Dancers Put Sweat, Blood Into Spring Gala

“We’re at the studio for close to six hours on Saturdays,” said ballerina Gretchen Lawall.

Lawall and other ballerinas from the Cary Ballet Conservatory have been practicing around the clock to prepare for this weekend’s Annual Spring Gala at Cary Academy.

“We’ve been doing that since January so we feel pretty prepared,” she adds.

This year’s show includes both classical and contemporary pieces and is one of two performances the Company puts on during the season, according to Ballet Mistress Rossana Nesta Machi.

“We’re doing Sleeping Beauty and we have a bunch of other selections from different teachers here choreographing them,” said Jessica Murray. “We also got the opportunity to do Balanchine, which we’re very excited about!”

Erin Harrington, along with Jessica and Gretchen share their love for ballet and all the blood that literally goes into it.

“Center Stage is pretty correct,” said Jessica about the Hollywood movie which follows a ballerina and her dream to make it big.

But Erin is quick to point out the first movie is more accurate than the second installment.

“The part all ballerinas can appreciate is the bloody toes scene when she takes off her shoes and her feet are just a mess. People laugh at it, but it’s pretty realistic,” said Erin.

All the people involved in putting the show together are excited to show off all the hard work they’ve put in.

“This is really a once in a lifetime opportunity for us so we’re all just so excited and I think that will show on stage,” said Erin.

Show times are Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 22 at 2 p.m. All shows are at Cary Academy’s Fine Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and younger.

For more information, call (919) 481-6509.