Tchaikovsky is one of my favorite composers, and it just so happens that the Moscow Theater Ballet was performing Swan Lake (Le Lac des Cygnes) here in Paris this weekend. And I am blessed to report that I saw it! I must say that I'm glad my first ballet was this one. The performers were wonderful and professional, and I was in a small enough theater to actually see what was happening on stage!
I think my favorite part was the ambiance. When the scenery changed to the Lake, there was fog and mist to match the broody change in the music. I was very excited when that happened! The only unfortunate part was that the music was previously recorded. If the theater had been bigger, I might have wondered why they didn't have a live orchestra, but it made sense in the space not to try to cram a few dozen players much less a symphony in there. I consoled myself with the lovely view!
I am not much of a ballerina or a dancer, but I am familiar with the forms of ballet. After watching this performance, I really can't fathom performing something as strenuous as a ballet. Each performer not only has to be spot on with the ensemble but he or she also has to stay in character. It's like being a silent film star: your body must convey your words. That in and of itself makes these dancers my heroes.
What's my next goal, you may be asking? To see a ballet/opera in the Opera Garnier. As in the one from the Phantom of the Opera. Don't worry; I'll let you know if that happens.
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