The Aftermath

So as I close out the end of the year, the tour, and my blog, I have to reflect just a little more on the permanent mark this tour has put on me. I have gained many more skills to add to my endless list. The exchange for them was working for a disorganized company while simultaneously being stuffed, betrayed, deceived, abandoned, and repeatedly disappointed. I feel the need to warn others about Moscow Ballet. Now I cannot tell you so never work with them, but I do recommend that you are cautious about accepting a position. I have to say that our crew was matched well together, but the odds of that happening again are about 1 to a billion. We were mostly efficient and close to flawlessly successful when putting up the show. There is always an exception to anyone saying such an extreme statement, but truth be told we kicked ass. I would love to work with anyone on tour again except for a handful of people and that is for my own personal reasons. At least the pay was good...

I hope to hold on to some friends whom I have dearly come to care about. Unfortunately all of us went our separate ways so only time will tell if our paths should cross again. I don't mean to over-dramatize the departures, but I am the first to admit that keeping in touch is difficult.

So what's next? Well another adventure, of course. I will be leaving for London/Paris January 12th and returning February 7th. The thrill of travel has just begun and I plan to ring in the new year with style. You will have to overlook my unexciting New Year's Eve plans, which involves staying indoors watching the Bourne Supremacy and Ultimatum going to bed early. I am debating if I want to even have a drink. It has been snowing in Boston all day, though it may have recently stopped. Though I prefer to embrace my recovery from the Moscow Ballet as soon as possible.

Here are some photos of my last memories so that we may reflect together...

Thanks for reading this blog.

Virginia Beach, VA

I know it's been five days without knowing my whereabouts. Your were probably worried and even concerned about my safety. Now no more of that. I bring you news from Virginia Beach that I am safe and sound. I simply must say that I saw no beach in Virginia Beach and was very disappointed.

First and foremost, I must reflect on the fact that we have 2 more days of shows. It is almost unreal that we made it this far and through all the complicated bull shit that our crew had to endure. There is a waiting sign relief ready after we finish off in Sparta, NJ. Sadly, I guarantee that we will not finish without hardship, for the end of the road is very rock and full of obstacles.

Christmas was quite eventful. We had a no so bad hotel with a sadly neglected pool, luckily it was closed off. There was a mall close by with was closed for the holidays. My sister come into town to visit, which was nice. We had a good time without fighting once. She joined us for a delicious Christmas dinner at the Marriot on the company. On the following day, Tiffany assisted me with dressing the children. She did well, and I may consider her for a future position. Keep in touch to see what happens...

Charlottesville, VA

I decided to wake up from my nap to write a new post. We have been through some busy times lately. Our last stop was Baltimore, MD. All I have to mention about my experience in this city is: it was a logistical nightmare. There was a fabulous union wardrobe mistress, Laurie, who I absolutely loved. I found a delicious place to eat, where I went daily, Soups On, which had soups and sandwiches. I was able to work out of a nice rehearsal room with windows (plus plus). When it was time to go, I was ready.

This next performance is basically in a high school auditorium. As I am writing, hormonal basket ball players are walking past me.

So I am now completely this post from my hotel bed. We have just finished our last show before Christmas, which means we do not have another show for three days. There will be joyous celebrations by all.

Rochester, NY

This is our second day on the Roberts Wesleyan College campus. People seen kind here and there has been minimal trouble. Our cast of children is about 80 so for saying there is minimal trouble is shocking. Since the children are not arriving today until 6 pm, I have been taking advantage of all my free time. I woke up late, though I could have woken up later, but my phone rang loud! After realizing I was not going back to sleep, I went for a run. I was very excited to see another fellow runner in my path so I waved excitedly knowing that I was not the only crazy one in Rochester to run in freezing weather conditions. My feet did not completely freeze.

Upon my return from the run I faced some challenges from our producer so I decided to eat a peanut butter and honey sandwich, and then deal with the situation. It was a good sandwich at least.

Easton, PA

We are currently in Easton, PA. Today was a 2-show day without children so I did what I would normally do on such a day: take it easy and do minimal work. Our next stop is Rochester, NY. This is a fortunate venue because we will be there for 3 days straight. That means we get a hotel. What will I do without my bus?

Yesterday, I was told by Patrick, our photographer/video guy that we have reached the halfway point of the tour. There is a little more than 2 weeks left of this life on the road. As of now, I cannot imagine not calling our tour bus home or sleeping without the quiet roaming if the engine as we travel hundreds of miles in our dreams.

I have costumed hundreds of children and there are so many more to come. My record number has been 84 children. Can you 

imagine dressing that many kids? Somehow it all works out especially because I have recently grown six extra arms. I may just join the circus for my next gig because I will get to travel and fill thousands of people with awe and wonder.

(Various photos are from Easton, PA and Paducah, KY)

Going to Gettysburg, PA

This is a short one.

I am leaving Charleston, WV and heading to Gettysburg, PA. The day was long and tiring. As I lay in my bunk, I reflect upon on my experiences. Our crew works very well together, our dancers are kind, and for the past several days I have been getting free food.

Touring is tough, but I really do enjoy it. Considering how many kids I have been costuming is a testament to how good I am at my job, and I still love kids. Wow! That even surprises me. See you in the next city...

Morgantown, WV

Today we have arrived in West Virginia University. Upon emerging out of the bus after a 13 hour bus ride, I looked at my surroundings to find fresh snow upon the ground. The cool air was refreshing considering the bus very dry and lacking in good circulation.

Originally we had today off because there were no shows scheduled, but unfortunately another show was added on this day. Fortunately for me, I do not have any kids but it is technically not a day-off. I will be spending it playing catch-up with all the things I have been putting off, such as, laundry, repairs, phone calls, gathering my sanity, etc...

Now don't get me wrong, I have enjoyed the kids. Parents, on the other hand, drive me mad! Kids have an excuse because they are young, full of energy, jovial, and basically always at play. Parents are not. They meddle in affairs having nothing to do with them and do not know when their job ends and mine begins. So I am on vacation from parents yet, sadly, I will miss the kids.

I also plan on seeing the show, having a real lunch and dinner, and going at my own pace. Oh, joyous Morgantown, how I love thee...