Tater Tot Hot Dish and Pointe Shoes

…how ABT II dancers will shock you.

When I was 16 years old, I was sitting in my high school
cafeteria, eating cardboard pizza served from the ladies in the white aprons.
When I was 16 years old, I was cheating on algebra homework, popping zits, and
begging for the car. When I was 16, I was uncoordinated, uncouth, and
unmotivated.

They are not. They
being ABT II dancers, of course.

Some of these dancers are just sixteen. A number that, to
most of us, screams bad hair cuts, cat fights, and tater tot hot dish. These
dancers are still in their youth, yet they
are graceful, talented, and accomplished. In their closets, they have medals, awards, ribbons and a
shelf full of accolades. I had a closet full of gym socks.

When I was hanging out at bonfires, eating my weight in
marshmallows and trash talking Mrs. Hesse (the science teacher from you know
where), they were practicing,
studying, and transforming - transforming into beautiful dancers.

I commend these teens. I praise them on their dedication to
their art. I cannot even comprehend having the maturity and skill to commit
fully to a craft as a teenager.

If you want my favorite reason to find yourself in the
audience for this show, it is their age. You will marvel at their magnificence
and find your sixteen year-old self in envy of them.

For tickets and more information on ABT II's upcoming
Northrop performance on Sat, Oct 9 at 8 pm, visit our event page.

-Allyson Taubenheim,
Northrop Marketing Intern and U of M student