-A European Adventure-: Opening Night

Last night marked the first official performance for me in Europe. It was an amazing day that will be in my memories forever. Here is how it went:

I woke up to the waves right outside my window. Its a beautiful thing to wake up to crashing waves and not to the buzzing of an alarm clock. After a relaxing afternoon at home, I bussed to the theater. I entered backstage and when I walked the halls to my dressing room, you could feel the excitement. The dressing room had my freshly washed costume hanging, a perfectly folded towel and undergarments waiting to be worn. I rushed to the stage so I could get some stretching in before the show. As I was laying on the stage, the tech crew were doing their lighting check. They went through each lighting que. After that, I went into the makeup room and got to see some of the other dancers. We were able to share our excitement and talk about the night... while getting our makeup done of course. A quick change into my costume and then I headed down to the stage.

The spotlight followed the dancers every moves. The orchestra played so beautifully. We had been rehearsing in the theater so much for this one night and it definitely paid off. During intermission, I quickly changed into my clothes so that I could rush into the audience and watch second act. I scurried through the theater in my black dress pants, black tux shirt and burgundy cravat trying to find an empty seat. The show was sold out!!! I managed to sneak in between two strangers and watch the second act anyhow. As I was sitting there watching, I was thinking about how amazing this is. Performing is very different in America. Even the programs were of a higher quality than what I am use to. I couldn’t stop thinking about how this was such an honor and that I am so lucky to have been given this opportunity. The show ended with Almira, the director, giving a bow to her dancers. It was a beautiful thing to see.

After the show, there was a reception in the lavish lobby of the theater. Champagne, toasting, food, pictures and interviews seemed to be on everyones focus. There was such a wonderful energy in the air. It was truly an exciting and memorable night. Thank you to everyone who was apart of it.