Our final full day in D.C. started with an 8:50am tech rehearsal at the Kennedy Center. I would’ve probably been annoyed that it was set for 8:50am, except that I was at THE Kennedy Center – so can anyone really be annoyed in that situation?
Since tech rehearsals generally only include setting difficult spacing and getting in one run, we needed another chance to work through the piece in order to be fully prepared for the shows. The conference organizers were great in accommodating our rehearsal needs and reserved a space in the theatre for us to work. I think the coolest part was getting an impromptu tour of the Kennedy Center. While we didn’t get to rehearse in it, we did walk past the rehearsal studio where professional companies take class before performances. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but that was a pretty cool experience for a dance nerd like me.
In between our second rehearsal and our first show, we had time to grab a bite to eat. As an almost complete cast we ventured down the street to a small Greek restaurant called Zeitoun, housed in the Shops at Watergate (yes – that Watergate). The food was delicious and not too heavy, and it was nice to have some time to relax together before our first performance.
Our first show was at 2:00pm, and we didn’t have to rush as we were farther down on the program. The atmosphere backstage was very warm, genuine, and encouraging. People from multiple casts and schools were warming up together, resting together, watching the show on a monitor, and chatting. Overall, the dancers created an excited, friendly, and supportive atmosphere. A breath of fresh air in a usually high-stress environment.
The first performance went well, but we were definitely still getting rid of some nerves. We’ve performed this particular piece several times, but being on a new stage, in front of a new audience, on a new program, brings (obviously) new variables. Plus there’s the added fact that were were at the KENNEDY CENTER!
We had a few hours to kill between the first and second show. I opted for a cat nap, and then went off in search of food. I personally prefer to eat kind of light when I’m performing – mostly so that I don’t feel bloated or heavy when it does come time to dance. We went to a sandwich shop nearby called Potbellies. It hit the spot, for sure, and was just enough of an energy boost.
Our final show was at 7:30pm. My mom is originally from Baltimore, so my parents and sister planned a trip to go visit our family and also see me perform. I am so so grateful that they made the trip, and that my mom’s cousin, who is D.C. based, was also able to come see me perform. She has never seen me dance, and I’m so happy she finally got to come to a show, and such an important one at that! I think this particular performance was one of the best times we’ve done this piece, Honor and Ash. Unfortunately, the stage design could not be recreated the way it was originally designed for the piece. That being said, I think that at the end of the day, the way the stage was set up did not infringe upon or diminish the work or the talented dancers from USC. This piece is meant to have a severe message, and the movement took mental, emotional, and physical tolls on each and every dancer. However, this piece also offered a cathartic experience for many of the dancers that performed. Although there was one broad message for the work, it meant something specific to each performer. The work was abstract, and maybe every audience member didn’t “get it”. But the beauty of dance, and all art to be honest, is that you don’t have to get it to enjoy it, or appreciate it. And you don’t even have to like it to appreciate it. I think if you asked each one of my cast-mates, they would agree that dance has the power to bring people together and start conversations. I mean, just look at this conference! Students of all academic levels, from places all around our country came together to perform in our nation’s capitol.
This will probably be my last blog for USC Dance’s trip to Washington D.C. for the National American College Dance Festival. Our “real” last day was mostly spent on a never-ending train ride back to Columbia. But as I reflect back on this trip, I am able to get an increasingly clearer understanding of the magnitude of this opportunity.
I have known in some capacity that I wanted to be a professional dancer since I was maybe 6-8 years old. I love to dance and move, and I’ve had big dreams since I was a little girl. But even those big dreams couldn’t have pictured me performing at the Kennedy Center, having been selected along with my fellow dancers by a panel of judges. This was an unbelievable opportunity that I never thought I would get.
I can’t thank the people who got me there enough; choreographers, teachers, directors, parents, friends, mentors. And most importantly, thank you to my fellow cast members. This piece, this experience, would have been nothing without you.
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