2/10

Sometimes events, people and even ourselves don’t live up to expectations and despite the fact that this week as had moments of each there has been a lot of great aspects. The ballet unfortunately didn’t live up to my expectations but then again we weren’t at the Bolshoi. We saw “The Seagull,” a Chekov play made into a ballet. It was really interesting; there was a mix of classical and modern dance symbolizing the different ideas of art. Both types were well danced but I didn’t agree with some of the choreography choices. For me I still feel like my acting is really weak but our professors have been really trying to emphasize that we are going to be frustrated and to just keep working. I keep thinking that I’m working hard enough but I’m not, I just have to keep pushing forward.
In movement yesterday Natasha kicked our butts. Squats, jumps, bridges, stretches, I was dripping with sweat. She also started us on some tricks. We did back bends which I did successfully with a spotter and the beginnings of wall walking, where you run and jump on the wall horizontally and try to step as many times as you can. Right now I can take two steps but the record for the school is 7 held by one of the 4th year MXT students; I don’t think I’ll get that many but I should have a few good tricks after this class.
My body has stopped hurting as much from the beating it has received but I’m exhausted inside. It has been a long week between all the movement, dance, stage fighting, acting, late night plays, later night etude rehearsals, and walking 3 miles each way to school. I have officially finished my first full week and I’m gearing up for Monday. Tomorrow we get to just hang out and rest. We will still have rehearsal and all of that but at least we get to sleep in!
Dobre Nochie (good night in phonetic Russian)
Love
Kirsten