BALLET SOLO

Ballet Solo

Dancer Emily Graceling talks about her experience in lockdown and models a shoot reimagining the plight of performers stuck at home with no stage for practice or production. 

 

‘Throughout my time in Covid I struggled to stay motivated.

Days went by and the stress of not doing my best was always in the back of my mind.

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‘The unknown scared me… not knowing when I’d return to the stage, to the studio, or to performing in general. Dancing at home made it difficult.’

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Constantly moving furniture just so I could take part in a dance class was tedious.

Asking family members to stay out of the living room or kitchen for the day so I could train became a burden.

But my family were willing to help, so I could continue my training to the best of my ability.

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Seeing my classmates on zoom made the situation more real.

To see the people I trained with everyday, for hours on end, online and with no space to practice was hard.

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Seeing people’s motivation go south and their love for dance grow weaker… that was hard too.

Things that I missed: adrenaline and audiences. Teachers, mirrored studios, ballet bars and sprung floors (injuries were high throughout Covid as the floor we were all dancing on was too hard). 

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Remembering why I dance helped. And reminding myself that this wouldn’t go on forever.

I can hear the stage calling me.’

Model: Emily Graceling

Editor: Nina-Sophia Miralles

Photographer: Judith Rita Nanyonga

Stylist: Rita Biancardi

MUA: Anisha Williams

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