Touched.

The past few weeks for me have been focused on one thing: Rami Be’er’s Touch. Just after returning from work from our tour in Italy, I started rehearsals for a ballet that would become one of the most rewarding ballets that I have danced. 

Rami Be’er, a well known and respected choreographer, set this ballet on The Croatian National Ballet in the summer as part of their summer festival. One of the dancers left the company leaving one empty spot. Well, who else to fill a spot other than yours truly? I was thrown into rehearsals with a company that was already familiar with the choreography and had already gone through all the training for it. For me, it was all foreign. I had to learn the steps as well as understanding the style and movement. The challenge was not only hard but tough on the body too. I would go home at nights with bruises and barely being able to walk. I had to keep thinking that I am apart of something artistically unique and special. 

The performances went well. It is a very technical show but all of my fellow dancers had already performed it and aware of the space and lighting. I was thrown into performances with only two rehearsals on stage. With each show, I was able to grow. In fact, the piece as a whole has taught me so much. I learned a completely new way of moving. In this ballet, I had to move every part of my body in funky yet coordinated ways. It was also a special show for me because this was such a hard ballet to get through that we all needed each others support to get through it. There was such a feeling of comradery. At the end of the ballet, all the dancers pull down the curtains, stagehands sweep the snow off the stage and the audience gives a roaring applause in recognition and appreciation for all our hard work. It was a truly special moment to be bowing before an audience after giving everything you had to them. It made this whole experience very special for me.

So I walk away from Touch a stronger dancer and artist. I may have soreness, bruises and cuts all over my body but I think of them as marks of achievement. 

Pictures.

Last performance of Nutcracker in Split

Yurie and me on Christmas Eve

Davor, Caity and Alan on Christmas Eve

Kristina and Andrej's Christmas Tree

Christmas!

Our last performance in Zadar

The gang on New Years 

New Years in Split. Not quite Time Square but not far off. 

The theater during the holidays

A New Year.

It is crazy how fast a year can seem. In 365 days, the seasons change, goals are made, holidays are celebrated, birthdays are passed, and life is going on. So before I start a new year, I need to reflect on the last year.

I started 2010 in San Francisco, California. I had been living there three years while working for Company C Contemporary Ballet. By New Years, we were planning our tour to NYC and partying the year away. I was pretty certain that that was going to be my last year in SF but I wasn’t certain where life would take me. In May, just weeks before ending my contract with Company C, I decided that my next move was to be to New York, New York. I finished up the season in SF, packed my bags, and flew to NYC (where I got a refund on my extra bags due to that fact that the woman loved ballet). In my time there, I lived a life that many (including myself) dreamed of. I had and will always have a place in my heart for NYC. Im so glad that I was able to experience life in the Big Apple. After three months, I got a job offer in Europe. It was a tempting offer that I just couldn’t turn down. September 5th brought me to Split, Croatia where I started dancing for The Croatian National Ballet. In this time, I danced in a beautiful theater and turned 24 while on tour in Italy. I guess the rest you know... 

So much excitement and adventure in just 365 days. I think what was just as thrilling and beneficial for me was how much I have grown in this time. I continue to learn more about myself and discover more interests. I have pursued writing and photography- two interests that I have had for a while but never followed. I wonder what 2011 will bring. One thing I definitely learned here is that I don't need to try and top myself year after year or city after city. Just get as much out of each circumstance as possible.

So as the new year begins, I am ready and waiting for new and more adventures. 

Christmas in Split.

Christmas in Split is a little different than America. Ok, it is VERY different. At this point though, that should come as no surprise. Now, I am no expert on Christmas (being a Jew and all) but I have done my share of holiday partying. Celebrating in Split this year, introduced me to a new way of celebrating. 

For one, the season and preparation starts much later. People don’t get their trees until a few days before and only keep them for a couple weeks. I learned that its because they don’t have stands that have water. So to avoid having a dry tree in their homes, they buy a tree around December 23rd and keep it until the beginning of January. Christmas overall is more simple and much less commercial. It definitely is exciting to people here but they show/express it in very different ways. I would see people dressing up but not necessarily dressing in Santa hats or wearing fun festive colors. There is also a considerably less amount of decorations in Split than at home. In fact, I tried looking for a little and all I could find were simple ornaments that were lacking in originality or sparkle. I guess Croatians put the emphasis more on the holidays itself than the celebrating. 

