Prelim 10

I'm doing a dressage test tomorrow.  I've never done one before.  It's called, Prelim 10.  I hope I remember the choreography.

Prelim 10 (2/3rds through)

I signed up for it because even in hibernation, an artist is a sucker for new experiences and a challenge.

Of course it can be argued that at the prelim level, it is horse-back riding at its most benign.

Transition to free walk, medium walk...

My husband asked why I am doing Prelim 10 and not Prelim 1a, 1 b, 1c- which is what I think my peers do in Singapore, especially as it is my first time.

I have no idea.

A few years ago, an esteemed Singaporean actress and playwright got together to do a play.  They wanted to use "non-actors".  As one of the non-actors casted, I remembered that my biggest worry initially was, how on earth I was going to remember lines, instead of steps.

Photo Credit- Spare Room Productions, The Composer 

How ignorant I was!  As we delved deeper into our characters, plot, and each other, remembering the script was cliche as it sounds, truly, only the tip of the iceberg.

The play received mixed reviews.

Photo Credit-  The Composer, Publicity Shot, Spare Room Productions

                                                     And I had an awesome time.

This morning, I finally got the chance to run through the test once.  Unlike Singapore where we have a covered arena, laid out with the correct boards, and signage, I rode in rain, in mud, and had to imagine a 40m by 20m performance space, along with markers, out at the bottom of the Commons/woods.  I think I did ok with the 20m circles, but I messed up the halt at the end.  2/3rds into the test, I also forgot the choreography.

In an ideal world, I would have my own horse whom I could build a true relationship with, be gifted with the correct teacher and train every day, yes, even for Prelim 10.  In general, performing artists and professional athletes truly like the preparation and endless repetition work involved.  We also like that brief 5 minute moment on stage, on the ice, in the arena.  That hypnotic, fleeting moment is possibly when we feel most alive, a sensation akin to flight.  

I live in reality.  So I don't have my own horse, and get to ride Dumpling only when his kid is not busy with him.  Reality is also rain, sleet, arctic wind, the worst winter storm.  

Reality is not having the luxury of repetition.

Reality is using super glue to hold the minor bits of my helmet together.

It actually works!

Reality is hogging youtube and watching better riders ride the test, over and over again.  And reality is drawing the test over and over again, visualising myself move through the sequences in my head.

Because for me, reality is being inventive in my preparation, in order to get on stage, re-direct nerves, and have a jolly good time.

Photo Credit-  Spare Room Productions/ The Esplanade Theatres on The Bay
Wendall:  Sonia, If I told you that M and I were going to have a baby, would you leave me?
Sonia:  Yes...
( I still remember my lines!!!)