Final week preparations

Along with the intense physical rehearsals that come with an approaching show, there's also the more mental and technical aspects that consume the performers.


The MFA Concert is only one week away, and Glabe is really strapping down. As covered previously, rehearsals are increasing in number and intensity. During this final week before the show, Glabe filled us in on all of the necessary preparations that are being made.

"We are continuing to rehearse and 'clean'," said Glabe. "Making sure that we are all dancing the movement in the same way at the same times when we are supposed to be in unison is very important. We will also have our lighting rehearsal on Thursday where we will wear our costumes onstage so that Andy Milhan, the lighting designer, can set up lights that complement the dance."

The official show poster for the
2011 MFA Concert featuring Heather
Glabe.
Photo Credit: Tom Gallo.

With all of the rehearsing that's being done, some of the nerves and anxiety are finally relaxed; however, there's always a little apprehension. Glabe shared her insecurities, and what she's working on to build some confidence.

"The piece is coming along well," said Glabe. "However, I worry about the unison sections because there are so many women in this dance. Each of us has a different body and way of approaching the material, so I worry about us dancing together in performance. I'm not so confident about a couple of things, one being balancing on one leg facing the black curtain - it's basically like balancing blinded or staring into a swirling abyss. The other thing is I have a small duet/solo where I'm doing movement that is different from the others, but spatially, I feel like it gets stuck and tangled in itself so I'll need to keep working on that part so that I can feel more confident."
With things that Glabe feels she needs to work on in order to boost her confidence, there's always the unexpected and looming fears. When anticipating a big event or performance, people's irrational fears and worries start to add even more pressure - and Glabe is no exception.

"Nothing too unexpected has happened yet, this type of stuff usually happens DURING the show week of course," joked Glabe. "Don't worry though, we have an understudy. But really, my biggest fear is probably falling off my leg in an obvious way or getting kicked in the face at some point. I guess I'm also afraid of getting too nervous and anxious. When I only perform in only one piece in a concert, the pressure for that one piece really gets to me somehow."

All in all, the hard work and rehearsals are helping to ease Glabe's fears, even though there are always insecurities that are natural when under a moment of heavy pressure. No matter what happens Glabe just wants to enjoy herself, and ultimately have fun.

"Really, I just hope to have a good time," said Glabe. There is the potential in performance to reach a transcendent place where you feel like you energy is filling the room, not just your body. This feeling is to me the sign of a good performance and I hope that I can achieve this feeling each time."