Georgia Preparing to Dance Giselle
Georgia Reed Realizes a Lifelong Dream
I first interviewed Georgia Reed eighteen months ago. My novel You, Fascinating You had just debuted, and Georgia was among the first wave of dancers to endorse it. Like the protagonist of that novel, she possesses an iron will and the inspired tenacity to surmount any obstacle. As in the lives of many ballerinas, injury has come between her and her dream. Yet the dream endures.
Here is the tale in Georgia’s own words…
In 1999, after years of dedication and training, I was chosen to perform the lead role in one of ballet’s most famous stories, Giselle. It was for the 50th Anniversary of my hometown ballet company, Alexandra Ballet. I had just been hired with the Cincinnati Ballet in my first professional position, and I was overjoyed to be able to give back to my community in St. Louis for this special occasion.
Preparing for the role of Giselle, I kept a diary of her thoughts, feelings, and dreams. I came up with specific choices for each dance step, thinking about what motivated Giselle to move in every dance. It was this kind of extra preparation that eventually inspired me to pursue acting, and was the catalyst for who I am today as an actress living and working in Los Angeles in film and television.
However, a few months before the premiere of Giselle in St. Louis, I suffered a terrible injury, and on the night of the performance, I was forced to sit in the audience along with friends, family, and fans – all shocked to see me on the wrong side of the curtain – as I watched another beautiful dancer take my place on the stage.
I never forgave myself for this. And I never gave up on my dream that one day, I might get another chance to perform this 
beautiful role.
Since then I have been given more opportunities to dance on camera and on stage. My strength and confidence have returned. It’s now or never: I have the chance to perform Giselle in 2015 with, once again, my hometown ballet company Alexandra Ballet for their 65th Anniversary. This dream came back to life at the perfect time – I am in the process of creating a documentary about my dance mentor, Alexandra Zaharias – yes, the same Alexandra of my hometown ballet company. She is one of the oldest living American ballet instructors still teaching today.
The beauty of classical ballet is not dead. Miss A’s demand for technique and style created quality dancers and performances that stand the test of time. This is, for me, a chance to give back to my community and to dance, my first great love. The passion I feel for this goes beyond anything I have ever desired to achieve, and I need your help.
Here’s how YOU can get involved:
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