As the end of the season quickly approaches I am filled with two conflicting feelings. I am excited for a break–my body needs it–and I have a fantastic vacation planned to Belgium, The Netherlands, and Turkey; this hot weather is making the idea of summer break even more tempting. On the other hand, as we’re about to open the last program, so I’m sad to think about the end of the performing season. Performing is such a rush for me, and the summer months without shows are always arduous. So although vacation will be wonderful, I have to remember to not get ahead of myself and to savor these last few shows of the season.
Elana Altman and Pierre-François Vilanoba in Elo's Double Evil (© Erik Tomasson)
In these last programs, I’m dancing two ballets that are not new for me. Double Evil was created only last season, but we’ve already danced it all over the country. And I’ve danced “Rubies” for two seasons now. I like roles that feel more comfortable and finding new things to focus on. It is fabulous that in this art form one never stops growing. So no matter how many times I’ve danced a part, there’s always something new to find in it. Yesterday in a Double Evil rehearsal, Jorma Elo told us to find one new place in the ballet to look at our partners. Pierre-Francois and I already have many moments of shared eye contact throughout the piece so this task will create new chemistry, and give this part that we know so well, some new meaning.
One Comment
Thanks for this post, Elana. It’s very fun to get a glimpse of what happens in the studio between dancers and the choreographer.
You were wonderful in Rubies on Saturday and Double Evil on Thursday!