"M" to the Third

It has been a few days since I have posted; Robert and I have been in the process of moving to a new apartment! How hectic it has been, though the situation has done nothing to slow down the speed of my art life.

This past weekend was a beautiful one. The sun was out, the temperature was agreeable, and Mackenzie and I were in Raleigh for the second to last performance of the NC Dance Festival tour. I began the weekend by teaching a master class at Meredith College for Women on Friday. Though it was a short class, it was so very enjoyable! The students were wonderful; enthusiastic and energetic. For the first time in what seems like forever, I was given the gift of live music for this class. It was amazing to hear the percussion, so close to my ear, and to see the students moving about to its vibrations. I miss having live music around. What's more, I felt absolutely adept, and comfortable in the class. With the recent challenge of teaching my current ballet class at HPU (which is the most experientially disparate class I have ever taught), I have as of late, felt less than expert at my profession. It was nice to feel good about what I have to offer. The students certainly enjoyed themselves, and the end of class was a wash of hugs, hand shakes and thank-you's.

Our performance Saturday night went equally as well. There were no snags in our performance to speak of, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time on stage. As we left the theater, many audience members commented on their appreciation and excitement regarding our piece, "Words Apart." Many said it was their favorite piece of the evening, and more still admitted to shedding tears. It has been strange, receiving such praise for the piece where ever we go to perform it, but still, I have had much trouble getting the piece into festivals in NYC and abroad. Maybe it doesn't translate outside of the South? I don't know. But, I plan to continue to submit the piece, in hopes of having it live on just a while longer in our repertory.

On Sunday, it was a long rehearsal at HPU for Millie. We all made it through the day, but it was obvious that everyone was getting tired and frustrated! They want to be challenged, they don't want to be challenged, they think I'm moving too fast, or not fast enough. Again, the frustration of the students brings about my insecurities. In a whirl, I created steps for the students, and as soon as one phrase was done, it was out of my head, and I was on to another. I barely remember what happened on Sunday, and how everything got done. I am happy moving into this week of rehearsal, though. All of the large group numbers are finished. This will leave us plenty of time to clean and polish!

Well, here I am again, sitting in my cave, AKA the Pauline Theater at HPU waiting for the start of another rehearsal. Yesterday's rehearsal went well, and though Sunday was not completely forgot, the students seemed in better spirits. Today, we run the numbers we have with the accompanist, a wonderful step forward. I can't wait to hear the students sing while they dance! Then after rehearsal, I will lay down in my same old bed, but in my new place.

~Cara