Ballet dancers, particularly those belonging to establishments as esteemed as the New York City Ballet, lead extremely busy lives. They travel at lightning speed through cities and countries, touching down at a festival or a concert hall for a matter of days or weeks before departing in a cloud of dust for the next, a mobile spectacle of athletic performance and fantasy for all those who see it. It’s unsurprising, then, that they choose to carry their homes around with them, miniaturised, in their ‘theatre cases’ – suitcases containing all that they might need for and in-between performances. Over time, these small luggage items transform into highly personal reflections of those they belong to: dressing tables one can fold up and take home at the end of a run.
While commonplace for those in the industry, a dancer’s ephemera is as fascinating as an MI5 meeting room for those outside of it – which explains Barbara Anastacio’s drive to photograph them for a new project. Below, we speak to five New York City ballet dancers about their theatre cases, and the world of wonders (and warm-ups) they contain.
Gretchen Smith (above)
How you have decorated your case and why?
“My case isn’t a curated space – over time I’ve taped notes from friends, ‘merde’ (good luck) cards, photos, mementos, and almost all of the notes I’ve received from students at SAB [the School of American Ballet, NYCB’s official school]. It’s like a little security blanket of wonderful memories I’ve had while dancing at NYCB, collected over time. When a little something is added to the space, it’s very organic and natural.”
What do these objects and images mean to you?
“I love having a physical space carved out for memories and reflection. The Dammer sticker was very recently added and makes me smile every time I see it. I had no idea my Uncle Dan had his own little side company, and it’s a reminder of someone special who I don’t see often. It makes me think of my aunt, both of my cousins, and where they live in California. The ‘Happy Year of the Raccoon’ is a card from Sufjan Stevens, which speaks unto itself, but also makes me think of my eldest brother. We bonded over Sufjan’s music. A note from my best friend who now lives in Australia – I still remember that day. A photo of the original cast of Fancy Free a friend sent, with a beautiful note for my debut. Everything is a little piece of love and support and inspiration.”
If we were to open it up, what would we find packed inside?
“If you were to open my theatre case during our season at the David H. Koch Theater, it would be full of my warm-ups (sweaters, sweatpants, t-shirts, leg warmers), clean... and sweaty. All of the photos, notes, and ribbons you see stay in place and travel with me everywhere we go. On tour, it is a bit more of a mess as it’s jammed packed with as much as possible! Actually, almost everything that is pictured – acupressure mat, pointe shoes, leotards and tights, bath products, heating pads, flat shoes, first aid, teas, vitamins, sewing kit, towel, warm-ups, make-up, stage earrings, hair products. It’s a little home away from home.”
Meagan Mann
How you have decorated your case and why?
“Over the years I have collected some photos of my closest friends to hang in my case, and some magazine clippings that make me laugh. I’ve also found random things, like a large feather that fell off of the firebird’s costume, that I especially loved and wanted to save.”
What do these objects and images mean to you?
“When I open my theater case I want to be greeted by warm, happy thoughts that keep me inspired – pictures of family and friends. I’ve also collected sweet notes that I’ve received from children during The Nutcracker that reminded me of how important our performances are to young children looking up to the dancers.”
If we were to open it up, what would we find packed inside?
“I try to fit a lot of physical therapy tools in my case, like my YogaToes, Thera-Bands, balls for rolling out, and an Overball which I like to use for Pilates exercises. I also have stage make-up, my favourite Yumiko leotards, pointe shoes, toe-tape, warm-ups and booties to keep my feet warm. I also use my theatre case to store some nuts and Nespresso pods that help give me energy throughout our long days. We have a Nespresso machine at work, and sometimes even bring one on tour with us that all of the dancers share.”
Marika Anderson
How you have decorated your case and why?
“Most of the pictures that are in my theatre case are actually from my apprentice year. I’ve kept them up and have added a few throughout the years, inadvertently creating a time-line scrapbook of sorts. I like the look of organised chaos and try to create and incorporate different dimensions within the case.”
What do these objects and images mean to you?
“Most of these things are of sentimental value, as well as essential day-to-day ballet necessities. I like to keep mementos from different places we’ve been or cards that I’ve received throughout the years. In a way, it’s a bit of a time capsule.”
If we were to open it up, what would we find packed inside?
“You would find lots of little mementos from past years and tours that we’ve been on. You would also find sewing materials, Thera-Bands, leg warmers, vitamins, swim cap and goggles, pointe shoes, Emergen-C packets, and lots of stage makeup and hair supplies, to name a few. Basically, anything that I would need in order to perform.”
Jenelle Manzi
How you have decorated your case and why?
“For me it’s not really a matter of decorating per se, it’s more of a collection of pictures and keepsakes that has evolved over time. Our theatre cases are something that we see every single day, so I’ve made sure to put up photos of moments in my life that are special to me.”
What do these objects and images mean to you?
“I think it’s important to be reminded of the people that make you the happiest and most grounded in your life. Whether it’s a photo of one the places we’ve travelled to on tour or goofing off with my sister, being able to look at these memories every day makes me smile.”
If we were to open it up, what would we find packed inside?
“There’s never a tour where I don’t have to sit and bounce on my theatre case in order to close it, so here we go! In my case you’ll find a bunch of warm-ups, scarves, leotards, tights, a pair of Nike Air Rifts (I pretty much collect them because they are my absolute favourite shoes to wear), my scrubbing brush, a collection of balls and rollers, some jars of adaptogenic herbs (which work wonders for your immune system and energy), a few of my crystals, CAPtivator Anointing Oil (it smells divine), and yes, a small bottle of gin for when we go on tour. It’s all about balance! Aside from all of that, I’m always making superfood snacks and raw chocolates, so you’ll be sure to find a random assortment of those stashed somewhere in the case.”
Emilie Gerrity
How you have decorated your case and why?
“Honestly, I’ve just collected favourite little trinkets, photos, and letters, and kept them in my theatre case.”
What do these objects and images mean to you?
“It depends on the image, letter, or item, but they are reminders of the great people who I have in my life and the great things that I’ve gotten to experience.”
If we were to open it up, what would we find packed inside?
“I try and think of my theatre case as a small second theatre spot. Inside you would find a tonne of leotards, tights, and warm-ups for rehearsals, snacks for energy, my perfume, a roller to roll out tight muscles, and all my pictures and letters that I've taped inside!”
NYCB performs at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center through May 29; at the Les Etés de la Danse festival at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France from June 27 to July 16, 2016; and at NYCB’s annual summer home, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY, from July 20-30, 2016.
