NYC Ballet

This was my first live ballet experience.   Nor am I especially well informed about ballet.  The performance we attended was in three parts, three movements, three acts, each completely different, with different stars and accompanying dancers.

I learned that the men do not do the dancing on tiptoe;  they simply support the women, lift them and twist them around in various positions, while they are on point.  I think they males have the easy part!

I would make the observation that ballet is mostly about the music.  It is as much about the orchestra and the musical selections as it is about the dances.   The first of the three performances was good;  I enjoyed it. (In G Major)  The music was fine.  On a scale of one to ten, I would rate my enjoyment at about a six.   The second of the movements was entitled In Memory Of.  The  music throughout the piece was a slow funeral dirge.  My enjoyment was at about a two level, though the dancing was lovely.

The third act was lively, upbeat, frivolous and extremely funny. (The Concert)  I enjoyed it at a ten plus!  In fact, there were many times when we laughed out loud.   In addition to the lively music and fun costumes, there was a clear story, and characters with distinctive parts---not just the star dancers and the dance company.

I'm glad for the opportunity to see a ballet.   It is something I always wanted to see---ever since that time I was in college and a live ballet came to my campus,  but I didn't have enough money for tickets.