They Get Me at the Pas de Deux Every Time

I realize this is somewhat of a cryptic title and a little explanation is in order. In ballet the pas de deux is the dance duet, generally performed by the prima ballerina and the foremost male dancer in the ballet company. It is the "bravura highlight" of the ballet, at least it is for me, every time I see it. Tonight was no exception.

   The American Ballet Theater is in residence at Lincoln Center this month. 

I've been a fan of ballet since I moved to New York almost forty years ago. I took ballet lessons for a year and had a subscription to the New York City Ballet. It was clear that I wasn't going to become a ballerina -- tough if not impossible when starting lessons at thirty -- but I enjoyed the exercise and gained understanding of what I was seeing on stage. But as the years went by the tickets grew more and more expensive and I am sorry to admit, I started to nod off from time to time. The theater was dark and the music was sweet and if I closed my eyes for a second an entire scene could easily be lost.   

Tonight, however, a generous friend gifted me with a ticket she couldn't use and I was back to the ballet for two of the most splendid pas de deux I've ever seen. The ballet was "Manon," based on a tragic novel of pre-Revolutionary France. The music was lush, the sets were great and the pas de deux just about had me weeping. Once again, the pas de deux captured me. 

Though it was raining when I arrived the night was clear when I left. I enjoyed watching the dancing fountain and then walking to the bus. 

 The Lincoln Center Plaza Fountain

Now it's well past my bedtime and there's a big day ahead tomorrow. I'm keeping it a surprise for tomorrow's post. 

As ever, thanks for visiting. Take good care and happy, happy reading.