I am someone who does not do well with change, so leaving the country was a scary thought for me. Once I arrived in Rome, of course I was completely ecstatic to be there. I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone, both as a dancer and as a person. This trip reminded me why I dance. It also helped remind me of the career path I hope to take out of college. I found it so exciting that I now have a connection in Rome; I could go audition in Rome after my senior year because of the connections this trip has helped me build.
Rehearsing and performing in Rome helped me learn how intense it is to be a professional dancer. The rehearsals were not easy to get through, physically and emotionally. Sometimes a phrase was incredibly technical and difficult, or it was an emotional rehearsal because you just could not seem to do anything right. The performance with the company was a huge reminder that the struggles are worth it in the end. Because the company uses such a strong focus while dancing, the energy onstage was so high and genuine because we were really looking at and connecting with each other.
I learned multiple technical skills while training with Mandala Dance Company in Rome; however, my biggest takeaway was how intentionally the dancers used their focus. I find it so fascinating how effortlessly they can maintain a strong focus, without wavering, during an intense or difficult phrase. While it is still something I am working on and experimenting with, I've learned the value of dancing with a strong gaze. I've learned the importance of being intentional overall; if you are going to touch the floor, then do it with a reason, do not just move through the motion. Transitioning through movements without care can make your movements disconnected and demonstrates movement that is not fully integrated. The importance of subtlety can be seen through all of these. It isn't about how big your leap is or how high your leg is in a kick, because that is not what makes the movement thoughtful and artistic. What is important about the movement is the detail, the care behind the movement, the subtlety.
For a dancer, possessing these artistic skills can also be professional because they will showcase the value you find in the work. Technique aside, the trip to Rome gave me an opportunity to work as a professional would; long hours multiple days in a row. We rehearsed everyday from 9:30 to 4, excluding the last full day of our trip which was spent in the theatre. Working with professionals in Rome gave me the opportunity to learn how to work with others who you may not be able to easily communicate with. The language barrier didn't always pose major problems, but there were sometimes moments where the artistic director of Mandala Dance Company, Paola Sorressa, would ask something of us, or give a correction, but we would not understand what she said. This experience also helped me find patience in trying to communicate with someone who may not fully understand what I am trying to say.
This experience taught me a lot about myself and about what challenges me. I hope to pursue a career on Broadway, however I find that the research I conducted in Rome can also apply to this type of dance. Recently I have been struggling with assuring myself forms of dance other than concert dance are equally as artistic, and this experience has reminded me that it is the care and attention that you bring to the choreography that will make your performance fulfilling and artistic. Conducting research in Rome with Mandala Dance Company has been abundantly valuable. I would recommend that every dance major take this opportunity, because it is a taste of the dance world outside of college and allows you to research dance technique by finding new ways to value movement.
Rehearsing and performing in Rome helped me learn how intense it is to be a professional dancer. The rehearsals were not easy to get through, physically and emotionally. Sometimes a phrase was incredibly technical and difficult, or it was an emotional rehearsal because you just could not seem to do anything right. The performance with the company was a huge reminder that the struggles are worth it in the end. Because the company uses such a strong focus while dancing, the energy onstage was so high and genuine because we were really looking at and connecting with each other.
I learned multiple technical skills while training with Mandala Dance Company in Rome; however, my biggest takeaway was how intentionally the dancers used their focus. I find it so fascinating how effortlessly they can maintain a strong focus, without wavering, during an intense or difficult phrase. While it is still something I am working on and experimenting with, I've learned the value of dancing with a strong gaze. I've learned the importance of being intentional overall; if you are going to touch the floor, then do it with a reason, do not just move through the motion. Transitioning through movements without care can make your movements disconnected and demonstrates movement that is not fully integrated. The importance of subtlety can be seen through all of these. It isn't about how big your leap is or how high your leg is in a kick, because that is not what makes the movement thoughtful and artistic. What is important about the movement is the detail, the care behind the movement, the subtlety.
For a dancer, possessing these artistic skills can also be professional because they will showcase the value you find in the work. Technique aside, the trip to Rome gave me an opportunity to work as a professional would; long hours multiple days in a row. We rehearsed everyday from 9:30 to 4, excluding the last full day of our trip which was spent in the theatre. Working with professionals in Rome gave me the opportunity to learn how to work with others who you may not be able to easily communicate with. The language barrier didn't always pose major problems, but there were sometimes moments where the artistic director of Mandala Dance Company, Paola Sorressa, would ask something of us, or give a correction, but we would not understand what she said. This experience also helped me find patience in trying to communicate with someone who may not fully understand what I am trying to say.
This experience taught me a lot about myself and about what challenges me. I hope to pursue a career on Broadway, however I find that the research I conducted in Rome can also apply to this type of dance. Recently I have been struggling with assuring myself forms of dance other than concert dance are equally as artistic, and this experience has reminded me that it is the care and attention that you bring to the choreography that will make your performance fulfilling and artistic. Conducting research in Rome with Mandala Dance Company has been abundantly valuable. I would recommend that every dance major take this opportunity, because it is a taste of the dance world outside of college and allows you to research dance technique by finding new ways to value movement.