“I’ve got a part for you,” said my teacher. This news was a complete surprise. I had not registered to be in my school’s end-of-the-year performance. Being in this performance usually requires rehearsing 4-5 days a week for at least a month. Unfortunately, I am not usually able to rehearse that much. But I was too excited to say no. Besides, my teacher already knew my schedule and was able to work with it. Peter and the Wolf was one of the pieces on the program. I was to be the wolf!

The wolf was totally different than any other part I’ve had before. It was challenging to try to portray a fierce, villainous forest creature, but it also was extremely fun. I would easily agree to do a part like this again. And, as no one is ever 100% happy with their performance, there are some things I think I could improve on.

The choreography was based on the Royal Ballet School’s film of the ballet. In their version, the role of the wolf is designed for a male dancer. It has sequences of turning jumps and other steps that are beyond my ability. So, my teacher adapted the part and gave me some opportunities for improvising.

Yes, the costume was very hot! But the young students in the show really seemed to like it. Backstage, they repeatedly told me things like, “put on your wolf head!”, “put on your claws!”, and “you look like a real wolf!”

When I finished dancing in Hansel and Gretel back in March, I thought I was going to have to wait until September before I start rehearsing another performance. But, happily, I was wrong. It was a wonderful thing to be wrong about!