Backstage at the Egyptian: Lorraine Robinson from Beth Fowler School of Dance’s Storybook Ballet

The Beth Fowler School of Dance has been going strong for almost 30 years and has been performing at the Egyptian for over 25 years. This is the third time that the dance company will performing their show A Storybook Ballet. The company has proved time and again the many benefits that the performing arts have on the youth. Lorraine Robinson, from Beth Fowler Dance Company, was kind enough to share her great experiences with the group.

JOSH: How long have you been dancing for Beth Fowler school of Dance?
LORRAINE: I have been dancing at Beth Fowlers School of Dance for about 8 years. I started at Beth’s when I was 9 with my sister, and I haven’t left since. 

J: What do you enjoy most about dancing?
L: The thing I love most about dancing is that is let’s me express myself in ways I never knew I could. Dancing in different ways styles, trying new things and styles. 

J: What makes performing at the Egyptian Theatre different from performing at other venues?
L: Performing at the Egyptian is different because it’s in my hometown, and I’ve been going there to perform and going there to see performances since I was very young. Other venues don’t have the same homie feel like the Egyptian.

J: What does rehearsal look like for you, and how often do you practice your routines?
L: For rehearsals we only ever rehearse for shows on Sundays, but have technique classes throughout the week. Sunday rehearsals can vary from 2 hours to 6, we rehearse all our dances and learn them with great detail. We rehearse our dances all the way up to the shows. 

J: What do you think people should know about performing live and why is it important?
L: Performing live is very different to filming or videoing the dances. Performing live you can’t go back and redo anything, you performed to the best of your ability and you have to keep going. Also with performing live you have an audience cheering you on. 

J: How has dancing for Beth Fowler School of Dance made an impact on your life?
L: Dancing for Beth’s has been a huge part of my life. I spend most of my days there, I’ve met some of my best friends there. Being at Beth’s is like having a second family, there are so many people in the company who are there to support and help you through everything. I love Beth’s and I truly feel at home there.