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