Day in the life of a dancer
Australian Dance Theatre’s Zoe Wozniak shares her performance day routine, from a slow, restful morning, to the wind-down post-show in the lead up to Adelaide Festival show, Faraway.
Morning
Before call time, I’ll usually try to have a slow day and do things to ready my body for the intensity of the show. I might go to the sauna or have an ice bath and take time to sit out on the deck and enjoy some sunshine if the weather is right. If [Zoe’s partner] Tom is home, we might spend the morning together. We’ve started making our own sourdough, which is a game changer.
I’ll make sure I have good, nourishing food and take time to relax and prepare before heading into the theatre.
3.30pm – Cast call time
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All the dancers will meet at the theatre, and we’ll do company class together on stage. Class is a really special thing that we do every day. Often, ADT tries to open these up to the independent dance community where we can, to bring everyone together. But, during a season, it’s just the core ensemble.
5pm – Notes on stage
We’ll then gather on stage with the director and go through notes from the previous show. What worked, what we could tighten up. We’ll run sections of the show on stage if needed. We’ll also usually run a group section to get us all in the right headspace – so that we’re all connected to each other and the piece.
6pm – Break
After notes, we’ll eat something small (usually something simple like sushi or tuna and rice) and take some time before the show. I like to go for a walk outside to clear my head if the weather is good.
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6.30-7.30pm – get ready
I always have a hot shower and brush my teeth before going into our dressing room to get ready. I’ll put my costume on first, then make up and hair. I love hair gel to hold everything in place. Generally at ADT, we keep make up and hair minimal, as it’s all about the body and the movement, but on shows that are more involved, this process might start a bit earlier.
We always have good vibes in the dressing room. We’re pumping music. Playing around. It’s a really joyous space before a show. It’s very encouraging and safe before we head out on stage.
Waiting backstage before we step out. The dancers gather to take three breaths and spend a few quiet moments together.
Right before I go on, I will always do a plank and balance with my eyes closed to centre myself.
Post show
Shows are always really intense. And performing during festival season can be really warm – with the heat outside and the lights on stage. After we step off stage, I’ll have an ice bath to cool my muscles down and then a shower. A Hydralite to rehydrate. Then, once I’m home, I’ll have some pasta and lay on my cranial cradle to stretch out my neck.
Zoe is performing in Faraway as part of Adelaide Festival from February 25 to March 1.
