Rise and Shine, Even Before the Sun Does!

Here it is, 2:27 am on Tuesday, and I am writing today's blog. Last night's performance, just hours ago, went very well! Again, good reaction from the audience and a great time to be had. As I loaded out our props and got into the car to head home, I felt a sense of ease I often feel after performing: like I can breathe a little deeper, my head clear of chatter, and my muscles soft. When I have described this to other people, the say, "Well, you're just tired! Take a nap!" And often, I do, but it is because of an emotional, intellectual and physical release that sleep comes so easily to me after a weekend of performing. A great weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. The weight of doubt, frustration and anxiety that comes with creating new work, and presenting it to strangers. As well, the weight of formerly having a seemingly monumental task laid out in front of me, which is now complete. The task of performance is double sided: on the one hand, one is giddy with excitement to show the work that has been done. You gain energy from the audience members in front of you or around you. There is an exchange during performance between audience and performer that is sacred, and breathes life into a piece of work. What is happening on stage is only half the art. The amalgamation of artist and viewer makes the experience complete for both parties. On the other hand, there is much distress when engaging in performance. In the 15 minutes before the curtain rises, there are hearts to slow down, lungs to fill, minds to quell. Nervous energy makes one pace behind the wings, and contemplate if the work done in preparation for this arrival has been good work, and if your body will do what it has committed to memory. And happily, usually, it does.

Now that the Greensboro Fringe can be checked off of my list, it is off to NYC in just a few more hours to do the Cool NY Dance Festival in Dumbo, Brooklyn. I am looking forward to rehearsing and performing with my twin sister, and dance partner, Mackenzie. And the piece we are performing an excerpt from, Words Apart, has a special place in my heart, as I learned so much, and made so many new friends during the making of the piece. I think this piece will have an illustrious life, for a little dance piece. Almost time to go to the airport. Time alone in the airport gives me time to think and decompress. And prepare for the intense cold I will face upon my arrival to the city...

~Cara