A day in the life of a ballet dancer is not all that unusual compared to most people's regular workday. I work from 9:30 a.m. until 6:15 p.m., five to six days a week when I'm preparing or rehearsing for a show.
The day begins with a 90-minute ballet class. Ballet dancers do this every day, just like in school when I was training. It warms up the muscles and prepares my body for the day's work. Class is followed by a short break and then up to six hours of rehearsal. An hour's lunch break happens after the first three hours of work and I have 5-minute breaks at the end of every hour. This gives my body and my brain a chance to rest and recover as the day goes along.
Working on "Romeo & Juliet" is not only physically challenging, but mentally and emotionally as well. Such a dramatic role requires a tremendous amount of thought and focus because every step in the ballet has a purpose in telling the story. I also spend a good bit of time getting to know my partner, Douglas. We've never danced together until this production. It's not the easiest task in the world to go from being mere acquaintances to portraying star-crossed lovers. It's a good thing we get along really well!
When I'm working, I like to try and take Bikram yoga up to three times a week. My practice jumps up to five or six times a week in the summer or when I'm not rehearsing at all. It does the best job of any other type of exercise in keeping my muscles toned, balanced and stretched out. I also enjoy pilates to maintain strength. Those things, and eating fresh healthy food, help to keep my body in shape and prevent injuries.
My name is Julianne Kepley and I am currently a dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, in town to rehearse in the Milwaukee Ballet production of Michael Pink's "Romeo & Juliet." I will be dancing the role of Juliet with Milwaukee Ballet's Douglas McCubbin as my Romeo.
