What's next for me?

During The Maryland Nutcracker after-party, two of the pro dancers asked me whether I was going to audition for the company's next production. It's a locally-created ballet with an Edgar Allan Poe theme. Although I'm supporting cast, when I've been on stage I've frequently been positioned center stage. If I took a supporting cast role with a larger professional company I'd be lucky to have a prop in my hand while standing in the back row behind the professional corps de ballet. I got to do lifts in Midsummer and a brief waltz in Nutcracker.

Me as "Grandfather" in Nutcracker, center stage

 I have to say the adrenaline rush of being on stage in front of a live, paying audience is thrilling. Still, I find myself a bit frustrated. I'm performing with a professional ballet company, and the choreography obviously features the pros. I can't rationally argue with that. But I'm not a professional ballet dancer and never will be, which limits my involvement.

Eons ago, the ballet school where I usually take classes hosted what they called the Adult Weekend Workshop. This was a three-day fantasy camp for adults who wish they were professional ballet dancers. Over time interest waned. The final straw, I believe, was when The Washington School of Ballet hosted a competing event the same weekend. Post-pandemic I tried to revive interest in it, but that went nowhere.

Last year, TWSB held auditions for an adult program that would lead to a recital. They expected to get a small group. Instead, they found themselves overwhelmed by applicants and had to hurriedly develop choreography for several levels of dancers.

This year they're a bit more organized. There are separate tracks for beginner ballet, advanced beginner ballet, intermediate ballet and pointe, and modern dance. The rehearsal schedule is extensive, varying from 15 to 17 rehearsals including tech and dress rehearsals depending on track. All this kicks off with open auditions on February 10th.

What does this have to do with me?

Well, I've had an opportunity to be a small fish in a pond full of big fish. It was thrilling. But maybe I'd do better as a small fish in a pond of other small fish? I'm not sure yet.