Don’t worry, it’s not loaded! Christian’s just practicing his authentic “hunter stance” during an Act 2 studio dress rehearsal last week. There are so very many costumes– and quick changes– in this ballet that we needed to do a couple of run-throughs in costume at the studio to prevent being overwhelmed with huge skirts, props, capes, boots, etc., once we got on stage.
Here’s Hannah displaying her lovely countess costume, also from the Act 2 Hunt scene. The hunt ladies’ costumes are quite wide… I can already imagine how much extra square footage they will take up in the wings and hallways backstage.
Only a couple more studio rehearsals before we relocate operations to the theater next week and launch into a flurry of tech and dress rehearsals. The ballet is coming together beautifully, but what an incredible undertaking this is. There are so many elements beyond the dancing that will unite to make the production a true spectacle: costumes, set, props, children, music, special effects, acting. Amazingly, no animals.