On Christmas Eve, I was invited to one of the dancers house. It was a small gathering of some familiar faces and some new ones. Everyone contributed a dish to what ended up being an amazing and amazingly filling dinner. Dinner included popular dishes from different cultures. I think the highlight of the meal for me would have been the large hollow tomatoes with tuna salad in them. It was so delicious! For dessert, one of the dancers made a huge cake in the shape of a Christmas tree. It was filled with different fruits and layers of vanilla and chocolate cake. After dinner, the evening ended with all of us sitting around the tree and talking and opening presents. The best part of the night was definitely being with good company and enjoying a lovely night. 

The next night, Christmas, was a little bit more crazy but fun nonetheless. In true Scott form, I wore a tie for the occasion. Dinner was at the Villa (which was super convenient for me) and again, we all contributed a dish to what ended up being a fabulous meal. I grilled some vegetables while others made turkey, cole slaw, lasagna, cakes, and chocolate salami (Italian dessert). Making a reprise, there was another cake in the shape of Christmas tree... and just as delicious as the night before. We definitely were not short any food! After dinner, being the rambunctious dancers that we are, we played a few games for a few hours that included breaking chairs, falling on the floor, and many many good pictures. Again, another great night spent with great people... wearing red. 

The overall holiday feeling is different here but the similarity of surrounding yourself with those who are important to you, must be universal. Thats why I love the holidays : )

Pictures to come soon.

Roads.

There are so many roads in life. How are you supposed to know which one to take? Do you go where the wind takes you or do you direct yourself? After we have decided on which road to travel, how do we know we have chosen the right one?

I guess there will never be answers to those questions until the day when we are able to travel back in time. We will never know if we are making the right decisions but living life with hesitance, isn’t living life to the fullest. I’m reading Julie Andrews’ biography and in doing so, I am learning a lot about success and struggle. She has worked nonstop since she was a little girl but has only had a handful of successful projects. However, she has participated in MANY more projects that include albums, theater and movies and TV shows that have all failed miserably. When she looks at her life though, she never thinks of her projects as failures. She loved all of her endeavors and has continued to learn from each one. So to her, failure was measured differently than how Hollywood or New York City would measure it. She took the roads that she saw attractive. 

I feel like I have so many options in life. When I look back, I would have never guessed that I would be where I am now. That makes me think about the future. I want to be in the same position and be somewhere that I would have never thought possible. Being here, has made me notice how it is very AMERICAN to think about money and success. Its the way we are all brought up, its our basis for judging people and giving them a status, and it determines if we are successful or not. I have noticed that Europeans live a much calmer, simpler and more relaxed life. Enjoy today and worry about tomorrow later. To me, it sounds crazy but to them, its how they are happy. Well, I think that works for them BUT I need to plan for tomorrow! 

Where will life take me next?

Italy: Part Six

The Italy tour has officially come to an end. Yes, I fell in love with Italy but I am happy to be off the road and back in my own bed. We still have performance in Croatia coming up and rehearsals for upcoming ballets at the beginning of the new year. 

Italy was simply amazing. This tour showed me land and cities that I would never have seen on my own. It showed me that smaller cities can offer just as much as bigger cities. It made me realize that there is so much in the world and other ways to live, eat and think. I have only seen Italy in movies and pictures but the experience in person in much different. People are smiling and proud of what they have. This trip served as a really wonderful lesson to me. 

One shock was that Italians really DON’T speak English! I assumed that after living in Split, I wouldn’t come across a country that spoke LESS English. Well, Italy definitely speaks less English. However, with the little Croatian and Spanish I know, and strong use of hands, I was able to communicate well enough to get what I needed. I think I might start taking Italian to learn the language officially. 

So a million pictures, kisses, noodles, and miles later, I am back in Split a wiser person. I have seen the boot shaped country that others have talked about so often. I ate their food, seen their homes, performed on their stages, spoke (a little of) their language, and met their locals. And all of those stories that I have of Italy and all it shared with me, will become fond memories!

