Swinging On!

Being a swing for the “ONU Holiday Spectacular” has been the most challenging and rewarding thing I have ever done. A swing is someone who learns multiple tracks in a show and is prepared to perform them with little notice if one of the original actors cannot. For this show I swing all of the female ensemble roles. This is around 15 tracks. It can be very challenging to know everyone’s choreography and their specific placements for every number. Each girl has a different partner and lifts that I am supposed to know how to do. I am also in the ensemble for this show so I need to know all of this and my own track as well. I have been spending a lot of time practicing in case I need to go on.

Yesterday I got a text from the stage manager telling me to be ready to perform the entire track of one of the senior girls at that night's rehearsal. She has a few extra things in her track including a tap section and a few solos. I spent all day studying the track and learning the tap. It was very stressful but I eventually felt ready enough to do it. Luckily, that girl was able to be at rehearsal so I didn't end up having to go on for her. 

However later in the night I went in for one of the dance captains. She also does the tap section and a few extra songs. Since I was so prepared to cover the other girl I didn't have these placements memorized perfectly. I had to make it up on the spot and make sure my face didn't show that I didn't always know where to go. It certainly wasn't perfect but I am very proud of myself. Performing is hard and it is even harder when you are thrown in at the last minute. It requires a lot of confidence and trust in yourself.

Last year I never would have been able to do what I did last night. I have learned so much since I have been at this school. Today I am working even harder to make sure I am better prepared for any swinging on I have to do in the future. I know if I keep working hard it will pay off.