Carousel

Preview of “Carousel” at the Imperial Theatre tonight.

Wonderful dance scenes. Just wonderful. 😍 Love the opening Carousel Waltz by the company, and the equally lovely reprise in Act II by Louise and the company. I’m glad to finally see the story from which Christopher Wheeldon created his ballet, Carousel (A Dance).

The plot was dreadful though.

A violent man beats his wife. What kind of script writer puts in the line for the wife to say “But I’m happy.” 🤯 The said violent man kills himself rather than taking care of his unborn daughter, but God gives him a second chance to return to earth. He hits his (now teenage) daughter upon resurrection, and the daughter asks her mom “Is it possible for a man to beat you so hard but it doesn’t hurt?” 😠 Why do violent men deserve a second chance anyways? 😡 What about giving the women a real role? A real purpose other than to obey their man? Real agency to determine their own destiny?

Here/Now Festival

Spring time romance at New York City Ballet.

Went to today’s matinee to watch “Carousel” again. Such a beautiful and fun choreography by Christopher Wheeldon. The dance (and love story!) is still so mesmerizing and heart warming the second time around. The leaps at the end by Chase Finlay are absolutely amazing. Of course Lauren Lovette is lovely as usual.

(Next goal: See Lauren Lovette’s choreographies)

Finally saw “Year of the Rabbit” after hearing Justin Peck speak about it at the Inside NYCB seminar. Beautiful choreography. Delighted to see Teresa Reichlen, one of my favorite dancers, starring in the piece.

The black horse of the 5-choreography program goes to “The Inferno Machine” by Peter Martins. Bravos to Ashley Laracey and Craig Hall for the eccentric, sinister, at-times jarring, but powerful ballet. Wow!