Melanie Rodrigues | 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.

Congratulations to Ballet 5:8 Company Apprentice, who was promoted to Senior Apprentice at the conclusion of the 2019/20 Season.

Senior Apprentice, Melanie Rodrigues

Q. Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?

A. I would say a hike. There were some parts of the season that I was walking on the highs of mountains and some parts in the lows of the valley. Overall it wasn’t the easiest hike to traverse, but by God’s grace I was able to finish this race.

Q. Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?

A. My favorite moments on stage were being a kid in Butterfly during the scene where Peter Ginz shared his newspaper with the other children. Improving and creating story lines for this section was so much fun!

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. I really enjoyed performing Brothers & Sisters because I only had one chance to perform it, and it’s overall a fun and lighthearted piece.

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

A. “God, I agree with your truth so much that I choose to believe what you say about me.” - Tehillah Hartmann

 This idea has been a continual challenge which has produced much growth for me this season.

Q. What room did you dance in during quarantine?

A. I danced in my kitchen with the counter as my “barre” and my dining room for center work.

Q. What are you up to this summer?

A. I’m dancing with Zion Dance Project, visiting family, and I’m hoping to go skydiving for my first time ever!