As most of you know, I have been passionate about "The stage" and performing for my whole life. I truly feel as though the space in which we perform is a sacred space, and until you are completely sure of yourself, and you respect the work that you are doing...only then can you reap the benefits of it.
I have recently received some questions about what it is like to do what I do... such as "What is an audition like" "What is it like being a Rockette" "How do go into an audition with confidence"...etc etc etc...I know your not all performers (Thank god for that or I would have some stiff competition with all of you talented bloggers out there!!!) But I've decided to give you all a bit of a sneak peek into my world!!!
If your not interested in this stuff...i totally understand and im sorry!!!!! I promise to come back tomorrow with a post about food working out and vegan goodies...:)
Here are the four questions I am going to be answering
1) What is it like going into an audition
2)What is it like being a Rockette
3)Do you deal with body image issues as a dancer?
4)What sort of work out do you do to keep in dancer shape?
Q: What is it like going into an audition?
A: SCARY AS HELL! There are usually a ton of people there...and half of them are trying to intimidate you. You just have to remember that your there to get a job...not to impress any of your fellow auditioners. I also like to remember that the people behind the table (Producers, directors, musical directors choreographers etc) WANT YOU TO BE THE ONE! They want you to go in there and wow them.. it just makes their lives easier!!
Q: What is it like being a Rockette?
A: Honestly.. its a dream come true. Its easily the coolest job in the world. I completely love being a part of the tradition, and I KNOW that I am really lucky to be able to be...but I also have to remember that as fun as it is... ITS MY JOB (during the season at least)...and it has to be taken very seriously. Actually...every performing job has to be taken seriously. Its a lot of work, and it requires a great deal of dedication... but once ya got all that down its pretty amazing!
Q: Do you deal with body image issues as a dancer?
A: Well I want to start off with this... as a dancer, you are constantly scrutinizing your body. I have... like many of you... and many other dancers...been in a constant battle with my image and accepting it for what it is. It is so important to be able to get past that.. and then you will be able to accomplish great things.
Being a dancer is hard because :
**We walk into class..and BAM Mirrors are right in front of us.
**Not only are we looking at our bodies and picking ourselves apart, but we are forced to look at those around us..inevitably comparing ourselves.
For a long time, I had trouble concentrating in classes because all I could think about it "Wow I look like crap" or "This part of my body is...."....now.. i say SCREW IT!!!
I would rather dance beautifully, gracefully, and with confidence....once you get that down, the body and its image follows :)
Q: What sorts of activities do you do to keep in dancers shape?
A: I think that everyone is different...and that everyone needs to nourish their bodies with THEIR correct foods. I also dont think that an exercise method that works for me may work for everyone... but here are my personal activities
-RUNNING---I have recently gotten very into running. I try to run 3 or 4 miles atleast 5 days a week. I have notice that it increases my stamina so that if I am doing an incredibly long number, I am not as winded. I also find that it is a FULL body work out!( DUH haha). It has also increased my balance (core) and strength (ex: extension... which means i can hold my leg out and up for longer)
-SWIMMING--- Before my Last Rockette season, I went swimming EVERY SINGLE day. I would do about 60 laps. I found this to be AMAZING. I love swimming because it is also a full body work out, but you dont ever get over heated. I am one of those people who gets REALLY SUPER HOT. I sweat like a man (gross I know) and I dont just get hot.. but I feel like I Burn sometimes. (weird?) Swimming helped me be able to completely concentrate on the activity without those little voices in my head saying "HOLY #*&% I am going to explode!"
-STRETCHING---I know that stretching isnt a work out...but it is so important to keep your body stretched before and after performing ANY sort of activity. This prevents injury, and keeps your muscles from becoming over stressed.
If you have any questions about stretches that I do for certain muscles feel free to ask :)
***I really want to say that I HOPE THAT DIDNT SOUND ARROGANT! The last thing i want this to sound like is ME ME ME ME...***
If you guys have any questions about ANYTHING I would love to answer them :)
On that note... Enjoy your Sunday :) :)
19 comments:
I loved this q & a. Its not something you get to commonly read about and I love the perspective you have developed!
Hi Syn!
I loved reading your Q&A!
I love performing, too, and I strongly believe that it's about communication with the audience...which you can only do when you treat the stage as a sacred space like you mentioned.
aw i loved this! auditions are super scary, but they can be a lot of fun too!! and i totally know what it's like to have people constantly commenting about your body! in skating and dance.....usually it's tights & spandex and VERY form fitting clothes!
take care!!
Love this! I can't wait to start doing big audtions to! :)
Love these q's and a's!!!!
Hey girl! Try this recipe: http://chocolatecoveredkatie.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/pumpkin-pie-mousse/
It doesn’t have tofu in it. Or you could add pumpkin to my Basic Agar Pudding (but agar’s kinda complicated until you get the hang of it).
Great post!
First of all, you don't sound the LEAST bit arrogant, and that was really interesting.
I like being the center of attention, haha, but I don't know that I'm much of a performer. Although I always get amped up when our assistant principal comes in to observe my class, haha.
What a fun little peak into your world!
thanks for this post!!
seriously, I envy you 110% that your a rocket!! How long have you been a rockette? I've been the christmas spectacular for the past three years and adore you guys!
you have such a positive body image stance too - love it!
I loved this post! It was a great look into a fabulous vegan life so very different than my own. You are a wonderful, amazing person!
What a wonderful post! Thanks so much for sharing this side of your life with us:)
nothing wrong with a little SELF-CONFIDENCE!!! : )
this was good!!!
It was really nice to get more information about you and your career -- you're so inspiring! I like running too, it's such a great workout.
I really like the insight into your world. You have a glamorous job and you should be proud. I sit at a desk all day.
Of course you don't sound arrogant! You sound like someone who is confident and beautiful and successful because you believe in yourself!
And I think it's cool that I can say I know a Rockette (well, kind of...if online counts as knowing someone). :-)
I LOVED reading all about your performing and Rockette experience! It's not arrogant at ALL. I would love to hear more, you should definitely throw in some of your performance tidbits regularly!
You really really make me want to go swimming right now. Even though the last time I went swimming I completely sucked and was discouraged... but I used to love it when I was younger. One of these days I really want to try getting back into it a bit!
I love this post! And you didn't sound arrogant AT ALL! It's great reading through your answers... I love our mindset!
I am so glad you posted this. I love what you wrote here: "I truly feel as though the space in which we perform is a sacred space, and until you are completely sure of yourself, and you respect the work that you are doing...only then can you reap the benefits of it."
I'm not a performer anymore, but that is exactly how I feel about the theatre and acting on the stage! You put it so well!
Thanks for giving us a glimpse. You wrote some really inspirational stuff which I wished I would have reminded myself in auditions etc. to keep my self-esteem up! Self-esteem is such a big part of performing and I feel like lacking that messes up your artistic love and passion for what you do.
Hahaha, I love that you sweat like a man!
I love hearing about your performing. I'm transitioning between being a professional ballet student and going to college for Human Nutrition (bad ankle injury is kinda forcing me). I've just started blogging and just wanted to introduce myself. So...Hello! I'm Sarah! haha.
Love your blog!
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