Success: Legs were Broken!

My first performance as part of a professional dance company was a smash success!

What an opportunity to perform as part of the Natasha Royka Dance Company at the Grand Re-Opening of the Museum of Nature! I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to grow as a dancer and performer and to have been part of this landmark event.

Costumed by Bugs and Balloons from New York City, we dancers roamed the museum silently interacting with guests, while staying true to the animals and reptiles we were portraying, and entertaining museum-goers while they waited patiently in line on two of the hottest days in May.

It was magic watching people's faces, especially those of children, transform while we transported them to a world where lizards and frogs are life-size, where fairies waltz and make mischief, and where butterflies smile and dance.

Rehearsing for the event included dance improvisation to build a movement repertoire, endurance training and stretching, and character development. Our troupe was a dynamic mix of actors, dancers and singers who take direction very well, who capitalize on glitches and, above all, and relish feeding off the audience's reactions.

We danced from Saturday morning, starting with the Nature Fest parade that proceeded from Ottawa City Hall to the Museum, until 5 pm. On Sunday we danced from Noon until 10:30 pm at which point we ushered the audience outdoors to behold the light show. I was in the moment at all times and did not feel the time pass at all. In fact, I was a bit shocked at how quickly time flew and was sad to see it all come to an end after so much anticipation and hard work. Our next performance will be in June at Summer Solstice.

Congratulations to all the dancers, volunteers, staff and support staff who made this whole event a success! Take a bow!