Mobile Arts: News, notes, etc.

1. I’ve felt like Dorthy at the end of “The Wizard of Oz.” I’ve had to say many good-byes, the saddest so far being with my violin teacher of four years, Ms. Enen Yu.We played through a Seitz concerto, and she gave me a lovely card and a Starbucks gift card.

2. Dione and I were home alone early this week, my parents were in New York. As we often do when we are left alone, we danced around the living room and choreographed a “ballet-version” of the popular “Soldja boy” dance, and then later adapted a “Balanchine version.”

3. This afternoon I was sent to a salon for my ritual pre-New York-grooming session (arched eyebrows and Blair Waldorf curls). Under the hair dryer I read my signed copy of Terry Teachout’s “All in the Dances.” I made a note to never read a signed book in a public place again–it was like wearing Comme de Garcons to a county fair.

4. Tomorrow the public performances of “The Nutcracker” begin. Dione rehearsed this morning with ABT’s Maria Riccetto.I was in an exam at the time, but dying to sneak in and see her dance with Blaine Hoven. However, I will get to see her perform tomorrow night! She’s with ABT so as we say in Mobile: “She’s with ABT, she has to be good.”

5. My most magical moment last week was hearing Maria Callas’ voice echoing Puccini aria’s in Starbucks.

6. They put up the casting for NYCB’s “Nutcracker” for the week I’m moving in. What’s up with the “Special casting” for their 2000th performance? I should e-mail Philip. He would know.