The holidays and ballet have something extremely in common. Ballet is based on a collection of traditions, from how we enter the class, the progression of the class all the way to the final reverence at the end of class. Traditions exist within the very structure of the genre. Holidays also exist from a common theme of family traditions. Luckily in my family, both family traditions and ballet go hand in hand!
My mom, Jacquie, and I have been going to see the ballet ever since I was a little girl. It has since become our tradition to go every year together. I have found that as much support my parents have given me in my aspirations to become a dancer I think it was just as important that they supported me and allowed me to sit back and take a breather from the work and to simply enjoy a beautiful performance. I worked very hard in dance class as a young dancer and continue to work my hardest to deliver amazing classes for my students. Going to these performances every year reminds me that taking a break to be with family is just as important!
As dancers we hardly ever sit back and just simply watch dance. Believe it or not, this is a hard experience for dancers to have. Yes we are watching pieces at competitions, watching classmates in the studio or dancers on YouTube but it is a very different experience going to a live, professional performance. You get to fully appreciate and enjoy the art form.
Imagine dressing up in your fanciest clothes, drinking something sparkly, listening to a live orchestra and seeing the beautiful details on the hand crafted scenery and costumes. As a part of the audience you are able to get lost in the magic of the ballet and its story without worrying about if you’re on next or what move you are forgetting. It’s truly magical- just like this time of year!
So Mommys, Daddys, Sisters or friends, if you are looking for a fun, relaxing, inspiring experience with your little dancer I encourage you to go see a professional dance piece. Whether it be at Canada’s National Ballet performing in Toronto or another company at any time of the year. You never know, it could also be the beginning of a wonderful family tradition.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Interested in just what the National Ballet of Canada’s performance of Onegin looked like? Check out this awesome YouTube trailer:
