Two Fridays ago I saw my town's local dance studio, the Gobel School of Dance, perform Swan Lake. Watching the classic was amazing. The lead was the beautiful and talented Maggie Ethington, a sixteen-year-old girl who played Odette and Odile, the white and black swan respectively. Alongside her were many talented dancers as well as some adorable little baby swans. Act I went well. But I thoroughly enjoyed Act II. I was in awe as I saw the young girl effortless glide through the air and portray the gracefulness of the beautiful princess Odette. I watched in fascination as Prince Siegfried fell in love with the girl that had transformed from a swan at night. Evil Countess Von Rothbart, the woman who cursed the girl in the first place, sees this and breaks the two apart, taking Odette away with her.
But my favorite part is where I saw two great examples of perseverance and friendly encouragement. The dancers were in the midst of dancing to the Coda of Act II when the music that was being projected through the speakers, for there was not a live orchestra, stops. The audience can then hear Odette’s feet thump against the floor as she finishes her phrase of passés, and royale sautés. Initially, there was a gasp of horror from the audience, empathizing with the dancers, but immediately after all the people in the auditorium began to clap to the beat of the absent music.
I was completely in shock over the audience’s support. I definitely felt for the performers on the stage, unsure how to proceed once the lead finished her phrase. When she finished, they all stood in their places, as still as possible, waiting for the music to start. I watched intently thinking that the dancers appeared calm and collected. I later learned that was not the case. Some were muttering under their breaths while Ethington began to breathe heavily. Suddenly the music came back on but was being fast forwarded for all of the audience to hear as they searched for the next appropriate song. And, just like that, the music was back and the performances continued without a hitch.
It has been two weeks since I saw the performance and I am still moved by the audience as they cheered when the music reappeared and the dancers continued to do what they love. It was a beautiful representation of a community helping those who are down. The clapping of the audience and the sweet comments after the performance from everyone showed the kind of support, kindness, and understanding that I’ve seen less of since then.
Personally, I was inspired by the performers as they stood there in the silence, being professional and patient. Watching Ethington finish her phrase when the music was absent is an amazing example of perseverance. I personally have been going through a lot and have felt helpless lately, wanting to give up. But watching the sixteen-year-old girl plow through her dance without accompaniment and seeing all the dancers ready to continue as the music came back to life, really inspired me. I feel like I must remember that we all go through hard times but if we persevere and still dance along the way, things will look up and that the show really does go on.