Theater in Ancona

Ancona

Ancona

Ancona

The ship that took us back to Split

Italy: Part Five

So the trip will quickly becoming to an end. It has been close to two weeks in Italy and we only have a few days left. In the past few days, we saw and performed in Lecce, Gallipoli, and now in Senigallia. This trip is sure flying by when you see a new city and live a new experience everyday. But with how great that sounds though, don't forget that we are also performing EVERYDAY!


While we were in Lecce, we were invited to the home of one of the dancers that is from that town. It was so wonderful to see an Italian household. It was everything you would expect AND THEN MORE. I was hugged and kissed by everyone and welcomed so graciously. The meal included several appetizers, lasagna, salad, steak and then a birthday cake. It was delicious and insanely filling meal. The best part of that though wasn't the food, it was the love and warmth that was in that household. Her family and friends kept coming throughout the day to meet us all and greet us. It was truly a beautiful day. 


Today, we got to Senigallia and we will be here for two days. This could quite possibly be the best and most modern theater we performed in. It might also be the sweetest town. The shops look like they came right out of a movie. Its really cute to see a town with old and historic buildings with modern interiors. I will have to take pictures tomorrow and post them later. 


Italy has been a very different experience than what I would imagine from the movies. I wish I could describe it better but I can definitely say that Italy is magical and charming. Here are some pictures from our time in Gallipoli. You can see how beautiful even a smaller city is!

A view from my hotel room in Gallipoli

Gallipoli

Gallipoli

Gallipoli

The never ending stairwell in our hotel

ALL of my costumes for Nutcracker. Can you count how many?

Italy: Part Four

Our tour is coming along quite quickly. Everyday, I find myself in a new city and falling more and more in love with Italy. Tonight we performed in a city called Brindisi. It was quite beautiful and the locals were personable and fashionable. 


Our show went well. We are in a routine now and it has become easier to get through. I mean, it should since we are performing everyday! We're also at a point where we are comfortable in all our roles that we play pranks with each other on stage. Its not the most professional but it keeps it fun.


Here are some pictures from the last two days. We have little time for play but we manage to squeeze in a walk here or there. 

Kristina and I near one of our hotels

Our posters on walls near the theater

Downtown Brindisi

Brindisi

Backstage door after a show... always dancing ; )

I really wish I was able to capture the same feeling and beauty Italy offers but no pictures will ever be able to do that. There is a feeling in the atmosphere that is hard to explain and impossible to capture. You're just going to have to come and visit!!!

Italy: Part Three

We are at the beginning of day six. This wonderful experience went from amazing to hard work very quickly. To give you an idea of how crazy our schedule has been, here is a short list to summarize it. In the last 2 days, we had 4 shows. In those 4 shows, I had 18 costume changes, 11 makeup changes and 4 hair changes. Thats a lot of changing and dancing!


We arrived in Rendo, Italy this afternoon. Its been interesting seeing the difference in personalities. While we were in Catania and other surrounding cities, I noticed that people were very welcoming and gracious. In Rendo, people are a little bit more stuck up. I also noticed (and think its interesting) that Italians know LESS English than Croatians. Communication has been much harder here. I definitely find myself pointing and using wild gestures a lot. 


I just tried my first Italian pizza and gelato. IT WAS AMAZING! I don't know how I am ever going to eat pizza anywhere else again. They really know how its done here!


As for the performances, it has been hard finding the energy to perform day after day and with NO breaks. Its also hard to have to perform after sitting on a bus for hours and hours. However, when I am on stage, I look around and think about how lucky I am that I get to share a stage with such beautiful and talented dancers!

Downtown Catania, a block from the theater

Downtown Catania

Bakery in Catania

Leaving Sicilia!!!

On the boat after Sicilia

On the road and heading to Rendo

Close by Rendo

Italy: Part Two

We are at the end of day three of our Italian tour. So far, it has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Italy offers so much beauty and history. Each town is so different from the last but the atmosphere and the feelings are all the same. 

