by SEBASTIAN POLONIS
STAFF WRITER
To many, a jump rope is a simple activity enjoyed at recess. For soon-to-be-graduating senior and ASB President Parker Albarian, it became a complex, intricate challenge. Through numerous scars, bruises, and tears, Albarian endured a three-month journey to conquer her fears of this kindergarten toy.
While February may be a vague blur for many, it holds vivid memories for the cast and crew who worked tirelessly to perfect Chadwick’s production of Legally Blonde. Albarian faced significant hurdles, as she had to learn hundreds of one-liners, songs, and dances. One particular scene, “Whipped Into Shape,” proved especially challenging. This five-minute number featured intricate choreography involving meticulous jump roping by the ensemble.
The jump ropes provided were notoriously unreliable, often breaking midway through the performance and turning into hazardous objects for the dancers. Ropes would frequently become tangled, further complicating the already difficult routine. “It was a cool scene, but a painful one for the dancers,” said Andi Dëma, Theater Director. While he declined to comment further on dancer safety, he noted that the team had to use various types of jump ropes.
Albarian was “whipped into shape” in more ways than one, injuring herself a total of seven times. With flying ropes causing numerous bruises and scars, the physical toll took a significant psychological impact on her. “I saw her cry a few times offstage,” said one dancer, who chose to remain anonymous to avoid retaliation from the ASB President. “I would’ve felt bad, but she said some really weird things about my feet during one of the rehearsals.”
Despite these challenges, practice eventually paid off. The ropes, once instruments of destruction, became tools of performance. As bruises faded and the ropes stopped snapping, the performers began to perfect their routine. Armed with newfound confidence and inspiration from millions of elementary schoolers, Albarian perfected her choreography just weeks before the show, demonstrating her ability to jump over a rope with finesse.
Opening night was a success, with every member of the production nailing their moves in “Whipped Into Shape.” The performance went smoothly, much to the relief of the run crew, and no issues hindered the show. Audience members had mixed reactions. One viewer remarked, “I thought she did great. I didn’t really see her on stage during ‘Whipped Into Shape,’ but she probably did the dances fine.” Another commented, “I really loved Audrey Lin’s performance as Elle Woods. She really killed it. Parker did good too, I guess. Which one was she?”
Following the opening night, the show continued for three more performances. Although Albarian made a minor mistake with the choreography once, she completed all four performances without serious injury—a notable achievement.
Legally Blonde will be remembered for its dazzling choreography, vibrant pink costumes, and a memorable cast. “I’m glad she joined us one last time,” said Dëma. “Audrey—I mean Parker—truly was an important part of this show, and the performance wouldn’t have been the same without her.”
The Mainsheet 