A six-year-old girl walks through a shiny glass door wearing a black leotard and pink tights. She carries a pink bag, an ice-cold water bottle and is immediately greeted by smiling friends dressed the same way. They throw their bags into cubbies and put on ballet shoes.

Ever since I was two, I knew I was born to dance. I loved the stage, the lights, the costumes and mostly, performing for everyone. My passion deepened around 10 years old. I trained about 3-4 days a week and even auditioned for the Boston Ballet Summer Intensive. At the studio, I was known as the girl who was super flexible, doing all the weird and cool tricks in my dances.

Lights dim, music begins, and the curtain rises, but have you ever stopped to think about the intricate details that bring the characters to life on stage? Behind the scenes is a hidden world of creativity and craftsmanship – the Costume Department. This essential yet often overlooked component of theater and dance productions plays a pivotal role in transforming the performers into the fantastical beings we see on stage. ​ The Costume Department is the heartbeat of any prod

As I approached the doors to the Pauline Theatre in the Hayworth Fine Arts Center, I was surprised to see the swarm of people looking for seats. I didn’t think I would need to walk up the velvet-covered stairs to the second balcony to find space for myself and the friends that came along.