VIDEO: Catch the Jamboree Fever

[Editor's note: As you've been reading, Lucy Rieger has been giving a first-hand account of the behind-the-scenes action at Jamboree. Here's her third installment.]

Coming directly from a hectic day at work, I skidded into rehearsal at 8:10- 10 minutes late. They were already onstage for the Opening number and I  found my spot. We ran through it, doing better.  Next, the closing number- better there too. We finished these numbers early. 

Acts are scheduled in various venues at . We get the dance room, but not until 10:00 p.m. That’s right – 10 p.m.! I ran home, had dinner, changed, and came back again about 9:35. I am an early riser, which means I’m usually in bed at 10. Amazingly, I am not tired for this.

Our small group rehearsals have been the most fun. I know two other newbies in this number – one is my neighbor Pam, and the other is my friend Rob. Rob cracks us up every time. Pam hurt her knee already, but is carrying on cheerfully and carefully. She wrote down all the words to the song for us, along with the corresponding steps. That's why we are getting there!

We have the best choreographer – Sarah. I heard her say last night that she loves to teach people who have never danced before, as well as advanced classes.  She has been enthusiastic, encouraging, and plain fun. She put a video of the dance on the Jamboree website that we can follow at home. Sarah is adorable.

I have not missed a single rehearsal of our number. I feel the best about it, and Lois [the director] told us yesterday that when we are confident and know our pieces, we will enjoy the show more. She’s right. 

I am in the line next to Kris, a real dancer. When Sarah says to shimmy, or to bump it out, Kris does it. I feel good next to her because her confidence and ease spill out to me. If only some of her talent could come my way too….