we had tickets this afternoon to see jenifer ringer's farewell performance at the new york state theatre.
many friends were there: members of the dances patrelle family, teachers from manhattan youth ballet, and fellow nutcracker performers.
she performed in two pieces: dances at a gathering, music by chopin and choreography by jerome robbins; and the part of "pearly queen" in union jack, music by hershey kay (based on traditional british music) and choreography by george balanchine. the first was lyrical and clear with a lone piano player and a cast of only ten dancers, five women and five men. the second was spectacular with a full orchestra and percussion and a full company, dressed in kilts and sailor suits.
artist JR's photo installation of the company was magnificent. people had fun lying down alongside the dancers on the floor and having their picture taken.
it was a very beautiful, exciting and poignant evening. the theatre was filled with people who were there just for jeni. the flowers and the streamers inundated her. we all stood and clapped and cried and shouted brava over and over. afterwards, we caught a glimpse of her hugging and talking to well-wishers while the stage was swept free of confetti. you can read brian siebert's eloquent review in the new york times here.
when we walked out into the night, snow was falling.
the ballet can be so magical.
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a little blurb from the new yorker our neighbor cindy gave me:
