Overall, what an incredible second day of residency in Berlin. Today was the best mixture of structure, play, focus, and fun. The trip has just begun, but it’s already so memorable in the best possible way.

The day began as it typically does in Chicago as well. 9:15am call for warm-up in the studios. Only this studio in Berlin has a skylight view and a different sense of focus than at home. For a lot of us dancers, we work outside of rehearsal time or have other obligations to attend to. Here, thousands of miles away, our sole responsibility is to dedicate ourselves to this rehearsal process. Today we focused our energy on some phrases of movement that Kia, our director and choreographer, created. In addition, we explored some creative ideas with the potential use of props in abstract ways. It was thrilling to use our imagination in new ways and develop ownership in parts of the creative process. It’s one of my favorite things to do as a performer – act & think on my toes!

Post-rehearsal we all relaxed a bit and freshened up. A group of us dancers traveled to Alexanderplatz to check out the shopping and have a German meal. Top of my list for the trip was to have as many of my all-time favorite snacks: a pretzel. It did not disappoint and the live music at the restaurant was only a bonus on top of our group’s fun conversation. It’s a treasure to me to get along and enjoy the company of my co-workers. At this point they’ve become friends that I trust in my everyday work & in life.

Day two and already thrilled to continue. Thanks, Lake Studios Berlin!