"Ballet is created on beautiful lines and shapes." --Martin Fridmann

#19. Go to a professional ballet performance.

As a performer, I get to see all sorts of really cool things. But it's rare that I have a night off to be in the audience to witness other performers doing cool things. Ever since I won my job with ASO and Nutcracker takes over my life each December, I have become more and more enthralled with ballet dancers. The way they gracefully put themselves in decidedly uncomfortable positions is beyond intriguing to me. The mixture of their athleticism and artistry is a joy to watch, and so far I had only glimpsed portions of shows from the pit. I decided that if I was going to check this one off my list, I needed to see a top-notch company. So, I took off a weekend from teaching, booked myself a ticket to NYC, and found myself watching a show at the New York City Ballet on  the night of February 28th.

The program was a set of new choreography to three pieces rather than a single piece (like Swan Lake, for example). (Also, sidenote: I'm sure that there is a certain terminology for this in the dance world, but I don't know what it is! Can any dancers help me with this?)

I left Austin on Friday late morning, and arrived in NY around 4pm. I navigated from Queens to Manhattan, dropped my stuff off at my friends' place, and then went in search of dinner before the 8pm curtain.

Lincoln Center in all its glory

Inside the theatre lobby, there were giant portraits hanging from the balconies. An artist had interviewed over 100 of the behind-the-scenes personnel for NYCB, and painted their portraits. I can attest to the fact that the people not onstage are the unsung heroes of any production--without them, there would be no show! I thought this was a really special and unique way to honor them. 

When I bought my ticket, I knew that they were doing a piece by Ravel, but what I didn't know was that it was his Piano Concerto. This piece holds an incredibly dear spot in my heart, and the choreography to it was beautiful. The second movement was especially stunning. The middle piece was a premier by Nico Muhly, which was impressive but I can't say that I totally loved it. But, the last piece they did was absolutely amazing. The coordination, the music, the choreography that fit the music perfectly, the set, the movements...all of it was just breathtaking. I was on the edge of my seat the WHOLE time, and even though it was long-ish by ballet standards (~25 minutes), I could have watched for another hour. I was completely mesmerized.

I left the theatre wanting to immediately buy another ticket for a NYCB production. I'm so glad that I took the time to experience this for myself, and I can't wait to come back to NY...so I can see the ballet again!

16 down. 14 to go!