Arg! What is a world without innovation?
I had a wonderful time at home this past weekend. I got to sit in the audience and watch the Nutcracker for the first time ever. Ten years of performing, you can imagine how weird it was for me to sit and watch. I longed to be backstage plastering my hair back and applying my fake eyelashes, but at the same time I knew it was time for me to move on. After all, life is about change and we must not cling to the past.
It was remarkably beautiful, bringing tears to my eyes during numerous scenes. The beauty and poise of the young dancers was so impressive. Things about the show that I didn't like I understood for the first time sitting in the audience. Even sequence...all the itchiness is worth it when you see the effect from the audience.
So you can imagine how perturbed I was when I read the "almighty" arts reviewer for the Gazette's review of the show. She said and I quote, "Sorry to be a traditionalist but I think "The Nutcracker" should remain a ballet, not a variety show. Save the revue for the end of the year recital." Well, first of all, if you are going to be so bitchy, you damn well better be able to write. Ms. Liberatore could have holes punched all over in her arguement. The title of her review was "'Malta Ballet' Nutcracker Too Innovative." Too innovative, it makes me laugh. Funny, you would think people would like to see a new twist on a classic. And in fact they do. Good thing Picasso wasn't turned off from painting by some critic telling him his work was TOO innovative.
Now...basically her entire arguement was based on the fact that she went there expecting George Balenchine's Nutcracker...apparently she failed to read the flyer.
And that's my tirade. And you know what's fabulous....Being innovative. Do new and different things, and if you're proud of them, Keep doing them!
It was remarkably beautiful, bringing tears to my eyes during numerous scenes. The beauty and poise of the young dancers was so impressive. Things about the show that I didn't like I understood for the first time sitting in the audience. Even sequence...all the itchiness is worth it when you see the effect from the audience.
So you can imagine how perturbed I was when I read the "almighty" arts reviewer for the Gazette's review of the show. She said and I quote, "Sorry to be a traditionalist but I think "The Nutcracker" should remain a ballet, not a variety show. Save the revue for the end of the year recital." Well, first of all, if you are going to be so bitchy, you damn well better be able to write. Ms. Liberatore could have holes punched all over in her arguement. The title of her review was "'Malta Ballet' Nutcracker Too Innovative." Too innovative, it makes me laugh. Funny, you would think people would like to see a new twist on a classic. And in fact they do. Good thing Picasso wasn't turned off from painting by some critic telling him his work was TOO innovative.
Now...basically her entire arguement was based on the fact that she went there expecting George Balenchine's Nutcracker...apparently she failed to read the flyer.
And that's my tirade. And you know what's fabulous....Being innovative. Do new and different things, and if you're proud of them, Keep doing them!