Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof

Compassionate Mover, Tracey Katof is not only the choreographer but also a dancer in the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue. Here she shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

I hope that those who have been victims of sexual abuse will see Lemon Meringue and find some comfort in the fact that they are not the only ones and that there is help available.

What was the most difficult part of RICH’s story in Lemon Meringue to choreograph and why? (Considering you needed to explore the emotional turmoil of his process)

Depicting substance abuse was challenging because I had to consider why one would turn to it in the first place. Imagine that someone spirals into this cycle of drug use seeking peace, only to feel temporary false hope and then realize that the drugs cause them more pain.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned about the process of recovery. The pathway may seem overwhelming and challenging at times but recovery is possible and worth the journey.

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox

Lemon Meringue, Part 1: Carly Fox Horton

Carly Fox Horton, a dancer from the Equity Showcase of Lemon Meringue, shares her feelings surrounding the plays social issue of childhood sexual abuse. This incredibly important performance about Rich Ryan from Long Island depicts one mans struggles to overcome the devastating effects of childhood sexual abuse.

How do you feel Lemon Meringue will help others who are suffering from childhood sexual abuse?

Lemon Meringue can inspire other victims of childhood sexual abuse to seek healing and to believe that they have the power to live free from their past. I hope they can find encouragement from relating to Rich's journey.

What part of the rehearsal process did you derive inspiration from to tackle this sensitive topic?

The most important part of the rehearsal process for me was the time that we took to sit down and talk with the people in cast who are survivors. Hearing from their own mouths what had happened to them, what it had done to their emotional, spiritual, and physical being, and then how they were able to pull themselves out of victim-hood to become survivors was truly remarkable and inspirational. These conversations also led to many sleepless nights as I wrestled with the knowledge of the great evil that had been done to these people and many other people in my life that are dear to me. Although it may be uncomfortable to face these demons, it is essential for healing and the prevention of future abuse.

What did you learn from your experiences that you would like to share with others?

I learned that, whether you are aware of it or not, everyone knows someone who has been affected by sexual abuse. The psychological component of this type of abuse causes victims to think and believe things that make it very difficult to seek help, and many victims do not have a loved one that they can trust. Victims often find that when they attempt to confide in someone, that confidant actually makes the situation worse by having an inappropriate reaction. I would encourage everyone to learn more about the effects of sexual abuse so that we all can give knowledgeable and loving support to the people in our lives who have been affected by it.

For info visit, www.lemonmeringue.org.

Lemon Meringue, Part 2: Tracey Katof Lemon Meringue, Part 3: James Koroni Lemon Meringue, Part 4: Lauren Cox