As the cliche goes, it's the time of year when students head back to school and write their "What I did on my summer vacation" reports. More relevantly, today also marks the company's first day back in the studio!
We've already shared some of the company's summer performances and the summer-intensive training of our trainees and apprentices, but our company members have been up to a lot during our summer layoff.
The term "layoff" has a negative connotation in most industries, but in ballet it typically refers to scheduled periods of time where companies take a break from performing. A layoff period can be as short as a single week mid-season or, most typically, as long as the entire summer.
For dancers, it's an opportunity to earn some extra income, guest perform elsewhere, take college courses, spend time with family, and travel. Below we've collected just a few of the things that the company has been up to over the last few months!
Corps de ballet dancer Sarah Hoffman went hiking at Ricketts Glen in Benton, PA, and saw some amazing sights. She reports that some of them were even upside down!
Corps de ballet member Karen Fleming also found her way into the great outdoors. This summer she traveled to North Carolina and hiked to see the Catawba River’s lower and upper falls. This outdoor adventure included 580 steps!
Principal dancer Karissa Kralik and her wife Elizabeth also hit the road this summer! They celebrated their first anniversary in Universal Orlando.
Demi-soloist Brenna Mazzara and her husband Joey made their way to Europe this summer! The two of them explored the regions of Provence, France and Tuscany, Italy.
Time off from BTM rehearsals gives dancers the opportunity to perform as guests for other companies and schools. Earlier in the summer, demi-soloist Julia Walden and principal dancer Isaac Martinez had a wonderful time guesting for North Beach School of Dance in the ballet Flower Festival.
Did you know?
Flower Festival in Genzano's choreographer, August Bournonville, also created the ballet Napoli. BTM will be performing Napoli on October 25-27 and tickets are on sale now.
To learn more about Napoli, check out our recent blog post!
Company principals Lauren and Isaac Martinez and demi-soloist Jenna Fritts used their summer to be guest performers with Unbound Ballet Project in Charleston, SC. The project's performance "Art in the Park" presented an evening of contemporary dance at Riverfront Park's Amphitheater.
As for me, it's been a busy summer After graduating with my Bachelor's Degree in May and guest performing with Misako Ballet in June, I got married in July! Richard and I tied the knot in a small ceremony in Nashville, TN. Ballet has changed my life in myriad ways, but I never predicted it would be how I'd meet my future spouse!
Whether our adventures took us near or far this summer, we are excited to be back! As we prepare for our mainstage performance of Napoli, we'll also be rehearsing for events throughout the community this fall.
August 31, September 1, & September 2: Macbeth at the Maryland Renaissance Festival
September 14: Ballet in the Garden at Hammond Harwood House
September 17: A Fall Mixer of Dance at Baltimore Theatre Project
September 21: Ballet on the Beach in Ocean City
October 13: Art @ the Park at Quiet Waters Park
Lauren Dance Photo: abwoods
Napoli Promotional Photo: Joanne Marie Photography
Cindy Wedding Photo: Simply Weddings Nashville
Comments