Tricia’s take on Open Barre
Post by Tricia Albertson
The ballet dancers you see on stage have spent most of their lives training to make the barely possible seem effortless. Because there’s such a big gap between appearance and reality, it comforts me in our regular theater performances to imagine that because I can’t see the audience, the audience can’t see me. Of course I know this is not true, but when I look out into the darkness, I can imagine dancing for anyone. Definitely, I imagine dancing for my (less critical) friends. It’s a nice illusion, and it helps me to be calm.
In our studio theater, this is an illusion I can’t rely on. Every time we do a series in our studio theater, I get a bad case of nerves. It’s easy to feel vulnerable. The audience is so close. I imagine being put under a microscope. Every step, every effort, every expression is visible; it feels like there is no room for error. So, I start out a little anxious. Then, the first show comes to an end and I hear the audience applaud, and I realize that I’m not under a microscope. I’m at home!
The studio is where I spend at least 35 hours each week. These studio theater shows may be our most appreciative audience; certainly, in the studio, I feel that our closest friends and family have come over for a special showing, a showing at which I’ll have the chance to share a piece of myself. Here, in person, is the audience I have so often imagined watching in our regular season. In the end, I value our studio theater shows as an opportunity to perform in an intimate setting that allows me to more directly connect to the audience.
See Tricia perform this weekend at Open Barre.
I'm looking forward to seeing the performance at Open Barre this coming Saturday night. I hope the dancers are not nervous and understand that they are amongst friends who they may not even know but who appreciate every effort and every movement that is presented on stage. For me the love of the Art transfers to the love of the Artist for they are one and the same. And for me I come to share in the magnificiance of the Dance called Ballet as danced by dancers who are driven by an inner desire to achieve feats beyond the norm for it is in the visibly demonstrated motivation to attain great heights in the Art that causes my heart to smile and to be moved with thankfullness. Yes indeed you do dance before friends.
There is such a beauty in what you do. While some are always critical, most are in awe of the beauty you present. It's a gift you give to all who watch you dance.
There is such a beauty in what you do. While some are always critical, most are in awe of the beauty you present. It's a gift you give to all who watch you dance.