Rehearsal Day 8, July 1st

Today was inspirational. We began to work on a transition scene. The goal for the scene was story telling. We had to tell the story of Beatrice preparing for her wedding, Marco and Veronica discovering each other, Paola approving of their interactions and Beatrice walking down the aisle.

To tell the story of Veronica and Marco finding one another, Sheryl asked Robert LaFosse to choreograph a pas de deux. I really was worried at first. I never identify myself as a dancer. But as our music director Doug Peck played the music, I found myself emotionally responding, feeling so excited, content, curious, free. As Robbie taught us the dance, I gave over to my feelings, let my body follow his direction and before I knew it, I was dancing this beautiful pas de deux with Jenny. There I was letting the music guide my body to tell the story of Veronica and Marco. I was dancing. And suddenly I understood why dance exists.

I have always heard: we speak to say how we feel and when words don't work, we sing and when notes don't work, we dance. And to dance, you have to let go mentally and follow your body and heart. It was an amazing moment. How lucky we are to work with Robert. - Jason Heymann


(Robert La Fosse working with the courtesans in rehearsal.)