2020/21 Season in Review | Melanie Rodrigues

Hear from Ballet 5:8 Senior Apprentice Melanie Rodrigues as she reflects on her experiences during the 20/21 Season.

Melanie Rodrigues dancing in the short film What’s A Woman Worth

Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?

Refreshing. While much of this season was very different, it was just what I needed.

Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?

Honestly there were so many different moments I enjoyed this year, but my favorite was getting to dance underneath a water screen during a video shoot! I’ve never done anything like that before, and I would jump at the chance to do it again!  

Out of all the works you performed this season, does one stand out as the most meaningful or most notable for you personally? Why?

Mo(u)rning has been deeply personal for me to dance. From learning it in our pre-season residency to performing it in the fall, and then later again in the spring, Mo(u)rning has given me a space to process different seasons of my own life while still being presented to an audience. It’s such a unique experience for me and that made it extra special.

Is there a particular quote or idea that has been inspirational to you this season?

Throughout this season I’ve been struck with the idea that everything we do can be done as worship. Dance and worship don’t have to be separate, I’m learning that even refining my technique at the barre is an opportunity to worship my Creator!

What are you up to this summer?

I’ll be teaching, cross-training, visiting family and friends, taking different styles of dance to keep it interesting, as well as attending some weddings!