So, a couple of months ago my sister in law, always trying to enrich her life with new cultural activities says to me " I have never been to see a ballet and I would really like to go, is that something that you would be interested in?" I said, well.. I've never been to a ballet either and I would be willing to check it out... what's showing? Sleeping Beauty? Oh that should be a good simple story. Should you bring your 7 year old.. hmmm.. noooo I think the ballet might be a little too grown up for her yet.. even if it is sleeping beauty.
a few days before it's time to go, I get a call from my sister in law... she has to work and won't be able to make the ballet. She's going to check with her friend to see if she wants to go with me and will call me back the following day... I don't hear from her, and I get really busy at work so it doesn't even cross my mind again.
The day of the ballet, I learn her friend does not want to go.. so my choices are try to find someone interested in the ballet or go by myself.. because I would feel bad wasting both tickets. I start calling and texting people.. mostly I get laughed at for the mere mention that they might be interested in losing 3 hours of their lives to a ballet... even if it is a sunday matinee. So I get ready and decide I have no choice but to go it alone.
First rule of the Ballet: Dont ask guys to go with you.. you will only be mocked and possibly cursed at.
what does one wear to the ballet I wonder? Is it a formal experience? bah, black dress pants and a button down shirt ought to do the trick. Make up? who exactly am I trying to impress.. I'm going alone. Since I have to wear shoes, it will be my usual sandals. 2:30 already? I gotta go!
I race myself off to the Edison theater at Washington University. Not quite sure of where I'm going, I follow the herd of women in dresses walking hand in hand with their daughters ranging in ages of 4-16.
Second Rule of the Ballet: apparently you should wear a pretty dress, not that wearing slacks will keep you out of the ballet.
I get in and to my seat with minutes before what was supposed to be first curtain. My seats ( I had 2 since I went alone of course) were actually pretty good. center stage, about 8 rows back. I texted friends to occupy my time while waiting to be entertained.15 minutes later it's show time.
Third Rule of the Ballet: don't expect it to start on time, you should have something to do while you wait.
So the show starts and there's dancing.. and more dancing.. and more dancing. hmmm.. why aren't they saying anything? is someone going to sing the story to me..maybe a voice over? no.. it's 3 hours of dancing (with 2-20 minute intermissions making it more like 2hrs and 20 minutes of dancing)
Fourth Rule of the Ballet: don't expect any dialog, read your playbook before the lights go out to follow the story.
after the second intermission, the little girl behind me started getting antsy and kicking my chair (hey I'm antsy too.. don't take it out on me). The mother told her to stop it once, the little girl did not stop and the mother didn't correct her.
Fifth Rule of the Ballet: Don't expect good parenting skills from your fellow audience members
conclusion: it was a long day ending in a headache and strong desire to sleep the whole thing away. Don't get me wrong, I recognized the beauty and difficulty in what the dancers were doing, and I did appreciate it on some levels.. I just think I don't know enough about ballet to appreciate it for what it was.
My last stop friday night was to go see my friend and former boss play drums at Brewskeez in O'Fallon, MO. He has a newly formed 90's cover band named Flannel, and we were all there to show Joe Spink some love.
