Clara The Dancer
Friday
Illustrations by Allison Rich
Clara loves to dance. That’s about it!
Morning, 9:30-12:00
Clara has planned her whole morning in the dance studios. From 10:00 to 10:30 she attends a musical theater dance class. (They are dancing to the finale of the musical Hairspray! So fun!) From 10:30 to 11:30, Clara takes a Salsa class. She has never tried Salsa dancing before; it is challenging but really cool. From 11:30 to 12:00, Clara attends the open tap class in the “wood studio.” At Noon she heads back to the cabin, to get ready for lunch.
Afternoon, 3-5
Clara has opted to be in as many dance concert pieces as possible, and to take as many technique classes as possible, so her afternoon is again filled with dance. This afternoon she will be in rehearsal for the advanced modern piece from 3-4, and then will take the intermediate tap class 4-5. Some campers participate in fewer pieces and opt for other activities, or participate in a one-act play, but Clara is a totally committed dancer!
Free time, 6:30-7
Very few activities are scheduled during this half-hour. It’s usually a nice time to take a walk, play some tennis or participate in the sports activity on the sports field, or just hang out with friends; Clara writes a letter home, and then reads a book that is part of her summer “homework.”
Evening Activities, 7-8
Although there are more dance classes she could take this evening, an open juggling class was announced after dinner, and she was intrigued. So: she took the class at 7:00, and was juggling three balls by 8:00! At 8:00 everyone goes back to the cabins to put on long sleeves and long pants, grab a flashlight, and then go the evening program.
Evening Program, 8:40
Tonight is one of the amazing plays! Last night there was a play, too. This one is at the outdoor theater, which is like nothing she has seen before: the audience sits on a grassy hillside and there are three stages: one in front of her, and two more to her left and right. It's a beautiful, clear night; and as the actors enter, she sees two of her cabin-mates. Also, she sees another cabin-mate running a video camera! It’s a wonderful performance, and she marvels at how many people -- campers and staff -- it takes to make a show like this happen.