Believe it or not, I actually do enjoy cultural stimulation beyond that of Jane Powell movies and obscure disco singles. I do attend the ballet and opera, and like that lady who wasn't really a tramp, stay wide awake.
Last night, I attended an ABT performance of Swan Lake for the fourth or fifth time. To be honest, I'm not a big fan of the work itself; the acts go on forever, and in the wrong hands, the swan imagery can be ridiculously trite, even laughable.
That having been said, the high points are gorgeous, and when danced by the absolutely untouchable Nina Ananiashvili, transcendent. You simply have to see her to appreciate Nina's genius; I can't even begin to describe her signature "arm ripple." Anyway, Nina was divine, as usual; her Prince was played by Angel Corella, who is not my favorite male principal. I have to admit, though, that his youthful, show-offy style actually suits this part quite well. Angel seemed to be working overtime to keep up with Nina's brilliance, executing some derring-do-style spins and jumps at dizzying speeds (but then ending up with several wobbly landings).
The best part of the evening, however, may have been Nina's curtain calls. I've never seen anything like it; she poses, she gestures, she basks in the adoration. They literally pelt her with roses, for God's sake! She took six curtain calls, then finally called it a night.
For those who give a fig: I wore a lovely tan 2 button suit, a jade green and navy striped shirt, a navy tie with small tan motifs, a navy and burgundy foulard hankerchief, and to-die-for caramel benchmades. Also, for those in the neighborhood on a Monday evening: Cafe Luxembourg's Monday night lamb special has been revamped for spring with a yummy yogurt dill sauce and polenta squares, and pairs beautifully with their new mushroom salad as an appetizer.
Just so's ya know.
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