Bite your Tongue!

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009 | All Posts by Shannon Roberts, SFB Scene | 2 Comments

So this Friday the Company opens Robbins’ West Side Story Suite and I’ll be performing the role of Anita, which is also performed by Principal Dancers Lorena Feijoo and Katita Waldo. Luckily, since last year, there is definitely some muscle memory with the role and we know what to expect now; last year we were all a little shell-shocked at having to sing! This year, we have the luxury of focusing more on the characters we’re playing and it’s more satisfying.

Shannon Roberts performing Robbins' West Side Story Suite (© Chris Hardy)

I am thrilled to be performing the role of Anita along with Katita and Lorena; they were my idols before I even thought I could be in the Company. I get tickled every time I think about it; it’s such an honor to be working in the same rehearsal room and getting to know them so well—we’ve now spent a lot of time together! The corps de ballet doesn’t always have an opportunity like this so I feel lucky.

Last year, a bunch of us visited the cast from Spring Awakening, who were touring in San Francisco, and they gave us great tips on how to preserve our voices.  I’ve been trying to follow their advice: putting honey in my tea, drinking Vitamin Water, and cutting down on dairy. They also told us that, to remedy a dry mouth, you bite the tip of your tongue. Strange but it works! I’ve also never downed so much water in my whole life but hopefully, all this, along with my voice warm-ups, will help me to be ready for Friday. I agree with Ricardo’s blog entry: West Side Story Suite is fun and satisfying for the Company—you can be anyone you want to be or just yourself. After all, it’s not every day that a dancer gets to talk and yell on stage. 

Tags: Shannon Roberts, Spring Awakening, West Side Story Suite