If you told me this time last year that I’d spend 10 days dancing in Italy with my best friends over the summer, I would’ve told you that you were crazy.
And if you told me that one of the choreographers from our Italy trip would come to Sacred Heart to work with SHU Movement (our Pro Track Dance Company) for the first half of spring break this year, I probably would’ve laughed in your face.
And yet, here we are. I’m writing this as I close out five of the most memorable, and tiring, days of my college experience so far, and can proudly say that all of the above has been done.
This was arguably the best spring break I’ve ever had and probably one of my favorite pieces I’ve ever been a part of here at SHU. Though I didn’t get much of a break, my week with Fabrizio Prolli and my best friends on pro track was an experience I’ll never stop talking about.
Leading up to this experience, there were a lot of emotions running through me. Scared, of course, because this was a brand new experience and I had no idea what to expect. FOMO because it was spring break and all of my housemates would be in the Bahamas while I was stuck in Bridgeport. But most importantly, excitement because this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I got to experience it with the best people.
The hours leading up to Fabrizio’s arrival, we were all extremely excited, extremely jumpy, and extremely anxious any time someone walked through the studio doors. We played games like we were in elementary school again, just trying to pass the time until he finally made his appearance.
And when he did, there was an evident shift in energy, and we were prepared to take on the next few days of non- stop dancing. Each member of the dance faculty noted a new passion within the group, one that was only brought out as a result of this opportunity.
Don’t get me wrong, I did my fair share of complaining throughout the week, but have you ever tried learning an 18-minute piece in five days? Let me tell you, it’s not easy.
Eight hours of dance a day definitely seemed daunting, but it never felt like a chore to wake up and go. I got more excited to get back to the studio every morning even though my body was more and more sore each day.
Since we didn’t have our normal school schedules to worry about and to keep the feeling of spring break, we made an itinerary of activities to look forward to each night (thank you, Maura). We planned things ranging from going out to dinner to pasta night to game night. These activities truly bonded us and made the week even more meaningful.
When our last day of rehearsal came around, none of us wanted the week to end; the day was full of hugs, tears, and dragged-out goodbyes. This experience brought something new out of each of us and we wanted this feeling to last forever.
Personally, throughout this week, I rediscovered my passion for dance and was so inspired by what my friends and I were able to do in such a short time. The time, effort and dedication that we put in paid off in every way possible.
Yes, I need about seven massages for my body to return to normal, and yes, my brain still feels like absolute mush, but I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. I’ll never stop talking about how grateful I am for this opportunity, and will remember this experience forever.
Noi non potremo avere una vita perfetta senza amici e balli.
To see our hard work come to life, come see “Euforia Italiana” at je suis belle on April 20 at 7 p.m. in the Edgerton Center for Performing Arts (tickets are free for SHU students)!
