What I found most exciting about this audition was my improvement. I didn't have nearly as much anxiety as I normally do when auditioning. Mz. G's pep talk, if you will, brought me comfort. I wasn't focused on memoizing the combination but on my presence and authenticity as a dancer. During auditions, I feel that I focus too much on memorizing the combination that I forget to showcase myself. And finally, during this audition, I believe I had a breakthrough. I really, really loved that Mz. G was connecting everything to history. I love to learn about history, and connecting it to dance and movement unlocks something in my brain.

What was challenging?

Wow, after that audition, I learned I am out of shape, lol. Keeping up with the physicality of the movement was very challenging but not impossible. I love it when creativity sparks from exhaustion. It's a great feeling and something I experienced in Love's piece last semester.

How will this experience help me grow?

I believe this experience and process will help me grow because it will push me in ways I haven't been pushed before. Through the physicality, technique, individuality, and spirit that is required for this process will put me out of my comfort zone and push my boundaries.

I LOVE that Raul Tamez uses theatrical aspects in his style. I was so excited for the audition and thought I would do well. Little did I know how difficult the first combination was going to be... However, it was still an awesome experience, and I took away some things I need to work on.

what was challenging?

Not only was it challenging to pick up the combination in so little time, but what made it so difficult was the weight changes and facings. Considering the difficulty of the combination, I am still proud of myself. I did a lot better than I thought. I wasn't able to showcase myself, but I tried my hardest.

How will this experience help me grow?

I believe this experience and process will help me develop my technique in weight shifting, direction changing, and memorization. Along with the performance and theatrical aspects of this process will expose me to something new.

I love that Annie is combining contemporary and Columbian dance styles. I truly love being exposed to other cultures and techniques because I believe that is an amazing way to grow. I admire the importance of performance and intentionality behind Columbian dance. Historically, lots of Colombian dancing was a form of protest and expression. There is a multitude of meanings behind the movement, and this is so powerful.

What was challenging?

It was challenging for me to slow down and melt into the movement. The decelerated and indirect movement tripped me up a bit. Having to move my hips, shoulders, and arms in different directions was hard! I love the sensuality of the movement, but it is tough to slow down and really be in the pocket of the movement.

How will this experience help me grow?

Not only will this experience expose me to Colombian dance but I believe it will help refine my technique and dynamics in dance. This process will also help me understand the intentionality behind dance and the ways that meaning and stories are conveyed through performance.

What was challenging? African diaspora and technique are challenging for me because I haven't had much exposure. Keeping the rhythm in Nadia's combination was challenging. I had it down at one point but then messed up in groups. This is an area I want to grow in. Undulating, rhythm, etc.

How will this experience help me grow? I believe Nadia's process would help me improve my technique and expose me to the African diaspora. I believe the African techniques, including rhythm, will be crucial in my growth.

Cam and Presley's concept is very important and something I find very special. Although the combination they taught wasn't affiliated with their piece, it was very visually appealing and challenging. It is exciting to potentially be working with my very talented peers.

What was challenging?

The combination was hard for me to pick up because I got so lost in my head. I don't know what happened, but I started panicking, and I had to leave the room. I normally get performance anxiety, and I have a hard time auditioning. But this was something different and something I hadn't experienced in a long time. I was doing my best to block out the negativity in my head, but it consumed me and it messed me up.

How will this experience help me grow?

Although this audition was the toughest for me, I know that I grew from it. Learning how to turn off self-doubt and anxiety is something I have to practice. I believe Cam and Presley's process will definitely improve my musicality and dynamics. This is an area I need growth in.

• How have you grown?

  Cue uses A LOT of poly-rhythm technique and this is something I don't have a lot of experience of. I can feel my brain literally growing when I dance with different rhythms in my arms and legs. It's so challenging, but I learned it's also something that I enjoy. I've also learned the importance of finding the bounce with different points of initiation, articulating every vertebrae in my spine, and overall paying close attention to detail.

• What has been a delight for you in this process?

  These first few weeks with Cue and my cast has been everything I wanted and more! I feel challenged, energized, and so excited to create with him. We have focused mainly on the choreography this week so I am really excited to delve into the intention/performance. I feel as though I've already learned so much and this brings me so much joy.

• What have you learned from someone else in your cast and/or the choreographer/creative leaders of your project?

  I admire my cast and their work ethic and determination to perfect Cue's choreography. We spent the first few days learning several phrases. They were complicated and he taught very fast. But Merrin, Julia, Koa, Makenzie, and Ari all locked in and memorized everything. I could feel that we have all been very dedicated and determined in our rehearsals. My peers make the energy a great environment.

  
  

As we enter tech week/show week, I want to redirect my nerves and make them something positive. During the studio showing, I got really nervous and messed up a few times. I want my nerves to enhance and encourage my performance. I need to learn how to control them and give them a positive connotation. I love this piece so much, and I want to execute it to the best of my ability.

I am also journaling my intention throughout the piece do help me get into character. This has definitely helped amplify my performance.

This piece is challenging for many reasons, the polyrhythms, the stamina, the intricate movement, and it can feel overwhelming at times. Similarly, my life outside of this piece is also very overwhelming at times. I often feel like I'm not able to give my 100% at anything I do. I feel like I spread myself thin. Whenever my brain is feeling overwhelmed in rehearsal, I do my best to take one thing at a time. Even if I can't nail an entire section that day, I focus on a few movements and do my best to perfect those. This keeps me from getting overwhelmed and stressed in rehearsal. I tend to be a perfectionist (like most dancers) and I'm doing my best to break that habit through my dance practice. These past few weeks I've been doing my best to organized my assignments so that I can focus on one thing at a time and that has been very helpful.

As I said in my previous reflection, my expectations have been surpassed. I have loved this process with Cue and my castmates! I am genuinely sad that it's ending; I don't want it to.

As we move into show week, I hope to build my stamina and tap into my adrenaline to power through this piece. It has gradually become easier to get through, but I know I can push myself to an even higher level.

I have learned the importance of journaling and the value of setting intention behind movement. However, Cue has broadened my perspective. Throughout this process, he has encouraged us to journal about movement and explore the 'why' behind it. I enjoy having a story behind my movement because it helps me look more focused, intentional, and overall more refined. Now, every time I'm about to dance, I read my journal to set my intention. I will definitely carry this practice into my future practices.