Friday night’s Corsaire felt better than the first in some regards. It felt more free and ‘bigger’ (meaning bigger motions, gestures etc). Michele and I had a nice second act and as usual, she was fouette-ing up a storm (consecutive turns en pointe that the ballerina does usually at the end of a piece). The audience went mad for her.
(Act 1 Corsaire backdrop)
I thought I would share a little trick of the trade to you all. I’m not one to put up just a picture of a rose, but this is one Michele gave me at the end of the performance during the bows. IF and only IF the ballerina wants to give a rose to her partner, strictly optional, there is always one set on top of the bouquet for her to effortlessly pluck away… and is always indicated with a ribbon so she can pick it out.
Sometimes the flower isn’t set aside and the ballerina struggles to set one free, usually ending up in a tug of war in front of thousands. Its quite funny when that happens. She usually looks at you after as if to say… “I tried, but couldn’t set one free!”
(note the ribbon for easy plucking access)
Tricks of the trade!
On to Swan Lake this coming week.
Philip
That’s an interesting story about the ‘presentation’ rose…and a yellow rose is always the best.
May 26, 2008 @ 00:03
GraciaMichelle
Wow I never knew, and how smart!
Thanks for sharing things like that with us - from now I’ll be sure to pay attention to how easily (or not!) a ballerina can take out a rose for her partner!
May 26, 2008 @ 10:27
Barbara
Aha! No wonder the rose comes out so easily. Can’t wait to see you in Swan Lake at Sat matinee. Merde.
May 26, 2008 @ 11:38
bill
Interesting story about the rose, David, and it’s great that you qualified for one from Michele. And thanks for the traditional ceiling shot!
May 26, 2008 @ 17:40
QQ
LOVELY. the tricks. warm colors. a yellow rose lying on red carpet with a little red ribbon. and the thoughts behind the blog. THXTHX.
ohhhh the yummy dreamy Swan Lake!!!! …wished it just keep going nvr end…
May 26, 2008 @ 23:03
kristin sloan
had no idea.
very cool trick!
May 27, 2008 @ 01:55
xtanzer
I once saw one ABT ballerina struggling with the rose (I think it was Cynthia Harvey, many years ago). She finally just handed the whole bouquet to her partner (might have been Ross Stretton) and they all laughed hysterically. The audience loved it.
May 28, 2008 @ 17:15