Our first performance was in a town called Noto. It was quite possibly the most beautiful and romantic towns I have ever seen. The charm of all the buildings, set a perfect atmosphere against the green mountains in the background. The theater was very old (and the backstage lacked in modern technology to prove it). All in all, I would have hated to live life without seeing Noto. 

Tonights performance (and the for the next two nights), was in a city called Catania. It was such an interesting city and I am so glad that I have two more days to explore. It was filled with OLD two or three story stone buildings with trendy cafes and shops. It was a metropolitan city that reminded me of New York City. 

Italy has a very homey feel and offers the most amazing views. The food has become very exciting to me. All the pastries, pastas, and chicken ARE DELICIOUS! I feel like I am going to go back to Croatia 20 pounds heavier. It is such a pleasure and honor to be given to opportunity to perform throughout Italy. I recommend EVERYONE to visit all the beautiful cities in Italy. 

The ladies and I near our hotel in Acitrezza.

Acitrezza

Acitrezza

Entrance to Noto. 

Walking through Noto.

Noto.

On our walk to the theater in Noto

The side of the theater in Noto. 

One of our posters! 

Italy: Part One

At 19:00 on November 23, 2010, I boarded the Blue Line from Split, Croatia and heading to Ancona, Italy. I have seen this ship docked on the Riva everyday but this was my first time onboard. From the outside, the ship looks like nothing out of the ordinary. On the inside, the ship offered shopping, nightclubs, lounging, a chapel, and cabins smaller than most peoples closets. It was a pleasant surprise and honestly, a relief since we would be spending the night on the ship. I decided that this was going to be a special night and that I must dress for the occasion. I wore a button up shirt with a matching bow tie, and sweater. Indeed, it was memorable night. The dancers and myself stayed in the lounge area and shared some drinks, laughs, and games. We headed to our cabins by 2 in the morning and just had a few hours of sleep before landing in Italy. 

This tour will become memorable and a lifetime experience for many reasons. For one, while on the ship, at midnight, I turned 24 (hence the bow tie). I thought my birthday would be forgotten and spent being dragged along the road. It was quite the opposite. My friends made this birthday a very special birthday. I was greeted on the boat with thoughtful gifts and surprises. Also, everyone made it a point to wish me a happy birthday and give me a kiss. One of my friends baked me cookies that spelt out HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT and made exactly 24 cookies. It was incredibly sweet! My director even made it a point to wish me a happy birthday and give me a kiss. Friends, Italy and gifts, WHO CAN ASK FOR A BETTER BIRTHDAY!?!

On the morning of November 24 (my birthday), we had landed in Ancona, Italy. In true Scott fashion, I was LITERALLY the last passenger off the ship. This meant that I was to be the last one boarding the bus. On the long walk from the ship to the bus, I just thought about how my fellow dancers and director will be upset that I held everyone up. Their response was quite the opposite. I walked up the few stairs to a bus full of dancers singing happy birthday to me. It was truly special for me to see them all happy. Later, Almira, my director, gave me a wonderful gift that she had purchased in Italy. All the dancers made this day very special for me. 

The day started young. Anconia is northern Italy and we were heading south... very south. We spent close to 27 hours in total traveling time on boats or sitting on a bus and passing through beautiful and interesting cities. Dancers being dancers, we had to make many stops for those who smoke! Some dancers spent much of the time sleeping. Its pretty interesting to see what positions dancers can sleep in when they are on a small bus. I decided to stay awake so I can look out the window and see as much of Italy as possible. I think I fell in love! Italy’s beauty is so natural, subtle but breathtaking. Even just sitting on a bus, I can’t help but to be in awe of what I am seeing. At 21:00, we reached Reggio Calabria. We went on another boat that took us directly to Sicily. From Sicily, we drove to Catania and finally reached our hotel at 23:00. I think we all can agree that it was a FULL day of traveling!  I can’t wait to see more of this beautiful country in the next two weeks!

Me, Yurie, and Caity sitting on the boat.

A cute sign that was on the boat

Another great sign. 

One of the dancers gifts. Count how many cookies there are. 

On the bus. THATS ITALY!

Andrej resting on the floor of the bus.

Sicily