There were total 38 dancers listed. Backstage, they were very friendly. I tried to watch the rehearsals and shows as much as possible, both from the audience's seat and from side stage. Obviously a lot of work went in to the production. Much praise and thanks to the teachers/producers George and Jairelbhi.
Hugo and Celina were on the US tour, but they came back to Dallas temporarily and provided advice and feedback to the students and overall production. We benefited greatly from their inputs, too. Much appreciated.
[Kira, Hiro, Martha, David]
There are many small things that you'd never know unless you experience the stage dance.
For example,
# Floor will be sticky
Most theater floors are not hardwood dance floor. It is made of something similar to rubberized concrete or vinyl to withstand weights of equipment, and is sticky and "slower" to dance on. Theaters use fog machine, which is basically blowing out vapor/mist/fog. That makes the floor humid and even stickier. If you are used to ballroom hardwood floor that allows you to pivot and slide easily and move fast, you'll need serious readjustment.
Instead of skimming the floor as Tango textbook would say, you'd have to subtly lift your foot to step (or really "walk") to exactly where you want to step.
Using masking tape on the soles can help to lessen stickiness.
# But don't ever blame the floor
The sticky floor happens to everyone on stage. Your next step or pivot can get stuck. But do not ever acknowledge it. Indicating "Sorry, it was the floor" to the audience is the lamest thing you can do while dancing on stage. Keep dancing.
# Confidence and attitude
Chances are, most audiences don't notice small snugs. Especially in a group number, each audience is looking at a different couple at a time. Besides, most audiences do not know the original choreography and how it is supposed to look "correctly". They will take the dance as is. Confidence can cover up much and add some on stage.
.........
Well, I can go on. But I'll write about them in some other place. There are many more that would help dancers if they knew. Such knowledge may help audience as well to appreciate the stage dance in a finer manner.
It was interesting. Thank you for fellow OKC dancers David, Martha, and Kira.
