Arabian Nights was one of the easier numbers for me to learn and memorize, although it did come with its own challenges. I found it rather frustrating that the choreography and spacing had to be modified multiple times during the process because of the set. If a bit more communication concerning the set we wouldn’t have had to have made as many changes, which would have made learning the choreography much easier. An issue I had while performing Arabian Nights was that my back was not cooperating with me during my chest stand, it would become incredibly tight and rather uncomfortable, and even painful at times, and I know I could have prevented hurting my back if I had stretched properly before each show, instead of deciding I didn’t have to because I didn’t feel like it. 

I really appreciated being treated like a dancer during this number because last year, although I identified as a dancer I feel that I was overlooked and was either put in the back of every number or cut from the number entirely, which is my fault for not speaking up as much as I probably should have. Arabian Nights was the first number we learned and since I was already being treated as a dancer I knew this year would be different and I am very greatful for that opportunity. I felt that I could perform just as well as anyone else in that particular number and that someone actually believed in me. (thank you Ms. Reale) It was nice to have that confidence during the number in spite of the fact that I did have a lot of trouble with character development.

 Coming up with a character that would live in Agrabah and performing as that character was something that I found rather difficult. I focused a lot more on getting the choreography right rather than focusing on my facial expressions, which I know impacted my overall mark for the pop performance. I should have taken it apon myself to really improve that aspect of the performance. I’d like to think my acting did get a little better but I do realize it could have been improved much further. 

Overall Arabian Nights was a great opening number and I thought everyone did an amazing job. I could have done better, not every performance was perfect, there is always room for improvement. I felt that the choreography was really well done and next time I will remember to properly stretch before each and every performance, as well really try to bring out my character throughout each number. 

I was super nervous that I was going to mess up in a number and ruin it. My first time at a dance competition I completely forgot my dance on stage and it was very apparent that I forgot it. We ended up getting gold instead of platinum, I knew it was my fault and it was awful so I am always concerned about that happening again. In order to succeed and perform at my best I had to really focus on just having fun and living in each performance instead of getting in my own head and messing myself up. I knew the dances I just had to remind myself that I knew them and I had to stop watching other people to reassure myself that I knew the choreography. 

To ensure that I was an important member of this production I tried to help whenever I could, wether that be with production, moving set, or practicing choreography. I wanted to make sure I was pulling my own weight throughout the show and not leaving everything for someone else to do. All I wanted out of this production was to gain more experience and I was happy to work with all of the wonderful people I got to work with again and I was able to meet a few new people that I would not have met if not for this production.