Last night my great friend Jamie and her daughter Ellie asked me to join them at the Nutcracker. I haven't seen this ballet since I was a child, and it was such a wonderful night. I used to be obsessed with ballet, reading books on it and watching Baryshnikov dance on tv. My mother took me to the ballet every Christmas, and last night watching Ellie's face and seeing it through her eyes brought back that magic for me.
The Louisiana Philharmonic doing the score by Tchaikovsky was absolutely the best part. We don't realize how much this music is in our daily lives, and in movie soundtracks all the time, too. Hearing just a few bars of these songs can make you feel Christmasy, scared, or passionate. Is there any music in history more romantic than the Grand Pas de deux? For those of you who would like to watch it, I have imbedded it below, with the amazing Baryshnikov dancing the male role (The Grand Pas de Deux starts at 1:38).Or, this will really show my age, but does anyone remember the 1982 movie Six Weeks - about the girl who only wants to play Clara in the Nutcracker before she dies of leukemia? What a tearjerker!
I hope all of you have a magical moment this weekend, be it alone or with family and friends. We are so lucky to be alive and my wish for you is that you see and appreciate the miracles that are all around you. Especially the miracle of the joy on a child's face when they see something beautiful. It will take your breath away.
Merriest Christmas, and a very Happy New Year!
E
3 comments:
Did you ever read Thursday's Children by Rumer Godden? About a British boy who takes up dancing following in his sister's footsteps. I read it to shreds. Also all the "shoes" books by Noel Streetfield: Dancing shoes, ballet shoes, etc. And Center Stage and The Company....Such good stuff. I'm thinking my girls will be old enough for the ballet next year. Sounds like you had a magical night.
Happy Holidays Elizabeth!
Heather
Elizabeth,
It was so special for us that you were with us. Your passion and humor brightens all things.
What a sweet post!
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