This past weekend I was lucky enough to film a few scenes for an independent horror film being shot in Clare, MI. Before going into any details, I can honestly say this was one of the best experiences of my life.
The Audition:

I went to a class a few weeks ago that was also a movie audition. I should have had more confidence going into the class, but I didn’t. I was going simply for the class (absolutely love Glenn’s warm-up and stretch, would have went just for that) and the audition portion, for me, was just an extra. I thought that when auditioning I was just going to get blown away by the other dancers in the area. I hadn’t danced in a while being that the Piston’s season has been over for a few months and before Piston’s I hadn’t danced regularly, other than teaching, in 4 years. These other dancers were dancing regularly and are so talented. That didn’t stop me from working as hard as I could, but I had my doubts. And this is where I have to learn to have faith in myself, because a week later I was getting a phone call saying that I was booked for the job. Out of the 6 locations the classes were held, I was one of the 10 dancers chosen for the part.

This was a reminder I needed…

…I have done great things and have the ability to do even more, that’s been proven to me time and time again.

So, there I was in awe of the fact that I was getting another chance to live my dream as a professional dancer. And realizing that there are so many people out there dreaming of doing big things, but I’m actually living mine. I couldn’t be more thankful.

Rehearsal:

Saturday was our rehearsal, scheduled from 2-8. Before this we had received an e-mail containing the choreography we had already learned in class. After we went through the choreography we already knew, we worked on new sections we had to learn for other parts of the dance scene.

I’m so thankful that I learned to pick up choreography quickly working with the Piston’s Dance Team, because we powered through the choreography and kept moving throughout the whole day.

Everyone worked really well together and we ended up getting out of rehearsal 2.5 hours early! I was able to head home and spend some unexpected time with my family. 🙂

The amazing dancers I was able to work with.

Filming:

Our call time for filming was 7 p.m. Sunday night. To prepare for what I knew was going to be a long night, I tried to sleep most of the day Sunday, I got a little extra sleep, but not the amount I really wanted. But, I had to make the best of it! (By that I mean coffee and Hydrive energy waters ready if I needed).

We started out by rehearsing on set. We went through all of the dances a few times, which took about an hour, and then we got a break.

  

Next, we were called back to do all of our scenes as extras. Not only were we dancing, but we were extras for the barn party scene. The amount of work that goes into even just one scene is amazing. The number of takes there has to be just to get all the different angles is incredible. I never knew so much had to go into making one scene, but that’s what makes a great film!

We took a few hours to do that, then it was time for food! Yum. Pizza, pasta, and salad; can’t beat that. We ate, downed our energy drinks and practiced our dances.

When the “lunch” break was over we headed back to the set for a few more scenes as extras. Finally, around 3 a.m., it was time to dance!! We did a few takes of each dance and did a few finishing scenes. By the time we were finished it was about 5 a.m. 10 hours on set and it was finally time to go home!

It was crazy how much bonding and how close all of us became over the course of two days and just a few hours. The dancers, actors, and crew were all so fabulous and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with for my first movie. I can’t wait for the release. I’ll be posting more information to keep you all updated, so be on the lookout for what is bound to be an awesome film.

The eight Michigan girls with the director, Glenn Packard.

The whole cast and crew on set. Truly amazing people.

As I said before, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience and I’m looking forward to more opportunities in the future.