Tuesday, 3 May 2005
Culturata
an approximation of the view we had, according to the Paris Opera's online ticketing system
For Heather's birthday, I took her to the ballet last night. We did the same in March (her Christmas present - did I mention that she loves the ballet?), but that was at the modern Opéra Bastille. This time, we saw Rudolf Nureyev's adaptation of Cinderella at the classic - and much more ornate - Palais Garnier.
I guess I'd be hard-pressed to say which I liked better, Cinderella or Sylvia (which we saw in March). Sylvia was a very minimalist show, in costume, decor and the number of the cast. Nureyev's Cinderella was over the top, with a huge cast and a very ambitious set.
Hah - there I go, talking as if I knew anything about ballet, or even enough to critique either show. I bow to Heather's expertise; I can only say that I enjoyed both shows. The motion of the dancers, combined with some superb orchestral music, made me happy to see both shows.
It's times like last night that Heather and I get to realize the full benefit of living in Paris. There are few places where I'd be able to see a top-ranked ballet company in action, simply by hopping on a five-minute train ride from my place.
After the jump are a few snaps that I took with my phone camera. You have the benefit of not seeing the seven-foot tall 13-year-old in a tuxedo, seated directly in front of us.
the stage as we saw it - our view was much less fuzzy, believe me
the giant chandelier hanging over us all - I think it was bought from some guy named Damocles
left side of the chandelier
...and now the right side - get the impression that I liked this chandelier?
the balconies to stage-left (that's to the right of the stage, for normal people)
balconies behind us