Was it all a dream? Did I really go to New York City last week and perform in the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center? Given the fast and furious nature of a nine day/ two season tour across the other side of the world, it would be entirely legitimate to believe it even happened at all. But if I remove myself from the jet-lag haze, I can almost still hear the rapturous standing ovation from our last Swan Lake performance.
International touring is one of my favourite times of
year; however it doesn't come without stress. The build-up for our NYC tour was
huge - I still remember David McAllister telling the dancers over a year ago
and I've been thinking about it ever since. It was a relief to finally arrive
in the Big Apple eager to put in some of our best performances of the year.
Travelling is always unsettling for me, no matter how much excitement is
involved, so on arrival I enjoyed our free day to wander the West Village, say
hello to Lady Liberty herself and soak up some sunshine without wearing myself
out. The discovery of WholeFoods near our hotel, an organic supermarket
brimming with delicious food (especially for my gluten intolerant needs!) was a
welcome surprise as this can often be a stressful part of touring.
My first view of Lincoln Center was really special - the
area itself is a mecca for performing arts and seeing our big banner and lots
of posters in subway stations was a humbling experience. The theatre is
brimming with history and we were adding our Australian mark to that.
Surprisingly, my body felt great after that long flight and I was so keen to rehearse with the incredible Wayne McGregor again on Dyad 1929. Creating this ballet in 2009 was a huge career highlight and performing it in NYC was certainly an extension of that. I was so anxious but excited to get to opening night and hear that pulsing Steve Reich score - and it was just as I could have wanted. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the occasion but I was fully in the present moment and enjoyed every second out there. The audience were so enthusiastic but it was such a personal achievement for me to dance this ballet on an overseas tour, I would have been proud either way. Wayne was supporting us from the wings and it was shame that after only two shows we were packing Dyad away again.
The following day we were changing over to Swan Lake
although my body wasn't sure it wanted to change into anything except to stay
in bed! I expected to have much more energy to explore NYC in my breaks but
unfortunately all the excitement was taking its toll and perhaps the jet lag
was starting to kick in. I realised I had to conserve all my energy for the
rehearsals and four shows of Swan Lake coming up. I watched in awe as our
principal artists took to the stage with absolute confidence and took their
performances to an entirely new level. Of course we all want to perform our
best on an international tour but the circumstances don't often make that easy!
When the audience stood up and screamed 'Bravo' at the end of each performance,
it was especially satisfying. I felt so proud to even be on that stage, with
our own interpretation of Swan Lake, a ballet that is ours only and that truly
makes us shine.
When the final curtain came down, it was with relief and sadness that the performances were over. I felt like that week was almost a few weeks in one and so much was lived and achieved over that time. I know it will take some time to digest all that happened but I do know that it was a huge moment in my career. I also celebrated my one year anniversary with my lovely boyfriend too - good things all round! I so look forward to my next trip to the Big Apple - hopefully it's not too far away. But for now it's back to Onegin at the State Theatre...
Onegin is now playing at the State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre, until July 4.