Behind-the-Scenes: Ballerina Diaries

My passion for dance has and always will be very near to my heart. From girlhood to teenhood, I've grown up with dance, as dance has grown up with me. I credit so much of my development- as both a young creative and human being, to the world of dance. As a fairly restless individual (and an ardent perfectionist, at that), I find in dance, specifically in the ballet world, not merely an acceptance for these qualities, but a basic necessity for them. But ultimately, it is the movement that inspires me- that keeps me, quite literally, on my toes- and I can never get enough.

We took these photos minutes before we were about to perform our variation from Swan Lake. We were all nervous, but that particular brand of nervousness that makes you perform better. This is sort of the dancer’s version of a huddle; pointe shoes and all.

This picture was one of the results of a quick photo- op before our Thursday pointe class. I guess the world can’t make up its mind because I swear there are about five ‘national dance days’ or ‘world ballet days’ a year. Honestly, I can’t complain, as dancers will never pass up on an opportunity to capture a moment in time.

Right before our winter show, we got together for a mini photoshoot. This photo in particular is reminiscent of a renaissance painting or a piece by Edgar Degas. In the words of Oscar Wilde, “life imitates art”. (A big thank you to Jenny Lukens for this photo)

I wrote this little poem during a time where I couldn’t dance for a while. I missed it more than I ever thought I would.

I’m not really sure why I dance.

I suppose it frees my mind

It’s that one moment where nothing else matters.

When all I can think about is the movement.

It’s nice for someone like me whose mind is always racing.

But I guess that’s how I know the dancing is in me.

Because even when my body isn’t dancing;

My mind is.