Lorianne Barclay | Season in Review
One of our Ballet 5:8 traditions at the end of each performance season is to ask the artists of the company to share some reflections with us. Getting to know the dancers and hearing about their journey is always a treat, and this year is no exception - even in a year turned upside down by a national pandemic! A special thank you to the artists of the company for sharing about their experiences in the 2019/20 Season.
Lead Artist, Lorianne Barclay
Q. Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?
A. Diverse. As a company we had some big and wonderful opportunities as well as small projects from our homes in quarantine.
Q. Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?
A. There were always really fun sweet moments in Brothers & Sisters. I would see one of my colleges in the wings across the stage and we would flash a smile before running onstage for this aerobic technical ballet. The joy shared in that ballet felt as if I really was dancing with my siblings on stage!
Q. Of course choosing this is probably going to be hard, but out of the works you performed this season, does one stand out as the most meaningful or most notable for you personally? Why?
A. Butterfly is one of the most meaningful ballets I’ve danced. It really lived out the backbone of hope. It’s not easy to hope in hardship, but in that there is power in hope. I would feel that every time we told this story on stage and in the studio.
Q. Is there a particular quote or idea that has been inspirational to you this season?
A. “Hope springs from truth rehearsed”. This came out in a number of our works such as Butterfly and Splendors & Horrors. I feel I learned in my own life/walk with God. Hope isn’t always fluffy and happy. Some days you have to hold onto what you know is true without the feelings. But if we preach truth to our hearts/minds over and over, our emotions come alongside and meet it.
Q. What room did you dance in during quarantine?
A. During the quarantine I danced in my dining room and living room. I used a chair for a barre to hold onto and every morning I would move my dining room table and chairs into my kitchen to create space to move. The floor is hardwood, which was nice and smooth but pretty slippery too!
Q. What are you up to this summer?
A. I got to visit my family on the west coast recently. Being an aunt is one of my greatest joys! I have also been planning my up and coming fall/winter wedding with my fiancé. :)