Krista the Riveter

October 20, 2008

Hi DS readers!

I’m guessing that by now most of you are back in the routine at your studio and your school. Maybe you’re getting ready for a fall performance or a Nutcracker. Here at TCU the entire fine arts college is preparing for a gala fundraiser performance to raise money for the fine arts departments. It’s such an honor to be performing in this show. I’m dancing with four other girls in a tribute to the 1940s American icon, Rosie the Riveter. The piece is less than five minutes long, but it is a marathon that requires speed, clarity and endurance as well as attention to our characters.  

One of the highlights of preparing for this show was the costuming. I don’t usually worry about what I wear when I dance, which is good since it’s often difficult to find the funds to costume a dance with new or custom-made costumes rather than recycling old pieces. But for this piece Ms. Gillaspy, our choreographer, collaborated with the theater’s costumers who made a different costume for each girl. I’m wearing high-waisted, wide-legged jeans and the most adorable kelly green striped shirt. Some girls are in overalls and coveralls, and with some red lipstick, tight curls, and head scarves we look like we stepped right out of a 1940s factory.

I am also excited for this performance because we will have LIVE music to accompany us. The TCU Jazz band will be right behind us, and hopefully not going too fast because I’m already collapsing at the end of the piece as it is.  

I hope all of you are having fun preparing for your shows too!