit in, I finally felt ready to dance. I had the privilege to perform Dew Drop twice in one weekend, I also had a full dress rehearsal to prepare. The first performance was very special, it was a debut day for a lot of my friends as well. All PBII 16’/17’ alum…..Austin Eyler (Lead Hot Chocolate), Cato Berry (Tea), and Ashton Roxander (Lead Candy Cane). Here is a photo after the performance with our PBII Ballet Master Eddy Tovar. We can all say he was one of the best and biggest parts of our PBII experience and we try to take class with him as much as we can this season and we miss working with him a lot!
Almost my entire family live in the state of Pennsylvania so for my second show, a lot of them were able to make it including my mom and dad! I danced knowing they were all out there and could not have asked for a more rewarding performance. I had even more fun onstage than the last and I will never forget it. Seeing my family was much needed especially during the holiday season and could not have asked for a better day!
During my preparation for my premiere, I had the pleasure to be featured in a few articles and news stories; including Philadelphia Style Magazine, Philly Metro, and CBS Philly. On the day of my second performance, photographer Scott Serio followed me around taking pictures throughout my day for the culmination, a Dance Magazine article! It was an awesome treasure to match the incredible opportunity I was given by PA Ballet. The feelings I had coming off the stage that Sunday will be etched in my heart forever!
Now I am at home for a few more precious hours in Cary, North Carolina where I mostly grew up and trained. I have the great fortune to take class with my local coach and mentor Miguel Campaneria at Campaneria Ballet School when I come back to NC. While I’ve been home, WRAL (local Raleigh, NC news) had reached out to do a news piece in which I was able to depict my early childhood, ballet, my current PA Ballet experiences and life in Philly. It was great, at last, to be able to share my love of ballet and how it has shaped my future with the local community. As much as it has been a busy winter break, I have rested a lot, spent quiet days and nights with my family and 2 pups, taken lots of runs and hot tubs, dinner with old friends, and practicing driving. As of a few mornings ago, I received new repertoire video to study and prepare for the Spring season! Looking forward to getting back to Pa Ballet this week and hope everyone can come see us perform live! Gotta go!
Attached are some of the media links from my Dewdrop challenge:
Philadelphia Style Magazine Article(on Page 31)
First 5 photos are courtesy to Arian Molina Soca, magazine photo Vikki Sloviter.
