Right now we’re in rehearsal mode learning a variety of ballets, from pieces that were choreographed decades ago, to brand new works by Helgi Tomasson, Christopher Wheeldon and Yuri Possokhov. Being a part of a new work is always interesting because you get to see the process of how a choreographer’s brain works. When rehearsing a ballet that is already choreographed, you usually get taught different sections at different times. The end result is the feeling of completing a puzzle after getting handed different puzzle pieces, as opposed to the feeling of growing and forming a piece of clay from the ground up, like with new works. Both are rewarding in different ways.

It’s also been really great to watch how other dancers interpret the steps. There are so many talented dancers here – everywhere you look there is something to learn. This is why it’s been the most inspiring four months of my dancing life! I’m sure it’s only going to get better as we get on stage in the Opera House. Everyone is just getting started.

So, on to Chroma. I’m lucky to have been selected to learn a ballet by Wayne McGregor. It’s been a thrilling process! The steps are extremely intricate and powerful, as is the music. I know that James Sofranko has blogged a lot about this ballet and everything he has written has been pretty dead on. It’s one of those ballets that can really bring a house down. The steps are made to push a dancer out of their comfort zone. It almost feels like an out-of-body experience because every muscle is pushed to their limit of stretching, reaching and twisting. Just watching the video can get your heart racing; I can’t wait to see it live! I shared one experience with James, which was involuntarily going over and over the choreography in my head, right before falling asleep (you’re right James, it’s hard to turn off your brain sometimes!).

So aside from ballet, I’m also loving life here in San Francisco. I’ve spent some weekends exploring the city and all the great things it has to offer. I love its diversity and appreciate how accepting the city is. It really makes an artist feel at home. The scenery is breathtaking, the weather is always at a good, mid-level temperature, and the fog that sets in gives me a really nice sense of calm.

On the weekdays, aside from rehearsing, I like to spend my downtime lifting weights in the fitness room at the Ballet. It’s a great way to clear your mind and release endorphins. To balance out my strict workout routine, I have a very strict TV routine when I get home. My cat and I never miss an episode of our favorite shows. We’re big fans of 30 Rock, The Office and pretty much anything animated. I also love to draw and try to sketch often. It’s great for me to explore art in other forms besides dance.  Exploring one type of art will inform how you approach another type and vice versa. It’s all about stimulating different sections of your brain to think in new ways.

Well, it was really fun to write this – I hope you enjoyed reading it!

Sketch by Dustin Shane