2020/21 Season in Review | Alisa Nipp

Hear from Ballet 5:8 Apprentice Alisa Nipp as she reflects on her experiences during the 20/21 Season.

Alisa Nipp rehearsing Julianna Rubio Slager’s The Rough-Face Girl

Pick one word to describe the overall season. Why?

Challenging. I don't mean challenging in a negative sense, as challenges produce growth, but this season was challenging for multiple reasons: Covid restrictions for performances, wearing masks in classes and rehearsals, and learning seven pieces of repertoire.

Can you share a favorite moment from on or offstage?

One of my favorite onstage memories from this season happens during "Storge" in Golden Sessions. There are a couple of times when the dancers walk (in a circle and going offstage at the end) and we look each other in the eyes. These moments were so meaningful to me as we were smiling at each other as friends and exchanging genuine empathy in the middle of a performance. I think I loved it so much because that's a moment when the performance meets with reality.

Out of all the works you performed this season, does one stand out as the most meaningful or most notable for you personally? Why?

Golden Sessions. With the abstract story behind this ballet, I think it gave God space to create something unique He wanted me to experience personally. In "Agape", I really felt His presence. I felt as if I was dancing with the angels. In the opening scene, I always imagined entering His heavenly courts and coming before His throne. There are times in this piece that I have felt as if I was ushering in His Kingdom with His angels, and the very end of the ballet is us offering up our gifts and work to Him.

Is there a particular quote or idea that has been inspirational to you this season?

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30

What are you up to this summer?

I'll be dancing here and there, teaching some, and enjoying the sun!