what are you waiting in line for?

On Wednesday I did one of the coolest things I've ever done: I auditioned for the Radio City Rockettes! I braved the unexpected cold and sat in line at 7am in New York City for 3 hours waiting for my chance to audition. People on their way to work looked at all of us like we were some sort of show. I guess a bunch of girls stretching in full hair and make-up in a line wrapped around nearly an entire city block would draw some attention. My bag had lots of little snacks and things, but I couldn't think of eating anything. I was so anxious sitting there. There's not a ton you can think about when you're sitting with nearly a thousand other girls all wanting the same thing.

Finally, a man came around with a waiver and an information sheet to fill out. I knew that it must have been getting to be time to walk inside. Sure enough, about 20 minutes later he came out and got the first 200 girls in line and directed us where we needed to go. We squished about 20 girls in the elevators at a time and went up to the 7th floor. I'd been up to the 7th floor of Radio City before for workshops, but this time the elevator ride felt really different. We got off and were led into the "Red Carpet Room". In this room we sat and stretched and sat and sat and stretched some more and sat. I thought that getting inside meant that it was just about time to dance, but I was wrong.

Nearly 45 minutes after being inside they finally called the first 75 girls into one of the rehearsal halls. Once inside, it was packed with not only dancers but tons of press, too. We learned a jazz combination as a whole group. Linda Haberman--former Rockette, current choreographer and living legend--taught it in about 5 minutes and ran through the whole thing once. Then she split us in three groups so that we wouldn't kick or turn into anyone next to us. Each group ran through it two times then they called us out in trios. They called my name and I walked up with my two other partners, danced, and walked back to the sidelines to watch everyone else dance. I didn't fall or forget what to do, so I was happy. All I could do was wait. After all 75 of us danced, they cut.

I, naturally, was in the group of 75 that included 5 current Rockettes who were re-auditioning for the upcoming season. They were all kept to move on to the second round. I was cut, but I had the time of my life. Among the other auditionees who were kept were two other girls--one who's sister was in the first cast of Wicked and another who has auditioned for the Rockettes a ton of times already.

I was so happy with how I did and that I got to dance for Linda Haberman. The only regret--well, two thing--is that they didn't get to see me tap, and that I didn't get to see the group of 5 60-year-olds who were also auditioning. I tell you what...there were people from all walks of life at this audition. There were 12 year olds and 60 year olds. There were girls who fell flat on their faces and girls who kicked too high. I learned a lot more about the Rockettes. They're a precision dance company, yes, but they also look for normality. I couldn't believe some of the girls who got asked to stay, and I couldn't believe some of the girls who got cut. There was this one girl: seven thousand feet tall, beautiful face, great kicks, great precision. I thought she was a current Rockette. She got cut. Her dancing was flawless. I mean, I've seen Rockettes mess up more than her. When she followed me out instead of going back in the "Red Carpet Room" I wanted to say, "Hey, you're going the wrong way. You're supposed to go in that room over there." I was shocked!

Regardless of what happened, I am so happy that I went. It was an eye-opening, life changing experience that I'll never ever forget. They say that when auditioning for the Rockettes, the third time's a charm. Who knows...two years from now, we'll see!

you would have too!

I know what you're thinking, "Wow, Ashley! Two days in a row?!" I know, I know. Don't get too excited. It'll probably never happen again.

I just had to tell you about my day yesterday with Mrs. Carolyn and Elizabeth and the eighth graders of Our Lady of Fatima! Well, for starters it is confirmed that I LOVE JUNIOR HIGH! Love it, love it, love it! These kids are a riot. Anyway, I was supposed to just meet up with Fatima at the Air and Space museum and pretty much call it a day from there. Like that really happened. They were a little late which cause our visit to be shorter than I thought which was a bummer, BUT Mrs. Carolyn was able to get me a ticket to go on a tour of the Capital with them. Why would I pass up an opportunity to whisper into a floor and rub former presidents' feet for good luck? It was a blast!


Oh--did I tell y'all that their buses have giant pictures of wolves on the side of them, because they do.
So after that, I could have walked back to Union Station, hopped on the metro and been home in a few minutes, but woops I forgot my bag on the bus. I had to hop on and head to Arlington Cometary. I think this was the first time in probably 5 years that I haven't been when it's freezing outside. It was so great; it was a lot of walking but great nonetheless. Then I could have gotten on the metro there, but I just didn't know where it was so I had to hop on that Silver Wolf Bus again. We went to the Thomas Jefferson memorial and walked around. The sun was starting to set--postcard worthy if you ask me. Finally, after being convinced by nearly every adult on the trip that I shouldn't walk the 5 blocks or so to the metro I went back to the hotel with the group and left on the metro from there.

What a day! My legs are killing me, but I think it's a good kind of hurt. Tonight we are meeting up for mass at the shrine. The group is going to dinner at the Kennedy Center which I have yet to figure out how you get to do that. Time to Google. I'll leave you with a link to the Associated Travel website so that you can check out Fatima's pictures, too. Nothing like a plug!

ineedatrip.com

the home stretch

Midterms have come and gone and I'm hoping that finals do the same...and soon! I finish up with all of my finals on May 9th and then stay for graduation. I'll be home on May 20th and I'm counting down the days. I have had quite a few visitors from home, though, so it's made the last few weeks much easier than in the past.

So since we last spoke I am now the Director of Marketing for Program Board, Sarah came to visit, we ate cupcakes, Mrs. Sandra came to visit, I have re-taken up dancing, and the Artalls are here to visit.

Sarah came for Easter. It was such a great trip. We went to Georgetown and walked around the city and ate some great food...lots of cupcakes...too many cupcakes. We have decided that there will be a cupcake shop opening back home sometime soon. Keep your eyes peeled! After Sarah left the very next weekend her mom came. What a treat! I walked Mrs. Sandra and some of her friends around the shrine. It was such a great time. You know, I notice something different every time I go in there. There is always something new that I didn't notice before. Great place! Glad you're next door, Shrine!

CUE: fanfare music! This weekend the Artalls come! Yay! I still don't understand why Elizabeth is in 8th grade already. I mean, she was 7 only last year. Kidding! Are y'all sure you don't need a babysitter anymore? So they come today and I will be meeting them at the Air and Space museum and cannot wait. I'm pretty sure we're going to have a blast. I hope Mr. Boasso doesn't mind me crashing his party. You know people can make money doing that...hmm...KIDDING again!

I would like to leave you with the YouTube video that made my week. Thank you, Alexandra Kelly. While it's not quite the funniest thing I've ever seen, it could quite possibly be the funniest thing I've ever seen. This is posted in honor of my mom and Hailey Reaux as they both share a great love for The Sound of Music. If you don't like the movie, hit play anyway.