Rehearsals

Rehearsals for the Wizard of Oz are the high point of my week.  I love working with our talented kids!  What excites me is their enthusiasm.  We have understudies for each of the main characters in addition to most of the parts being double cast.  However, most of the time there are at least four other dancers who are learning these parts as well.  Some of the girls and boys who are Ballet II's and III's have taken it upon themselves to learn the parts of the Heralds, Chickens, Flying Monkeys, and Crows and many seem to be learning the complicated "off to see the wizard" step.  Most of the Ballet V's have learned every part in the ballet!
This weekend's rehearsals were definitely unusual.  On Friday, both Tinmen were sick and both Lions were absent so it was a great opportunity for the understudies to jump in.  At Saturday's rehearsal, Samantha Stearns (our modern teacher) came in to film some rehearsal footage for a promo video.  Unfortunately our Wicked Witch and her understudy were both absent so the part was filled by a combination of one of our Dorothys and a Tinman.  However, the ballet is 95 % complete and we are still three weeks away from opening so we are in great shape.  Hopefully everyone will be healthy next weekend!