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tracebook... tracebook...
 
December 23, 2008 10:38 PM

Have you ever been to a ballet? Whether you have or haven't, what is your impression of it?

I'm very involved in a professional ballet company of international stature and their school. I know in Europe ballet is considered less hoity-toity than opera (although opera is considered entertaining and not stuffy), people cheer openly, throw flowers after it's over, etc.

Professional ballet has only been in the U.S. for a couple of generations, entering here in the Father Knows Best era after WWII, other than traveling productions. So we don't have the long tradition here that they have there.

So, what do you think?
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katwolfe katwolfe
 
 December 25, 2008 01:55 AM
I love the Ballet, but, I was a ballerina in my younger days. I can appreciate what it takes to train. There is great beauty in ballet.

Going to a ballet should be an experience. Make it an evening. Ladies, get dressed up. Feel glamorous. Gents, put a suit on and look good next to your glamorous lady.

Be present when watching. Let your mind be still. Take a deep breath and let the details of the day wash away.

Pay attention to the beautiful costumes, feel the music and appreciate the skill of the dancers. Savor the time. Afterwords, take a walk under the stars to a nearby restaurant for a bite to eat or a cocktail.

The Nutcracker is a wonderful ballet that might be a nice way to start off for those new to ballet. It is also a great ballet to attend each December. Make it an annual Holiday treat.

I have lived many places throughout the U.S. and professional ballet companies are not common place. Many people aren't exposed to ballet.

When I was a little girl, every mother enrolled their daughters in ballet. I rarely see that now. I started ballet at the age of 4. Nowadays, I see 4 and 5 year old little girls on soccer teams or swim teams. Without that exposure, I don't see ballet being a big draw in the future, here in the U.S. I find that very unfortunate.

Dancing with the Stars has sparked a renewed interest in ballroom or Latin dance. Other dance shows concentrate on hip-hop. This is what nation is watching.

How do you get America's attention? Have reality show. Put some Prima ballerinas in the Big Brother House, or follow a Prima ballerina around for a season. Maybe then, ballet would be in the forefront.
Asker's Rating:
• Excellent answer. I like your suggestions on how to put it more in the forefront. I'd add that ballet is not like opera or symphonies: you're supposed to cheer and clap! And I love the Russian tradition being introduced (or reintroduced): throw flowers after the performance--not during or slips!


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bmlhailsto... bmlhailsto...
 
December 23, 2008 10:41 PM
I don't think I would ever go see a ballet. Don't think that I'm not cultured. I went to a play in November, and we're going to the Opera very soon. Dancing just isn't my thing. I would never really watch a musical, and would never really go to a ballet. I'm sure it is interesting and perhaps visually beautiful, just not something that interests my spouse or me.

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tracebooks tracebooks
 
December 25, 2008 04:41 PM
Thanks for the honest answer. I know there are an awful lot of people who've really not explored it. I didn't think I would like it before I went the first time, but these people are really amazing athletes who just happen to move beautifully too!

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lynemma lynemma
 
December 23, 2008 10:47 PM
I adore the ballet. It brings such beauty and life and emotion to my soul. I am moved for days after, if not weeks. (I can't dance ballet to save my life)

My favorite competition reality program is So You Think You Can Dance!

The video is the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet


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tracebooks tracebooks
 
December 25, 2008 04:41 PM
So many kids at my kids' pre-professional ballet school love watching it too! Good video!

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hartwell hartwell
 
December 23, 2008 11:15 PM
I took a few ballet classes in college. great way to meet girls. unfortunately, they were all ballet dancer girls. (generally hot, but WAY more neurotic than even actresses. and they smoke. every last one of them smokes to help keep her weight down.)

a few years ago, my daughter was in a professional production of the nutcracker suite. she was one of the mice menacing clara right before the tree gag. pretty cute. she's pursuing less dance and more singing now. PROBABLY not thanks to her father's opinion of ballet dancers.

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tracebooks tracebooks
 
December 25, 2008 04:43 PM
My kids were all just in that with a professional ballet company! My daughter was also a mouse, along with a "party kid" in the first scene. My son is very into it, partly because he has full adult permission and even encouragement to literally pick up girls!

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becky becky
 
December 23, 2008 11:37 PM
I have gone to several ballets in the last few years. It not normally something I would think of for a typical night out but I have been impressed by how enjoyable it usually is. In New York City, I have gone to see both ABT (American Ballet Theatre) as well as the New York City Ballet Company and they are both COMPLETELY different!

I tend to not really like the performances by ABT. I'm sure they are a great ballet company but their performances are all large productions with a story line kind of like opera and can be hard to get into. Also, to the untrained eye, the dancing seems less exciting as they are working to convey a storyline.

I have loved the New York City Ballet company each time I have gone! During an evening, they generally have several different compositions that have completely different costumes and choreography. I find it very easy to feel involved in the performance and always leave on a high from watching such a great performance. Their performances make me wish I could be an amazing dancer. I also really appreciate the live orchestra.

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tracebooks tracebooks
 
December 25, 2008 04:47 PM
Very good answer. I know what you meant about those two companies. Our academy mentors teach at ABT, but they only just started last year, so probably haven't had much influence yet.

I wish I could dance, but at least my kids can...

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girldrumme... girldrumme...
 
December 24, 2008 04:39 AM
As a musician I have a very high respect for the ballet. The ballet is highbrow to dance as Classical Music is to Rock Music. But a background in the high arts can really give you the technique for whatever you want to do.

I love to watch Dancing with the Stars (It's my guilty pleasure). This last season Lance Bass was on with a new dancer, Lacey Schwimmer. On week seven they broke the rules and did a rumba without shoes. What made it wonderfully beautiful were the classic ballet lines the Lacey brought into the dance. It was wonderful. She had such great lines that are learned through ballet. If you want to do it and have some talent, go for it. It won't hurt your dancing career and the discipline and joy of performing will be something you will never forget. Enjoy yourself!

Here's the video of Lance and Lacey's rumba. You'll have to get past a lot of extra stuff to get to the dance, but it's worth it. The video starts at 2:30.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJQbcLFayTw


Who says ballet can't be sexy and contemporary too...

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tracebooks tracebooks
 
December 25, 2008 04:50 PM
Nice analogy! I really love to go when the audience is clapping and cheering non-stop. Common in Europe, not so common here, but it does happen. Some of the companies are using classical techniques to do completely new ballets: Cincinnati does Dracula in the fall; Indiana does an original Phantom of the Opera that is creepy and sensual and amazing. The old ones like Giselle and Coppelia are still good; but I love to see the innovations bringing classical ballet into the present!

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