Pas de Trois: What was your greatest experience on stage?

Today I’m posting my answer for the latest question on Pas de Trois at dancing3.com.

The question? What was your greatest experience on stage?

This is an easy question for me to answer, although it’s hard to recall exactly how old I was at the time. I’d say around 17 or 18.

I was studying at Chicago City Ballet School and the company was staging Balanchine’s 4 Temperaments. I was selected to perform in the ballet along with the company members. Not only that, but the performance was to take place at the Auditorium Theatre – one of the most impressive venues in the city.

I rehearsed with the company and will never forget that first show. The curtain opened and I knew how large the audience was out there, even though I couldn’t see them. I’d been to many ballets there as a spectator over the years. I can’t describe adequately how amazing it felt to be there, but I’ll never forget it. I know that not everyone gets this kind of opportunity. I’m very grateful for it – even now.

There were many good performances after that, but none would match up to that first big day.

What was your greatest experience on stage? We’d love to hear about it….