Sweat. Blisters. Hard work. Pain. Squeaky pointes. The dance studio. Bits of conversation, like the gentle buzz of bumblebees, waft through the air. At this studio, tension is met by something equally powerful: concentration. And excitement? What is all of the preparation for? The upcoming Nutcracker performance.
Seated on his dilapidated red chair, the director watches the progression of the ballet with a critical eye. He often reprimands without explanation, but he always has a plan. The complaints from some dancers flow like a torrential rain; still, after being critiqued, they are always answered with “One more time.” Which, we have all learned, means a least five more run-throughs.
Over in the corner, anxious dancers whisper together. They imagine themselves in a similar position during a performance: nervous, excited, standing in the wings. During this rehearsal, there is a hint of confusion in the air. Dancers are trying to sort out instructions while still attempting to salvage what may be left of their feet. They move through the milling masses and rush in to be on mark at the right moment. At the show, dancers will be running frantically, technical crews will be pushing through, and little children will impede the busy traffic while watching the Sugar Plum Fairy with transcendental awe.
When opening night finally arrives, the music, the costumes, and the choreography will combine to produce a fantasy, a magical story, to be enjoyed by dancers and audience alike. For now, however, with the continuous chatter, unrelenting corrections, beaten hopes, and tarnished pointe shoes, endless rehearsing for that night will have to do.
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