Laura Peterman | 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.
Laura Peterman, Company Artist
Q. Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?
A. Growth. This season I was pushed artistically and technically by dancing challenging roles and repertoire, and going through lots of changes. I moved twice, got married, started working with Ballet 5:8's marketing team, experienced dancing for film for the first time, and of course, the pandemic. All of these things have caused me to grow as a person, and as a performer.
Q. Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?
A. Looking back on the past season, there are so many special moments. My favorite ones are always where we come together as a community and company after a show, tour, or just long days, and take the time to encourage and pray with one another.
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 stands out. It was the first time I performed a featured pas de deux on stage, and not only was it a good challenge technically, but respectfully portraying the depth of emotion and turmoil was a big stretch and challenge artistically as well. I was very thankful to have the chance to tell such an important story on stage, and to see it impact so many people across the country.
Q. Is there a particular quote or idea that has been inspirational to you this season?
A. I've been thinking a lot about authenticity, and strength in vulnerability. Performing can be a very vulnerable experience, and I'm trying to find the strength and encouragement that comes from sharing that part of myself so openly on stage. I struggle with perfectionism and holding back out of fear, and this past season I felt myself begin to break past that barrier and begin to find my own voice as an artist.
Q. What was Quarantine like?
A. Challenging, and surprisingly busy. My husband and I were both working from home--I was dancing in our tiny kitchen while he was on the phone all day, and then in the afternoons and evenings I was teaching a wide variety of classes over Zoom, and working with our marketing team to continue putting out content and get a plan in order. It was definitely a stressful time, but I was thankful to have things to do to distract me. I also found out how much time I save when I'm not commuting all over Chicagoland! Those extra couple hours a day were nice to have, and allowed me to explore other interests I normally don't have time for.
Q. What are you up to this summer?
A. Lots and lots of teaching! I am currently teaching at Ballet 5:8's summer intensive, as well as at a couple other studios. We canceled a couple trips we had planned for May/June, so I've just been picking up lots of extra work hours, and trying to get back in shape for the beginning of the 2020/21 season. My sister-in-law and I also started a wedding coordination business, so we're helping a couple adjust their plans and get everything set up for their wedding this August. On top of that, I'm just trying to take advantage of the warm summer weather and enjoy being outside!