Second Line and a roadtrip back to RVA!

Today we continued learning Clowns and Others and Rite of Spring but also started the third ballet on the program, Second Line, choreographed by Terpsicorps director Heather Maloy. Her piece is based on the traditional New Orleans funeral processions that turn into parties and celebrations in the streets. Heather was inspired to choreograph this piece after Hurricane Katrina and the rebuilding effort in New Orleans.

After the long rehearsal day, a few of us went to Barley’s Brewery where we celebrated the end of our second day with pool and dart games. This time together is special in so many ways because it allows us dancers a chance to relax and have fun, but also to begin the trusting process (which is so important in dancer relationships). It helps me to be comfortable dancing with a partner when we know how to connect with each other on all kinds of levels.

The rest of this week has been difficult (…as usual first weeks are). My brain is working overtime to remember all the choreography that we learn and my body hurts from the new movement that isn’t familiar to my muscles. My senses while partnering are being tested as well, as I work with people I’m still learning so much about.

On Thursday night some of us went to a restaurant called Sante. We were treated with cheese, crackers, fresh fruit and delicious wines.

Since we had Saturday and Sunday off, I decided to run back to Richmond to wish "bon voyage" to last year’s company members Lauren Breen, Justin McMillan, and Allison Dubsky before they move out of town. We had dinner at Mekong and then an evening of cocktails and dancing at New York Deli in Carytown.

Now, back to Asheville for more rehearsal! Until next time...

Smooches- Valerie

Rehearsals in Asheville

My commute to the studio from Sally’s house is only about 5 minutes, and the studio is in a giant art gallery where many painters, sculptors, woodworkers and other artists rent out studio space. The second floor has the dance studios. Our Monday started off with class at 9:30 am taught by Tim Yeager. Tim is Nashville Ballet’s Ballet Master.

I know so many of the dancers here by varying degrees of separation…the dance world is just so small! Julia Eisen, a trainee with Richmond Ballet last year, is here as well.

After our morning class we jumped right into learning variations from Clowns and Others. I love throwing myself at pieces that way, it’s sometimes the only way to get started. We learned the "Balloon Girl" solo and also tried a little bit of the "Kissy Pas de Deux".

Then, we moved right into setting Rite of Spring. This ballet is done in bare feet… dum, dum, dum…and I have never danced barefoot before. I HAVE heard horror stories of blisters, slits and other foot woes like infections, but 2 of the dancers here have done the ballet before, so they’re helping out with any and all problems.

For lunch a few of us dancers walked up to Clingman Cafe which is only a short walk from the studios. We needed coffee with our meals for a jolt of energy for the 3 hour afternoon rehearsal session! Many of the dancers from other companies have been out of company class and rehearsals for 3 or 4 weeks already, but since Richmond Ballet had performed in the Virginia Arts Festival so late in May I felt pretty confident (and I wasn’t nearly as sore or out of shape as some of the others…Thanks Richmond Ballet!).

A Terpsicorps board member invited all the dancers to his very modern and beautiful home filled with amazing pieces of art for a BBQ after the afternoon’s rehearsals. We feasted on burgers, potato salad, and veggies and toasted our first day with some beers and champagne!!! It was a perfect ending to a perfect first day!

Smooches- Valerie