Parsons Dance will grace The Joyce Theater stage for two more weeks. While they’re here, the dancers and staff of the company have agreed to share some of what goes on behind the scenes with us here on The Joyce blog. Check back often for daily updates.

Feb 18 - Parsons Dance understudy Christina Ilisije:
“I just finished yoga and on my way to the theater for company class. Unfortunately, not experiencing the performance high tonight, but I had so much fun jumping into Julie’s role in Remember Me for packed houses on Sunday and Tuesday evenings! A very memorable experience for my debut with Parsons Dance! Can’t wait to have another crack at it in Park City, Utah. After class, off to rehearsing backstage to get the style of Parsons further into my body!”

Feb 17 - Parsons Dance Eric Bourne:
“Having dinner at The Dish in Chelsea, looking forward to performing Swing Shift and Dave Matthew’s tonight! My folks get into town tomorrow from Michigan and all I can say is I’m really excited for both!! Come on out and enjoy the show tonight or tomorrow!!”

Feb 16 - Parsons Dancer John Corsa:
“On my day off yesterday, I relaxed after an exciting weekend with sold out shows on Saturday and Sunday. I also did my taxes and other errands. I’m looking forward to performing for friends and family in the last week of shows at The Joyce Theater! I hope you will join us.”

Feb 15 - Parsons Dancer Sarah Braverman:
“Just finished up a weekend of rep shows and Remember Me. My parents are in visiting from Los Angeles and I was really excited for them to see some of the new pieces. They loved it! My ma has been singing Wolfgang music all day! Week 3 here we go!”

Feb 15 - Parsons Dancer Melissa Ullom:
“Hey out there! Hope you all had a Happy Love Day! It is one of my favorite holidays! The dressing rooms were flooded with boxes of chocolates and we played lots of “lovey music” while we put on our make-up last night…(We started things off with a little Chet Baker–sexy jazz I had a few friends and a possible valentine at the show last night It was a sold out show and the audience was amazing! One more week to go!!!!!!!! Lots of love to all y’all!!! Xo melissa”

Feb 12 - more from Parsons Dancer Zac Hammer:
“Had a later call time today so I’m just now arriving at the theater and about to take class. I have an easier show tonight. I open with Caught, which always gives me a little case of the butterflies at the Joyce, even after doing it for years! But it always feels like such an accomplishment once I’ve finished the jumping marathon! Anyways after that cast B will be performing Remember Me tonight, so I’ll have a minute to stretch my calves before busting a move or two with Sarah…hopefully tonight I won’t choke on her hair!! Hahah! Merde ya’ll!!!”

Feb 12 from Parsons Dancer Zac Hammer:
“In recovery mode this morning and loving the sunny day.  We’re approaching the end of the second week and my body’s pulling through with the help of some Tiger balm, yoga toes, and a foam roller!  About to make some scrambled eggs and oatmeal and already on my third cup of coffee!  Haha!  Should be energizing enough!  Here’s to a great Friday!!”

Feb 12 from dancer Miguel Quinones:
“Yesterday’s kids show went really well. We had a lot of fun and kept the feeling of each dance as such. In fact, I think I will keep that feeling for all the rep. shows. I think it definitely translated to the kids, and as a result they really, really enjoyed the show. As far as last night’s evening performance goes, I felt good. Now it’s time to really get into the overall character of Marcus for the weekend. Who is Marcus? However, I need to try not to get too lost in Marcus, or I might not come back :)! I’m feeling another good show coming on. I hope you will join us for tonight’s performance Remember Me!”

The day after the big snow storm (Feb 11), dancer Abby Silva Gavezzoli says:
“so, thank you to all who showed their support last night in the blizzard! the show was great and julie blume is an inspiration! today we dance for the kids! bring it on! dig it out, cause we are dancing and singing come rain, snow, hail, or blizzard! 2 show day! i’m ready!”

Today (Feb 9), we hear from dancer Julie Blume:
“I had a great day off yesterday. I tried acupuncture for the second time in my life, finally did laundry that had been accumulating for an unfortunate length of time, watched a movie, and had a burger for dinner (acupuncturist’s orders—who doesn’t love that?). I’m looking forward to doing Caught tonight before Remember Me, however my ankles aren’t quite as enthusiastic about it. I hope you enjoy the show!”