Dancing Fool!

Wednesday I had to go to a dance call.  I was on dance team in high school, but compared to NYC Super Star Broadway dancers, it's not exactly my strong point....so I was a little nervous.  

Luckily, I recently started dating a ballet dancer, so I thought maybe he could give me some pointers. (Dating ballet dancers is super hip right now. I think because of Black Swan being such a big hit.)  

"Well, pay attention to the counts and the style," Ballet Boy explained, "and if you don't get the combination exactly right, just try to sell it anyway.  They might have you do a couple counts of improv---"

"Ooohh!!!  I love improv!!  Check it out!"  Then I showed off for Ballet Boy.  I performed the 'touch yourself" and the "back it up."  I admit, the 'touch yourself ' move is a little risque, but I always think it's really good to push the envelope in an audition.

 I think he was overwhelmed by my natural talent because Ballet Boy didn't say anything after I was done dancing for a couple of minutes.  Finally, "That was......ummm.....I don't think you should  do that at an audition ever.  Like, NEVER do that."

"Oh, well those are sort of my main moves.  You know my "go to" moves for improv or when I'm dancing at 'da club.....or, like, auditions."

"Okay......"  Ballet boy just stared.  I think he was having some sort of dancer's creative mental block because he just stared for a few minutes. 

Finally I said, "Okay, so what can I do before tomorrow to be ready for the dance call?  I mean, I could make up some new moves?"

"Ummm.....well.....ehguehmmmm....uhmmmah gah..."  Ballet boy looked a little lost and trailed off so much I couldn't understand what he was saying.

"What?" I asked.

"What?" he responded. 

"What did you say?  You like, trailed off after I asked you what I should do to get better at dancing before tomorrow...?"

"Oh, um...You know, I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.  It's really just a "movement" call.  You're a really good singer and actor.  Just have fun, ya know?  I mean, whatever!  Ya know?"

Whatever?  WHATEVER?!?!?  I think Ballet Boy was giving up on me and my dancing skills...

I tried to explain, "I'm a perfectionist, and I need to be really good at this call even if it is a "movement" call." 

"If you want, we can go to a ballet class this weekend, but I wouldn't worry about tomorrow.  Let's watch Grey's Anatomy."

"Grey's Anatomy is for girls!"  I screamed because I was feeling really frustrated.   "And I have to practice!  That dance call is at 10AM tomorrow!"  

"Wait....what?  10AM?  At Pearl Studios?  Are we going to the same dance call??"  Ballet Boy seemed really surprised and confused.  "Why would they put you with the dancers?"

"See??  It is a real dance call!! It's not a "movement" call.  They see my potential!"  I could see Ballet Boy was going to be no help, so I kicked him out.  "That's the last time I ask for help from a sissy ballerina,"  I thought as I  prepped for the dance call all by myself.  I stretched a little and danced around my apartment to my new fav band of the moment, Wakey! Wakey!.  I think it helped.  

I did okay at the dance call.  It was almost two hours long.  I could barely remember any of the moves toward the end of the combination.  Ballet Boy just happened to be named "leader" of my audition group, so I spent a lot of time watching him be awesome.  I guess it was pretty fun, when I wasn't nervous about messing up, and I found ways to incorporate some of my improv, and I think it came across nicely.  I think.  I mean, I haven't heard from my agents about a new job or anything.....

I thought I was in shape, but my whole body hurts today.  

Ballet Boy told me he thought I did good job at the dance call.  He called and asked if I wanted to go to a dance class with him this weekend and maybe catch up on some Grey's Anatomy.  I said 'Sure.'

 -- Emily Kinney

 

Comments

[Prudence]

Dancing with professionals is scary–––the people who gave you that audition must have thought you were very talented, to put you in a group like that. Best of luck! Enjoy your dance class, this weekend.