The Stageless
Dancer Emily Graceling talks about her experience in lockdown and models a shoot reimagining the plight of performers stuck at home with no stage for practice or production.
‘Throughout my time in Covid I struggled to stay motivated.
Days went by and the stress of not doing my best was always in the back of my mind.
Constantly moving furniture just so I could take part in a dance class was tedious. Asking family members to stay out of the living room or kitchen for the day so I could train became a burden. But my family were willing to help, so I could continue my training to the best of my ability.
Seeing my classmates on zoom made the situation more real.
To see the people I trained with everyday, for hours on end, online and with no space to practice was hard.
Seeing people’s motivation go south and their love for dance grow weaker… that was hard too.
Things that I missed: adrenaline and audiences. Teachers, mirrored studios, ballet bars and sprung floors (injuries were high throughout Covid as the floor we were all dancing on was too hard).
Remembering why I dance helped. And reminding myself that this wouldn’t go on forever.
I can hear the stage calling me.’
Creative Direction & Photography
Judith Rita Nanyonga
Model
Emily Graceling
Stylist
Rita Biancardi
For
Londnr Magazine