Frau’s @ The Yard 2012

Frauwell #2 – The Yard, Martha’s Vineyard, MA  (this is another older writing – July 2012)

The feeling of relief and pure joy washed over me the moment I stepped off the plane and onto the salty grounds of the Martha’s Vineyard Airport.  That’s right! Cassello did it again, we flew to Martha’s Vineyard from NYC!  Heading to the Vaaajjjjjeeeeeennnnnn!  Oh life is good.  The Yard sits quietly in Chilmark, Martha’s Vineyard, next to the oh so famous Lucy Vincent beach and the Chilmark General Store.  It’s campus involves 3 houses: The Front Yard (where the artists stay); The Side Yard (where the staff and interns stay); and The Back Yard (more artist housing).

There is a small theater in which a barn like studio is attached – that’s where morning community yoga and dance classes are held and where companies in- residence rehearse.

There is nothing fancy or extravagant about this compound, but it’s perfect.  It’s the sweetest adult camp experience complete with an outdoor shower and a “flowers in the attic” room.  It feels like home.

This summer we were on the island for 5 days, unlike last year’s 9 days.  July 2012 – When The Fraus deplaned our faces lit up.  First stop – THE YARD!  Second stop – STOP& SHOP (food, food, food, food….)  Third stop – MENEMSHA!  TIME TO EAT SOME LOBSTER!!  Check, all done!!  After a full evening of things to do while on the vineyard, we topped the night off with some ice cream, late night gabbing and sleep.

Tuesday was Lucy Vincent beach day.  We had the entire day off until 6pm.  Lucy Vincent is the private beach in Chilmark that The Yard has access to. By the way, there is a nude section of the beach – guess where we all went?  Double wink!  Let’s face it, dancers have no shame when it comes to being nude in front of people.  In fact,  we welcome the fleshy freedom.  Is it really any different than running around backstage in front of the tech crew –  boobies flying around, butt cheeks flappin’, etc

My nakey body spent most of the time in the water; I felt cleansed, relaxed and free.  Every time a Frau entered the water and revealed a bathing suit in hand we screamed in celebration.  Most of us didn’t embrace full nudity on shore but had no problem loping around in the water nude.  I kept thinking ‘this makes sense.’ It was a soothing experience for all involved except when the curiously eager older man sitting next to us found every excuse in the world to come over and talk to us with his…eh em…hanging down at eye level – ‘this is awkward’, I thought.

Late night paper games; wonderful Fraunanigans; film shoots at the Gazeebo in Oak Bluffs and at the high school; thunderstorms; early morning dance classes; and bike rides filled my soul.  My only complaint – too short!  We performed two shows, and we were off the next day.  On the ferry, I reluctantly said goodbye to Martha’s Vineyard and seriously considered jumping overboard to swim back.  The bus ride ride back was a summer low.  Cue Charlie Brown music “lu lu lu  lu    luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu”