The Art of Performance

If there is something I do not like, it's anything attached with the stigma of the word art. How classless and uncultured am I! Let's not be totally ridiculous here. If you're going to say a film or a song is art, then sure I'll go along and say yes I do like those forms of art. However most people tend to associate the word art with non-sense creations that are so off the beaten path and completely senseless. But all you need to do is qualify it as art and it becomes full of deep meanings.

That's just my rant on art. This evening I had the pleasure to witness a form of performance art I rarely come in contact with. No not High School Musical on Ice, that evening is delayed indefinitely. I was able to experience the wonderful world of ballet dancing. Thanks to my dear friend Melanie, we have been asked by the Grands Ballets Canadiens of Montreal to produce a sort of promotional film of the on-goings with the audience, the cast backstage, and any other interesting aspect of the non-show portion of the production. What production is this anyway?

There's only one performance to see around the holidays anywhere in the world, and that's The Nutcracker. Every major city has its own version and Montreal's continues to be one of the best and most popular. So this is a terrific opportunity to get some real work experience with a significant subject. Plus it comes with some great perks. Complimentary floor seat tickets to a sold-out show, full backstage access, the works.

Tonight was mostly to get a feel for what the show is really about, and to get a look at the locations where we will most likely set up to film our different shots. Was it enjoyable? Well I said it 4 years ago about musicals, that I did not care for them, then ate my words after such an enjoyable screening of Saturday Night Fever. A ballet performance does not sound any better. But the excitement of being at the feet of the stage, a real orchestra playing right in front of you, and professional dancers putting it all on the line just makes anything enjoyable. Okay so I did doze off once or twice during the first act. I've been up since 6am this morning and worked all day so give me a break. But after an intermission, and a $7 glass of red wine which I inevitably had to chug as we were called to the second act, I was ready to get into it.

There is no better way to enjoy something than to have a light wine high. Anything seems fun. But in all reality, I did enjoy myself and I congratulate everyone involved with the show for a tremendous performance. I may not be running out to pay $100 for a ticket to see it again before the holidays are over, but maybe in a year or two I wouldn't mind checking it out once more. For those of you fortunate enough to have the chance to see this production in your city, I do recommend it, if only to enjoy the spirit of the holidays.