Week #1 was pretty intense!  In addition to 6 days of rehearsals, I had orientation, new hire training, and a rather invasive medical exam.

At the studio, things move quickly.  We learn one or two pieces each day, and must be ready to run any number at any time.  We’re already 3/4 of the way through the Broadway show!  To keep the details straight, I’ve taken the advice of my old ballet mistress and have written everything down.  When we take 5, I write out my spacing, then at night, after the information has had a chance to “marinate”, I write out the choreography one 8-count at a time.  It’s a time consuming process, but it has been effective!

My cast, ready to rehearse

The style of movement is very different from what I’ve been doing the past few years.  I haven’t shimmied so much (not intentionally at least) since jazz competitions in high school.  I feel like my cast, composed almost entirely of re-hires, has a better grasp on the style than I do.  Thus, my main focus this week will be to work on how I’m doing each piece, rather than just what I’m doing.  It will be a challenge, but it will be fun.  I love all the music we’re dancing to, so even when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I can’t help but smile.

This week I’ll also be working on my monologue for the Chicago section.  I have to speak in Cell Block Tango!  I’ve never spoken in a performance before, so I’m a bit nervous!  More than anything, though, I’m excited.  I’ve always wanted to be one of the Merry Murderesses.  My coaching last week was to think “Stepford wife” or “Joan from Mad Men”.  I laughed, since I’ve actually been both of those for Halloween in recent years.  Apparently, I am this murderess.  Watch out, boys…

Time for a treat

Sunday was my first day off since arriving in Florida, so I decided to treat myself!  I grabbed bagels with a cast mate, splurged on a pedicure, baked cookies, and enjoyed a movie night with the gang.  Silver Linings Playbook was as good as I’d hoped, though it was nothing like the book!  It was a great way to wrap up the first week on the job, and get ready for more madness Monday morning.