To say Tony De Luca was busy these days was a bit of an understatement; and yet, somehow, the man had found the time and energy to dance the title role of Apollo, despite all the other responsibilities that weighed on his shoulders these days.

It was a rare treat indeed, not only for his fellow company members, but for the celebrated danzatore himself. There had been a time, not so long ago, when he'd reached the pinnacle of his career; but knowing he wasn't getting any younger, he'd jumped at the chance to start his own company here in Rhy'Din, thanks to his sister Mataya.

Though the focus of Tony's career these days had changed from dancing to directing and choreography, the ballet was his life, and the sheer joy he felt dancing was infectious to all those around him. He'd made it a point to keep in shape and remained as strong a dancer now as he'd been at the peak of his career. The ballerinas who were lucky enough to dance with him these days never had to worry, so long as Tony was their partner.

Dancing the lead role was also Tony's chance to show Rhy'Din what he was capable of, not only as a cavalier, but as a soloist; and it gave the other cavaliers a little time to rest and prepare for the new season, which debuted with Sleeping Beauty in November.

Once the run of Apollo was over, there would be plenty of work to do, with new dancers to train, a new season to plan, and classes to teach, as well as tending to a wife and family who deserved his love and attention.

But for now - for a few short weeks before the new season began - Tony had the rare opportunity to revel in the sheer joy of dancing, if only for a short while, before giving the stage over to younger talent for an exciting new season of ballets at the Shanachie Theater.