#nyc dancer

Mark Osmundsen by Cole Witter

Guess who got to rehearse and do some cool moves for a well-known dance artist and perform at The Alvin Ailey Theatre…? THIS GIRL!!

It was for a festival called The Dance Gallery Festival, where a handful of artists are commisioned to bring in their work to display for a weekend at the Alvin Ailey Theatre!  Which, for those of you unfamiliar with Alvin Ailey, he was like one of the prophets of the modern dance movement.  Big deal you guys.  My situation was specal because, I was chosen to be a part of a week long workshop with a sweet choreographer!  Most of the other performers were established companies.  Well, one of the reasons I auditioned in the first place was because the choreographer was Dante Brown, a kickass dance artist who teaches all of the time here in NYC!  His work is fierce yet smooth, lovely yet sexy.  I always feel so great doing it and was beyond thrilled to be picked to be a part of his creative process with this festival! This, of course though, was one of those unfortunate situations where not only was I not getting paid, but I would also have to pay to be in it… *sigh*... yeahhh.  It was worth it though because all goes towards a greater purpose… doing what I love.  The week of rehearsals flew by and  all of a sudden it was Friday for the first performance! 

There was, however, one very very sad truth to all of this… while I said yes to the workshop, I had to say no to attending to one of my best friends wedding back home, Mrs. Katie Downs (Paxton).   And, of couse, I was abnormally excited for this one. And just crushed when I found out they were on the same weekend.  Added bonus: Diane was doing the wedding cake! I love that damn cake.  Katie is an angel and all around wonderful person for understand and forgiving me.  

Okay, absolute downer right there.  BUT, the next piece of the story made this one of the best moments I've ever had in my life...

Finished last performance, but left early because I had seen it all already.  I'm posted up in a coffee shop a couple blocks away working. Katie came to see the show but stayed the whole time and calls me afterwards...

K: "where are you?" M: "down the block at a coffee shop working, sorry I thought you left!" K: "okay welll, I am going to come meet you"  M:" mmmm, okay?!" -- 15 minutes later--- In walks Katie.  Followed by DIANE WOLFF!!!!

Tears.  Flowing.  Everywhere.  I was a cry baby.  I couldn't help it.  Not a clue.  Surprised would be an understatement. 

How the in God's name did she pull it off?? Who knows.  I bet Mom's know.  Damn it, they are seriously the best.

We spent the next day and a half together.  Ate too much food, like we always do, and just had the best chats.  She had an extra great time too because she a major shopping spree…   "Yeah, I spent 2 hours and $200 at the NY Cake shop! I did some Christmas shopping, new tennis shoes and sunglasses (Tory Burches too! Kudos mom!), went to the Containter Store, bought a box and shipped it all home already!" Haha. Diane, you never cease to amaze me.  

                                 Wolff Attack.      

And what do you know.. I get to see Diane again this weekend!  Just for a day.  But we will without a doubt make the most of that 24 hours!

Until the next surprise,