Sarees, Sorries, and Saint Petersburg: For a 3 Hour Performance, the Ballet Didn't Feel Tutu Long......

Get it?!

(I thought I'd start things off with a really corny joke!)

Last Wednesday (February 8th), I got to see my first ballet! Not only was I lucky enough to see a ballet in Russia at all, but as a first experience, seeing it in one of ballet's most renown countries was not a bad way to kick things off. For their 1086th performance, the Mariinsky Theater presented Don Quixote, a grand ballet in three acts (6 scenes), which with 3 intermissions took about 3 hours. And YES believe it or not my awkwardly short attention span did make it through every minute, of every scene, of every act, FOR THE WHOLE BALLET!

The story of Kitri and Basilio's forbidden love was beautifully accompanied by dance and orchestra as the audience was captivated by their determination to be together. Through the saving grace of the chivalrous Don Quixote, who is deemed the protector of the lovers, Kitri's father Lorenzo is persuaded to grant Basilio's dying wish-to give their love his blessing. Fooled into thinking he was destined for death, Lorenzo grants Basilio's wish and at the wedding of he and Kitri, Don Quixote attends their wedding as the guest of honor before departing for new adventures.

My favorite part?:As a former theater dork (circa the high school days), who always fancied the work of a good costumer, I do have to say that the colorful and fun Spanish-style skirts did help to hold my attention when the twirling and leaping got to be a bit much for me. Each character's costume helped really helped to bring out the vibrancy of Spanish culture, complimenting both the story and time. Not to mention, how well Espada, Don Quixote and Basilio could pull off tights!

If you are ever fortunate enough to visit Russia, a ballet performance should definitely make your "to-do" list.