Performing!

I just finished my latest performance of The Nutcracker! It was great to be out in front of an audience again. Being on stage feels like home to me, and I had been away from home for a long time. It meant a lot of rehearsals, long hours, injuries, tears, yelling - yes, we ran the gamut of emotions. But, it also meant extreme joy, companionship with amazing people, feelings of success, and a huge accomplishment of putting on a great performance.

I am at a point in my life where the end of performing is felt in all that I do. I have great fear for the day that I can no longer perform, and will fight it as long as I can. But, we as dancers always know that our days are limited, and we could at any time have an injury occur that would mean the end, no matter what age we are. Rather than let it bring me down, however, it really drove me to action. I feel like I put 100% into my classes and rehearsals, and the hard work payed off. I'm very pleased with where I am with my dancing right now, and look forward to being in the spring show as well. It makes me focus on the "right now," and forces me to put aside frustrations. I have given up a lot of chances to dance and perform, but I don't have the luxury of time anymore. So, I am enjoying every minute I have!

Me on picture day at the studio.

At the theater.

My little nook I found to warm up backstage.

Tutu!

Dirty shoes.

Action shot on stage.