MY SAY: AN AFTERNOON AT THE BALLET-ARS VINCIT OMNIA
Yesterday, after a full week of imposed house/bed rest due to a vicious virus, I finally left my home. I had purchased tickets to a City Center performance of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake where the swans and the doomed lovers are all performed by male dancers. When it premiered in 1995 antedating political correctness it caused quite a stir. I was curious to see its latest revival. I had an aisle seat and as soon as I was comfortably ensconced, I calculated the distance to the quickest exit.
When I saw the magnificent set and the music began I eased into the performance and actually enjoyed it and remained until the last note.
I love ballet and often the combination of music and great dancing transcends admittedly silly plots and gives way to enchantment.
That never happened at this performance although most of the dancing was superb and a raucous bar scene featured excellent ballerinas as well in vivacious and demanding roles. This is a dark and strange version of a classic ballet.
I was surprised at my reaction and enjoyment -evidence of “ars vincit omnia”- art conquers all. Sometimes. Rsk
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