an afternoon at the ballet

Once again, I've been spoiled. A yearly indulgence of mine is purchasing a pack of 2 tickets to the Joffrey. I'm considered a season ticket holder... even though I only go to two of the shows... meaning I receive certain perks--like my cherished Joffrey tshirt. My second ticket was for their Spring performance this past weekend, which I attended with my dear friend Jenna. Above is a photo of the final (& titulary) performance of the afternoon--Carousel. This piece turned out to be my favorite of the afternoon!

The fact that I got to sit in the FRONT ROW during that piece could have contributed to my favor (!!). You see, Jenna arrived at the theatre without a ticket & was able to purchase one from a scalper (ballet scalper, you're thinking?? really??... not really, but I'll spare you the explanation...). Providentially, no one ever claimed the seat next to her! Stealthy Dana snuck up front during intermission, giggling with excitement! Let's just say their leg muscles are even bigger in person. I went home a happy girl.

Lovely Weekend Full Weekend... I'm pooped...

Our house guest headed home Saturday, after treating us to a lovely meal out (@ the Celtic Knot in Lincoln Park... which was not as great as it had been made to sound by a number of my friends... only recommended if you have an itch for decent fries, beer &... watching 4 basketball games simultaneously?). Saturday was incredibly full--from ballet (as in, my class...) to the lab, then from the lab to doing our taxes (I did it! I did it!) and from taxes straight to the JOFFREY with friend Jade to soak up their winter program. Kettentanz, Cotillon, Le Sacre du Printemps & Mobile.

Although the program was designed to feature le Sacre, I must say that Mobile stole the show. I was left without breath--the choreography was just so smooth. Unbelievable strength!! Image below (not from the Joffrey... couldn't pull one up... mind you, the Joffrey stage was a blue hue & the dancers absolutely phenomenal...).
Le Sacre also was phenomenal--I adore the music so really they couldn't go too wrong. Although I typically miss pointe shoes, the jumping & swirling made up for their absence.

Thanks to Jade for a lovely evening! One day I do hope to strap on a pair of those pointy shoes myself...!

Returned home to plan Sunday school... it all came together just in time but boy am I sleepy today...

a fabulous ballet followed by a fabulous hot fudge sundae

What an incredible week. First Wicked, now the Joffrey Ballet! I just returned from one of my favorite ballet performances. I was offered free box tickets Friday evening & wow were they a treat. The Joffrey premiered Liang's "Age of Innocence" (set to music by Philip Glass--including one of my favorite of his pieces, originally written for The Hours). The choreography was stunning. You can see a clip at The Joffrey's blog, http://jpointe.blogspot.com/ . Charity--you should show it along with the video clip beneath it of their company practice to Kaylynn, our prima ballerina.

I attended the ballet with one of my piano students, her mother & grandmother. Afterwards they introduced me to the best bakery in town, which happened to have an incredible asparagus goat cheese salad & one of the best hot fudge Sundaes I've ever consumed. For you Chicagoans, you must take a trip to Bittersweet (located in Lakeview).


I sign off for now, with a full belly & inspired creativity.