It was a perfect December afternoon. Two new friends and I were in the second row of George Balanchine's Nutcracker and as we settled in our seats, I could hear the strum and squeaks of the orchestra warming up. I heard a quiet tap-tap-tap and the music began.
After a childhood spent listening to records in my bedroom, I was looking forward to seeing the Nutcracker ballet come to life. At nine or ten, I didn't think too much about the story or the setting, I just loved listening to record in the beautiful white record jacket. Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. Over the years I have seen excepts of performances on television, but I don't remember ever seeing a live performance.
The performance was simply wonderful.The costumes were vibrant and charming. The ballerinas were incredible and danced each scene with grace and stamina. Each moment was so vibrant and engaging, I hope the children in the audience are listening to the music at home as well. I want them to learn to appreciate what they were hearing as well. The orchestra was magnificent.
Photographs are not allowed during the performance, of course, so I must direct you to the official website to marvel at the costumes and dance scenes. When the holidays roll around next year, find a friend and treat yourselves to The Nutcracker and a few hours when time stands still.
A few friends and I were channeling France last weekend. We had heard that the Detroit Film Theater would be showing a matinee of La Danse, a 3-hour documentary on the legendary Paris Opera Ballet.
We started the afternoon across from the Detroit Institute of Arts at Good Girls Go To Paris creperie. We each enjoyed our own "savory" crepe for lunch and then split this masterpiece named "Fay" for dessert. It is a warm swirl of bananas, pecans, caramel, salted butter and brown sugar. (Sigh)
It was a clear, bright and cold day as we walked next door to watch our film. The documentary was more than I had hoped for. Yes, 3 hours is a long time, but I fell right into each scene. The gorgeous crunchy white skirts. The "hard-to-believe-they-are-real" ballerinas practicing in classic leotards and toe shoes. The luxurious auditorium being cleaned and prepped for a performance. The attention to detail in this film was intoxicating. The sweep of the broom. The lacing of the ribbons. I loved it all.
My ballet experience is really limited to this Ballerina Barbie I had growing up. She was lovely, regal and everything I knew a ballerina to be. I named her Barbara and found that she was never silly or ridiculous like the other girls (ha!). Seeing this magnificent dance company was relaxing, informative and it brought back some childhood memories to boot! What a delight.
And we had a surprise, too. Remember when I told you about the honey that is collected on the roof of the Opera National de Paris and how I bought some when I was there? They showed the roof and the honey in the movie!
If you get the chance, I recommend that you channel France.
