A Wedding Tale

Chapter 16: Discovering Jacqueline

April 14th, 2020

We only have a few days before we go into tech week for 'A Winter's Tale'. I can't believe that my journey with this amazing character is almost over. It feels like it has been very short. We started in the middle of March, but I missed so much because of my heart attack. I love this role, I definitely think it will be hard to let go of.

But, I am excited to get started on 'Sleeping Beauty' and the gala performance. I am getting to perform as Jaqueline du Pré and Tatiana. 'The Cellist' is a very new ballet and I am so thrilled that we are getting to perform it. I really hope that I have the opportunity to play Jaqueline in the full show in January. Her story is very important and I really want to be the one to tell it. I also love the role of Tatiana in 'Onegin.' It's such a beautiful show and I'm glad that it will be my final show.

Since we are getting closer to the show, we are getting closer to the wedding! Micheal and the guys found their tuxedos a couple weeks ago, and me and the girls all found our dresses last Sunday. They were all slate blue, but we had two different styles. Erin, Sophie, Luna, Callie Ann, Everly, Mia, and mine has thin straps with a v-neck cut and a simple satin skirt. Amalia, Arabella, Miss Amelia, and Mrs. Bethany's has long, bell sleeves with a v-neck cut and a similar skirt to ours. Grandmother found her dress yesterday. It's also slate blue, but it has a lace over lay and it comes out just below her knees.

     Since we are now just running the show, we rehearse for the gala after. Jonatan and I began our Pas de Duex from 'Onegin' on Saturday. Today we are beginning the Pas de Duex from 'The Cellist'. The Pas de Duex was from the final part of the show, after Jacqueline du Pré was diagnosed with MS. It was her final show and she lifted her arm to play, but she couldn't move it. It's mostly about how something she had a large passion for was instantly taken away. I can't wait to portray her. Even if it's only for a few minutes.

     Xoxo,
          Marilyn Danäe Minnelli

     Jonatan and I walked back into the studio after a short break. We were both very tired from the full run through of A Winter's Tale.

     "Are you guys ready?" Ms. Janelle asked us in excitement.

     We both moaned.

     "We're just going to start thinking about the choreography today. I know you two are tired, and I don't want someone to get hurt during the partnering. We'll just start walking through it to get the idea in your heads."

     We all moved to the center of the room.

     "Jonatan, since you are the cello, I'm going to need you to kneel." Jonatan did as he was told. "Now, extend your front leg. And I want your left arm up and your right arm behind your back."

     Jonatan moved into the cello like position.

     "Can you make a fist with this hand?" Janelle moved his left hand into a fist. "Good."

     "Now, Marilyn, you're going to be behind him in a parallel second position. Since you're playing a cello, put your left hand on his left arm and I'm going to have you bow with your right arm."

     I stepped into the position.

     Janelle stepped back and inspected the position. "I like it. This is where you will be when you guys walk on. Now, this part is a very emotional moment for Jacqueline and the cello. As you should know, this is after Jackie was diagnosed with MS. This is the moment when she lifts her arm, but she is unable to play. I'll give you a cue and that's when you'll bring your right arm straight side."