ballet, aerials, autism/ADHD ~ queer af, married af, living into the spaces between, tryna figure it out as I go
dancer at New England Ballet Theatre, Sonia Plumb Dance Company, & Leigh Purtill Ballet
he/they
profile pic: a headshot of @danseurignoble taken against a grey background
header: @danseurignoble partnering a ballerina in penché arabesque
#AuDHD #ADHD #ActuallyAutistic #balletboy #ballet #aerialarts #circus
#BikeCommuterCabal
| Where I Dance: | https://www.neballettheatre.com/ |
| If You Want To Support A Great Little Ballet Company: | https://www.neballettheatre.com/support-1 |
YOU GUYS the scenic artist at my theater painted a little drain on the set floor, and it is the cutest thing that an audience may never notice. But we shall love it just the same.
(The play, "Clyde's" by Lynn Nottage, is set in a restaurant kitchen.)
This lovely moment of equilibrium:
Most of the principals sitting in the back, taking a snack break and watching Puck and the corps run a lovely piece to Mendelssohn's gorgeous score.
My partner and I are on the same page. I'm starting to feel secure in the choreography. I'm eating cold, delicious snap peas.
I'm still surprised and grateful that, somehow, I'm here.
nobody:
absolutely nobody:
the birds hanging out right next to my window at 5 AM:
Today, one of my two regular partners in the company said three words that mean everything: "I trust you."
Partnering is, or should be, founded on trust. To know that I've earned the trust of this dancer who I admire and respect means the world to me.
Words can tear us down, but they can also build us up.
Ballet as an artform has a history of tearing it's artists down. Imagine what we will do as we learn, together, to build up instead.
My AD reminded me a little while ago that it's normal for things to take time to get again after a long break without the constant, rigorous training of a professional-level class.
Bit by bit, I'm starting to feel my strength again. I hope I'll continue to appreciate it as it returns, and not take it for granted. I didn't think that I did before the pandemic began, but I certainly appreciate it in a different way now.
When your Artistic Director gives you 6 weeks' warning that you're going to be wearing white tights for the next ballet
Random partnering thoughts, Part 1 of who even knows how many:
If you can, brush your teeth before you go on. Your partner will appreciate it and you won't be worried about your breath.
She's a ballerina, not a Beyblade.
When you're the one being lifted, you still have to carry yourself.
Hands sometimes wind up in ... places. Don't panic, just say, "Ope, sorry!" and correct it next time.
A lot of it clicks really easily, but a lot of it won't. You're doing fine. Keep going.
Things to know about rehearsing A Midsummer Night's Dream (the ballet):
•So many great roles
•AMND's Oberon is a delightful himbo. I will die on this hill. Also his variation is hella fun.
•Stay to watch Donkey Pas rehearsal whenever your can
•You know that really famous wedding pro/recessional? Not "Here comes the Bride;" the other one. Guess where it's from. Guess what you'll be humming constantly for six weeks. Super worth it, though.
2016 me: "I'd just like to be a corps boy somewhere, maybe ... That would be great. Not that I really think it's gonna happen, but it would rock."
2018 me: "I can't believe I'm an actual ballet company apprentice"
2020 me: "What if this is the end of my career 😔"
2024 me: "I can't believe I'm a full company artist and a principal dancer 😶😶😶"
I need to remember when I'm discouraged about things (looking at you, house-hunting): it takes whatever time and whatever path it takes.
Rebecca Wallace