By Quinn Wharton member of the corps de ballet of San Francisco Ballet. August 2, 2010
We’re finally back to work after a long, fruitful summer break. One of the things I really cherish about the ballet world is the summer vacation. Almost all of my friends who are outside of the ballet world, don’t really get a solid vacation period, just a few days here and there and maybe a full week. But usually after a Nutcracker and repertory season, we get a full month off, which is much needed.
This summer, I spent my vacation visiting friends and traveling in Europe. The dance community is very small and you end up knowing a lot of people all over the world, which is wonderful. Knowing dancers from all over also creates solidarity and makes us appreciate the art form more. The cross- pollination of information also gives us a bigger picture of where the dance world is headed. So my vacation became a sort of cultural exchange, as well as just a really good adventure. I travelled for the most part in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, with brief one- or two-day forays into other countries. My favorite country had to be Italy: everyone was warm and welcoming. I also spent more time outside of the main cities which helped a lot; it took me a little while to realize true vacation means spending some time in nature.
The highlight of the trip was staying with some friends of friends in San Damiano d’asti in the Barolo wine country, about an hour outside of Torino. Our hosts were so welcoming, and the space was amazing: a 15th century farmhouse that they had been remodeling. The farmhouse still has its old beams and original brickwork, but all of the insulation and wiring, including modern amenities, are in the process of being added. Overall, though I got tired of living out a suitcase, the trip was a huge success.
Now we’re all back at SFB and settling into the groove. The first few days felt like the return to school after summer break—you’re excited to see everyone and hear what people did while they were away. Being refreshed also helps you feel ready to take on your work again. In no time, it feels like you never left and the experiences of vacation become like half-formed dreams, floating in the background until the next break rolls around.
I’ll be sharing more about my summer adventures in the next issue of Backstage magazine.
What I did on my Summer Vacation
member of the corps de ballet of San Francisco Ballet.
August 2, 2010
We’re finally back to work after a long, fruitful summer break. One of the things I really cherish about the ballet world is the summer vacation. Almost all of my friends who are outside of the ballet world, don’t really get a solid vacation period, just a few days here and there and maybe a full week. But usually after a Nutcracker and repertory season, we get a full month off, which is much needed.
This summer, I spent my vacation visiting friends and traveling in Europe. The dance community is very small and you end up knowing a lot of people all over the world, which is wonderful. Knowing dancers from all over also creates solidarity and makes us appreciate the art form more. The cross- pollination of information also gives us a bigger picture of where the dance world is headed. So my vacation became a sort of cultural exchange, as well as just a really good adventure. I travelled for the most part in the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, with brief one- or two-day forays into other countries. My favorite country had to be Italy: everyone was warm and welcoming. I also spent more time outside of the main cities which helped a lot; it took me a little while to realize true vacation means spending some time in nature.
The highlight of the trip was staying with some friends of friends in San Damiano d’asti in the Barolo wine country, about an hour outside of Torino. Our hosts were so welcoming, and the space was amazing: a 15th century farmhouse that they had been remodeling. The farmhouse still has its old beams and original brickwork, but all of the insulation and wiring, including modern amenities, are in the process of being added. Overall, though I got tired of living out a suitcase, the trip was a huge success.
Now we’re all back at SFB and settling into the groove. The first few days felt like the return to school after summer break—you’re excited to see everyone and hear what people did while they were away. Being refreshed also helps you feel ready to take on your work again. In no time, it feels like you never left and the experiences of vacation become like half-formed dreams, floating in the background until the next break rolls around.
I’ll be sharing more about my summer adventures in the next issue of Backstage magazine.