Tonight I saw the Royal Ballet of Flanders perform “Impressing the Czar.” It was a beyond awesome performance. And since it’s in a limited run and the ballet is hardly performed in the U.S., I’m considering seeing it again tomorrow.
The final act was so cool I went home, and in my prim and proper little ensemble tried to imitate Forsythe’s primal moves. I ended up looking like a weirdo, and my neighbors across the street, who usually get treated to excerpts of Balanchine when I leave the window open, got something a little less tame.
I went as a guest of Leigh Witchel, a blogger and critic for Pointe, Dance View and Ballet Review, among others. Next to my boss Greg, he’s one of single people in the world who makes me feel like I don’t know a thing about ballet. Leigh’s knowledge extends so far beyond New York, he can talk fluently about the most obscure little companies around the world, and know the dancers by their faces. And he’s seen everything. For him watching “Impressing the Czar” was nostalgic, because he’d parts of it before.
During intermissions we talked with many dance fans. It was kind of scary that the topic of conversation everywhere seems to be: “ABT is going downhill.” I haven’t seen them enough to agree or disagree, but I’ve heard this in different places from different people. It’s scary, I guess.
After the show we stood outside of the Time Warner Center, and a jazz band was playing. We spoke with all sorts of neat people–even a dancer from Joffrey Ballet! One thing I love about the city is that you never know who you’ll meet, and I’m learning something from everyone. Each chat is like a lesson, and from Mr. Witchel the lesson was on being fearlessly opinionated, and a connoisseur.
[Ed note: Expect more on the show later!]
4 responses so far ↓
tonya // July 20, 2008 at 5:51 pm
I’m excited to hear about it — by the time I decided to go, they didn’t have any tickets left
writingariel // July 20, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Hi! I know, I wanted to go today too, and then saw that they were sold out! I’m glad they had a big crowd for their last show–but I hate that you missed it!
Leigh Witchel // July 21, 2008 at 6:11 am
I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself (so did I)!
I’m flattered that you have that high an opinion of my knowledge. I’m a little more skeptical! Checking my facts showed I got some things wrong (In the Middle was done in ‘87, not ‘89 for instance). I’ve not seen Impressing the Czar before we went together - I have seen several other Forsythe works including In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated (the central part of Impressing the Czar).
Re: seen everything(!) I feel that way when I visit John Percival in London and listen to him talk about the premieres of Cinderella or Scenes de Ballet! Wouldn’t it be wild if someone felt that way talking with you a few years down the road?
Is ABT going downhill? I think my opinion is about the same as it was when I wrote this: http://www.leighwitchel.com/blog/archives/2006/07/san_francisco_b_1.html
All the best and hope to see you soon.
LAW
writingariel // July 21, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Hi Leigh, thank you so much again for the ticket! Thanks for the link to your post about the companies! I’m so sorry about accidentally thinking you’d seen more of “Impressing the Czar” than you had! I corrected it.
And you’re right, it would be very wild if someone felt that way talking to me! Hahah.
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