Students during rehearsals for Wicked (Summer Program 2025).
The word “rehearsals” is as far from alien to the world of performing arts as it can be. If there is a show, there must be rehearsals and if there are rehearsals, a dancer knows, their family knows, their friends know and often (at least here in India) even their distant family and friends know. A bee buzzing near a flower collecting pollen to make its sweet honey is a similar image to what a dancer thinks of their rehearsals: collecting just the best and right amount of input to present and perform their best on stage.
What is a rehearsal though? Collins dictionary defines it as “A rehearsal of a play, dance, or piece of music is a practice of it in preparation for a performance.” The crux of the definition here is “preparation.” How preparation is needed for the best things in our lives whether it be studies, work, health, travel, or hobbies, it is needed equally for a performance. Choreographers, directors, and dancers would argue that it is needed even more.
A rehearsal enables a dancer or student to become familiar with their surroundings given that dance is a visuo-spatial activity. One can familiarise themselves with stage settings, props, entries, and exits. At a young age, many students tend to follow instructions given to them to ensure smooth facilitation. Once absorbed, these instructions become second nature. This etiquette when taught and learnt properly enables them to adapt themselves anywhere in the world. This ethic doesn’t end there, it follows them home, to school, and into all walks of life. Rehearsals are also a space to get accustomed to an environment beyond the studio for those who may be taking their first steps (or hops) on stage soon. Thus, adaptation to different settings is a core skill that is built through rehearsals. Most importantly, rehearsals are a moment when everyone realises what they are a part of. As the cogs, nuts, bolts, and oil come together to spark the fire of a production, each dancer begins to see the part they play in the artistic vision and how they help bring it to life.
During rehearsals for The Curious Case of the Cursed Crystal (2023)
A quick chat with someone from the dance world will reveal that there is never just a “rehearsal.” There is a blocking and spacing rehearsal where positions on stage are locked in; a dress rehearsal wherein the dancer tries on the costume and performs; a technical rehearsal where the lights and sound also come into play; and a run-through of the show where the entire production is performed from start to finish with no breaks! Attendance at all different kinds of rehearsals is just as important as attendance in one’s regular classes. Think of all of these as stepping stones, who would want to trip?
If all this is not proof enough for why one must never miss a rehearsal, this one last point might seal the deal. Rehearsals are the place to become better at performance, technique, and even social skills. Every rehearsal allows the Artistic Director and Choreographers to observe and share aspects of improvement, and for the dancer to absorb and integrate them to enhance themselves as artists. Whether one is 4, 14, or 40, growth is always possible and rehearsals are the space where it happens. It is a place where one learns by themself, from others, and gains invaluable experience.
Ultimately, dancers, rehearsals are the vital potion to your glory.
Parents, rehearsals are where your child transforms from student to artist.
And allies of the arts, rehearsals are a sacred space that must be on your list of things to join us for someday.
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