Swan Lake, one of the most iconic classical ballets ever created, opened in Stirling on January 20th. Since then, we have visited a variety of theatres across Scotland, engaging audiences from tiny rural towns to vibrant cities. Hours of rehearsals culminate in stunning performances, with exquisite costumes, lighting and staging- alas, one of the main challenges of working in a touring company is adapting to a huge range of theatres, from a converted church in Helensburgh, where the stage was about a quarter of the size of our usual rehearsal space, to the beautiful SECC Clyde auditorium in Glasgow, with stage so vast that even a short dance feels like a marathon!
We learn to withstand long rehearsals, even longer bus rides, early mornings and late nights- all with a smile on our face and eagerness to embrace the next performance!!
Also this term, I have focused upon my holistic development as a dancer; a fellow second year recommended to me 'Bulletproof Ballerina fitness'- founded by Tanya Trombly, it is a workout plan which aims to strengthen dance technique through only two workouts per week. A far cry from spending hours slaving away in the gym seeing minimal results, the Bulletproof Ballerina program has helped me to discover a whole new concept of strength and alignment, with noticeable improvements in less than a month!
I have also begun The Whole Dancer's "Best Body program", which has really helped me to consider my lifestyle choices, and focus upon creating the best dancing future possible for my unique self! I would highly recommend this amazing program to any aspiring or professional dancer in need of focus and clarity!
