Name: Merritt Rosen
Year: 2017
Major: Art History
Minor: Dance
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Hobbies: … other than dance?? Does napping count?
Fun fact about yourself: I’m really good at whistling
When did you start dancing?
When I was two years old, I saw my cousin dance and DEMANDED that my mother sign me up for classes. Young Merritt knew what she wanted more than college Merritt does.
What made you decide to audition for Sleeping Beauty?
As a ballet dancer and a student, there are not many opportunities to perform large-scale classical productions. There was no way I wasn’t going to be involved!
Why should people come see Sleeping Beauty this weekend?
This whole production has been an incredible collaborative effort from so many departments. The costumes are spectacular, the music is stunning and there is nothing like hearing a live orchestra.
What is the most challenging part about being in this production?
There is a section called the “Rose Adagio” that actually lives in infamy in the ballet world for being so challenging. It is about 8 minutes long and incredibly difficult. Hopefully I can make it through.
What is your favorite part about playing Sleeping Beauty?
I love getting an excuse to listen to such incredible music on a regular basis. Sleeping Beauty is one of my favorite scores and it is an honor to get to dance to it and a challenge to do it justice.