A bit of explanation about the name: “lady-traveller” was a term that came into use in nineteenth-century England (hence the spelling with two ‘l’s) to describe a handful of women who travelled the world and made an income from their experiences, usually by selling their travelogues. The whole history of travel writing is quite fascinating, but I became taken with these lady travellers during my undergraduate studies and wrote my thesis about one of the more famous of them, Isabella Bird. Perhaps because they stepped beyond the confines of the domestic sphere in which they were supposed to reign supreme, and showed courageous curiosity to see and understand the world outside Britain, I feel a sort of affinity with them. Anyone of my family or friends will tell you I am nothing if not domestic- I love to cook, arrange furniture, decorate for holidays- but I always have a desire for a change of scenery after a while. I’ve been fortunate to get to travel a good deal in my life so far, usually just short bits of vacation, but in the past few years I have been singing abroad in various programs, and love the experience of working with all sorts of people with whom I would not normally come into contact. Two years ago, at a small program (International Singers Academy of the Elysium Between Two Continents Festival), I met and shared a dialog with a Phillipino Benedictine nun who shared my name! This is, I think, most every singer’s dream: to travel the world performing, being in rehearsal where you have to switch between 4 different languages to communicate, and to somehow still communicate all the beauty and passion and truth found in music.

My current trip to Paris is just another chapter in my search. I’m looking for guidance on what I need to improve, and seeking inspiration at every turn. Going home again means nothing if the lady-traveller has nothing to share.

This evening I saw an incredible performance. I was planning on getting a rush ticket to see Salome at the Opera Bastille but at the last minute decided to head over to the Opera Garnier where there was dance performance. It was simply titled after the three choreographers’ works which were featured: “Millepied/Paul/McGregor.” Suffice it to say that I cried with joy at the beauty of the dances.

I am no dance critic, but the pas de deux of the “blue” couple in Millepied’s piece “Amoveo” was heart-breakingly beautiful. It was extremely difficult, with many, many slow-motion lifts and holds and both dancers performed with amazing grace- controlled yet free. I love watching dance because it somehow reminds me of what I want to be as a singer. A dancer can’t do any move or even little connecting motion halfway because they will potentially injure themselves or their colleagues. In my coaching yesterday we spoke about follow-through and not letting any little note “drop” or get left by the wayside. I am guilty of the singer complex- worry about the high note, or the low note, or whatever single note has you worried, and therefore neglect the rest of them to a certain extent! A great performer sings every note, not just a glorious floated high whatever. Watching all of these fabulous dancers tonight reminded me of that again. Fluidity. Dancers have every part of their body to worry about. It would seem that singers have an easier job; mostly we just have to manage our breath. Anyone who has taken yoga understands that breath IS the body and can be subverted by all kinds of bodily stresses and unconscious actions. It sounds so much easier to do than it is for most of us. That’s why I’m still studying! Breath is freedom and control and is the only thing that makes the music happen. Got to remember that in my next lesson!