Boston Ballet : Spain Tour 2007

BOSTON BALLET
SPAIN TOUR 2007

Diary of the Tour
by Sarah Wroth, Boston Ballet corps de ballet member

July 24, 2007

LAS PALMAS!

We arrived here on July 22nd, on a large ferry ship from Tenerife. I can’t think of the trip without snickering. Joel called it “Hell’s Ferry”. It all started harmlessly enough. We checked out, met in the lobby and bussed to the harbor. I read outside and took in my last soaks of Tenerife sun. the seats on the ferry boat were completely enclosed. It was like a huge airplane complete with café and large bay windows overlooking the water. Mikko and Sabi grabbed seats with a good view of the Formula One race on the elevated TV screen. Everything seemed fine – a perfect opportunity to borrow Kirsten’s computer and type my journalage. But then people around me began discussing Dramamine, and the rocking grew more intense, and I heard whispers of feeling sick. I tried to shut everything out and focus on the letters, words and phrases. 15 minutes passed when all of a sudden, it hit me. I lifted my head and quietly shut the computer lid, and asked Kelley to watch my bag. After bopping and rocking over to Kirsten return the computer, I took a seat next to Joel outside the bathroom just in case. Good lord! It was like realizing you were on the worst amusement park ride ever, with no chance of exit. It brought some of the strongest and tallest members of the company to their knees. The men’s room at the front of the vessel was Boston Ballet occupied for the entire journey. Kelley came back and found me white as a sheet curled in my seat bound and determined not to break down. Everyone handled the trip differently. My only amusement was the fabulous Lorin Mathis who would whistle and sing tunes, and give the guys weeping in the bathroom updates about the remaining time in the trip. Mikko was bright and breezy and even walked back to occasionally check up on the less fortunate sea farers.

Once we docked, a winding bus ride was a welcome form of travel to the beautiful Hotel Santa Catalina. There is a pool and even a gym for those thirsting for added physical training.

sylphidestage

This evening is our first ever outdoor dress rehearsal. I would like to take a minute for a collective thought of thanks to the crew – by anyone reading this – for all their dedication to our art form. I think Craig (stage manager) said they worked until 3am this morning getting things set up. Working at night is imperative because the shows must be at night, therefore lighting adjustments and setting can only be finalized under the Spanish moonlight. The theater is right next to the Yanowsky studio. It was like being home a minute, as the whole studio is decorated with Boston Ballet pictures featuring Yury in countless roles over the years. A quick glance at the ocean through the palm trees outside the studio window floated us safely back to reality.

The dress rehearsal should be interesting. I wonder what pique turns into the wind feel like…. And what if it rains? I can’t wait to see.

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