You know those weekends where the movies seem too culturally void, you don’t want to walk around an expansive museum for six hours because you’re wearing unrealistically high heels, and it’s raining so you can’t attempt to be active with a brisk walk in the park? Well, why not try something different and watch other people be active by going to see a ballet?
Ballet is the foie gras of the cultural world – the finest of the fine. A trip to the ballet can often be an inspiring, motivational respite from all things unpleasant in the world. If you are a ballet-watching novice, a performance by the New York City Ballet is an excellent place to begin. You will have the opportunity to enjoy all the facets accompanying a day at the ballet – the fame and grandeur of Lincoln Center, the unparalleled athleticism of some of the greatest dancers in the game, and the innovation that defines the evolution of ballet today.
Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing New Millepied – yes, as in Benjamin Millepied of Black Swan and father-of-Natalie Portman’s-child fame. The work is choreographed by Millepied, set to a score by American contemporary composer Nico Muhly, and even showcases costumes by Rodarte! I mean, how much more culturally enriching can we get? Fabulous.
You don’t have to live in a prominent ballet-centric city like New York, Paris, or Moscow to enjoy the fruits of the art. A little research can yield a lot of results regarding local ballet companies and even ballet schools that hold regular performances in your region. So gather up the children, expose them to the arts, and you won’t regret it.
My favorite ballet companies are New York City Ballet, Cullberg Ballet, Kirov, Nederlands Dans Theater, San Francisco Ballet… I mostly watch contemporary ballets as Swan Lake or Nutcracker leave me unfulfilled (though I love Coppelia, Les Sylphide, and Carmen)
Best performing arts/dance venues in New York: Lincoln Center, The Joyce Theater, City Center, and BAM.