Homeward Bound: Giving thanks to the most influential part of my pre-college life

This weekend is going to be EPIC! I'm going home to revisit a part of my pre-college life that I miss so much it hurts sometimes --- performing with the Sidney Dance Company (SDC). This weekend is the company's winter musical, and this show is especially close to my heart --- Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Many of you likely know the movie version, but the story is a full-scale musical too!



When I was in the show back in 2000, the last time it was done with SDC, I was a minion. It was a part written by our director for the show, and it was one of my favorite roles of the 15 years I did musicals/ballets/plays with SDC. I became super tight with two of my best friends growing up from being in the show, and we three minions are going to reunite this weekend (can't wait!!!).

The point of this post: Nothing builds a bond between people like being in a show together. You literally see your castmates more than your friends and family. You're in rehearsals all the time, and you become dependent on each other for emotional and physical support. It's a bond like none other. The people I performed with in pre-college life are ones I can confidently say influenced who I am today and will always have a major impact on my life, no matter how long we go without seeing each other. If you've ever been in such a show, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

If any of my fellow SDCers are reading this, please know how much I still feel connected to each and every one of you. No one understands better the love/hate relationship that happens with performing. The hours of rehearsals, the bailing on friends who don't EVER understand to go to rehearsal, the yelling and verbal abuse that undoubtedly happens in an effort to whip the show into shape, it sucked at the time! I can't sugarcoat that at all! But it was all part of the overall amazing experience that included the times that make me so happy I cry when I think about them --- the lifelong friendships, the inside rehearsal jokes, the unmatched support, the pure joy and inspiration that comes from working with talented, creative people.

The entire experience has shaped me into who I am today and determined what I want to do with my life --- work behind-the-scenes at an arts organization. I was a performer for 15 years (and still am, in a sense. It never leaves you...trust!). I understand the passion for performing. I understand the willingness to work for little to nothing so you can do what makes you happy. I understand enduring a world full of 'nos' because there's always hope that you'll be in the right place at the right time eventually. I understand that undeniable feeling of comfort and "right" when you're on the stage. I understand knowing that all the sacrifice and hard work is worth it when you hear that applause and see the smiles on the audience members' faces.

(Need a musical number to explain the passion performers have? Here you go!)


(We now resume our regular programming.)

I get it. But I don't have IT. That is why I want to help people who do have IT to share their talents with the world.

Without those 15 years with SDC, this path in life would have never been paved. Who knows where I'd be? For that, I am forever grateful to the opportunities and memories SDC and all my fellow company members and teachers gave me. Attending shows like Narnia, as I am this weekend, and supporting the people who are currently living the portion of my life that shaped my career passion is the least I can do to show my gratitude. Sitting in that audience this weekend, the feeling of pride that will wash over me as I watch the show is one of the greatest feelings in the world. I can't wait to experience it again...

Xo...follow me @alyandthecity