It was considered a big rainstorm for Los Angeles as the rain had been pouring down for 24 hours straight with howling winds and even some lightening and thunder at times. Lily Bartholomew opened the door to the theater and stepped inside, drenched to the bone with teeth chattering as she pulled in her umbrella after her. When she removed her raincoat and scarf she looked as though she just stepped out of the Degas painting, “The Ballet Class.”
She wore a white tutu that resembled the ones worn in the painting with a large dark green bow tied at her waist, white tights, and pink ballet slippers. Her hair was pulled back to reveal her fair skin and beautiful features. She was stunning. Lily had recently moved to Los Angeles from New York City to attend acting school and had decided on Mr. B’s acting workshop where his classes for students felt most like home. She wanted to study film acting and she knew he had the best reputation in the business for creating serious actors who went onto have good if not great careers in the industry.
When Lily walked into the rehearsal room, Mr. B called out to her.
Mr. B: Lily, you look fabulous! That costume is different from the one you wore in class last week isn’t it?
She absolutely took his breath away. He was surprised by his reaction to her. He worked with beautiful actresses all the time, but this felt different.
Lilly: Yes, it is. It’s not really from the correct period, but I couldn’t resist. Mr. B, I’m so honored you’re taking the time to work with us on this piece. I know how busy you are and this means so much to me.
Mr. B: Let’s talk for a moment before we start to rehearse. Tell me, how long did you dance for the New York City Ballet before you were injured?
L: I had been with the company since I was 15 years old and had my first solo at age 16.
Mr. B: How long has it been since you danced with them?
L: My last performance was 2 years ago. It took a long time for the injury to heal, but I held out some hope I would be able to perform again as did the doctors but it wasn’t to be.
Mr. B: How are you doing without the ballet in your life?
L: I’m managing. I’m just trying to stay focused on the acting and moving forward with that.
Mr. B: (Seeing she’s unwilling to reveal more) I understand, so let’s get started with this scene. I wanted you to work on “The Red Shoes” because it was an opportunity to combine the world of dance with your acting. Unfortunately, Nick was unable to make it to rehearsal today so it will just be the two of us so I’ll be reading his lines.
L: Okay. I’m nervous, but I’m ready to get started.
Mr. B: Let’s explore a situation that doesn’t involve the scene we’re working on to explore the relationship of Julian and Vicky. I’m going to enter and I want you to follow your instincts and not think about your response but just follow your emotional reactions to what I say or do.
L: I’m not really good at improvising.
Mr. B: Don’t worry about that. Just go with the first thought you have and don’t hold back emotionally.
L: I’ll try.
Julian: “You’re not following the music and you’re making your failure my problem. Lermontov is pre-occupied and your blaming me won’t make you any better.”
Vicky: “That’s not true! I can’t follow you because it’s too slow. You shouldn’t be speaking to me about this.”
Julian: “I won’t be made a fool of in front of the orchestra. You’re not ready to dance this part. You don’t have the skill yet or the emotional range to perform this.”
Vicky: “That’s a lie. I’m ready and Lermontov is happy with my performance.”
Julian: (Exploding) “You’re weak and blame everything on your injuries. You’re constantly making excuses for not being able to perform the choreography. It’s pathetic and everyone sees through you.”
Vicky: (In tears) “Stop!”
L: (sobbing) I can’t do this! It’s too painful! I can’t play this part! Please stop.
Mr. B: (Taking Lily gently in his arms and letting her cry) That’s all we’re going to do for today. You’ve taken the first step. You’re going to be fine.
He continues to hold her until her tears begin to subside. Her body relaxes and the worry in her eyes is gone when she looks up at him.
L: What just happened?
Mr. B: You’re letting go and starting to find the character. She’s scared and vulnerable too.
But what was beginning to happen to him, he couldn’t yet say.
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