Stecyk

First, I deliberately made no mention of any specific actors. Given that this stuff might be still be unsettled and before the courts, I'd like to avoid any specific references. Second, if what you say is true, then you have served only to prove my points--that is, words and media combined can be lethal. Without a media recording, it was a he said, she said argument. The comments themselves were still toxic and reprehensible, but in doubt to many. Once the doubt was removed, the damage to all was done. And last, this a minor point, please, if you emphasize part of my quote when quoting me, say so. Otherwise, it appears as though I had emphasized something, when I hadn't.

Without meaning to be mean, do you think what a fashion designer is allegedly to have said while in an inebriated state would affect what fashioniestas wear? As we have seen, a few misplaced evil comments can ruin a person, his reputation, and his work. Luckily, the team--in this case a company--simply terminated him. Words combined with media are powerful.

I read his blog post. Although I found it interesting, I also found that I disagreed with some of his comments. I Can Tweet Bad All By Myself by Devin Alberda Protecting the company's interests is certainly a subjective criteria. Indeed, many would simply apply the rule our mothers' taught us, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Others might be more liberal as to what is acceptable or permissible. Me, I'd probably ask myself: Does this tweet or blog entry further the goals or aspirations of the company? So which is it? Is it protecting the company's interests or pushing it too far? But if you always protecting the company's interests, then hyperbolic tendencies ought not matter. Of course, there's a difference between Sandra Bernhard and Richard Pryor and Devin Alberda. The former were soloists, free to capture the imagination or scorn of their fans without repercussion to others on the team. The latter is a part of a larger and more important whole. What he does might influence how others perceive not only him but his company as well. I am not offended by Alberda's comments. However, if I were part of his company, I am not so sure I would be as neutral. Especially in these challenging economic times, I would want everyone doing their reasoanable best to make the company better. As with any organization, there will always be something, something negative or unpleasant that needs to be addressed. Those issues, regardless of whether they are in the public domain, are likely better addressed behind closed doors where frank, honest, and hard discussions can take place without adding further injury to the company.

It's unfortunate that we citizens do not or unable to support the arts with more passion, interest, and funding. I suspect that if Canadian National Ballet were able to attract a larger audience, requiring more showings, then each show might be profitable. But with so much preparation and fixed costs going into each production and only a few showings, it's tough to make the numbers work. With the economy in a funk, it is certainly a challenging time for artists.

Balancing the books a delicate act for ballet Please see link above for complete article. Below is an excerpt.

I will be pleased to comment. I am sure to enjoy the ballet. In fact, there are two ballets that evening. Serenade & Vigil of Angels

@ Anthony_NYC: Thank you for clarifying the New York deadpan humor. It escaped me, so I am glad you added your comment. @ carbro: I am positive that I will enjoy the performance. I am looking forward to increasing my knowledge and understanding. Thank you everyone for your sharing your enthusiasm and comments.

Indeed it is. There are a few excerpts that caught my attention. Company Accused of Firing Over Facebook Post Working conditions or unionization are allowed. [emphasis added] Drinking after-hours is unrelated to work. I'd still err on the side of caution. This article seems to suggest that law is somewhat murky. I know many companies, however, have restrictive policies. Some even fire employees if they discuss their wages. And according to this article, you are allowed to discuss wages.

Employers can and do restrict what employees do and say on their personal time. They are not censoring a dancer. The dancer's right to free speech is still available, just not as a dancer working for that company. In other words, the company won't prohibit a dancer from voicing his or her opinion. But the company will prohibit employing a dancer who is making disparaging remarks or perceived to be harming the company. This practice is quite common for most traditional companies where employees sit in a cubicle all day long. At many companies, employees are prohibited from talking to the press. That's the role of public relations companies. And if you consider sports, look at what happens to Mark Cuban when he speaks his mind. Going back to restrictions in the article, they don't seem overly onerous. Those rules seem fair. With regard to Alberda learning that his actions are not going to help his career, it's a painful lesson to learn. Not only has he harmed his career with his current company, but he has also harmed his potential career with others. Others will usually shy away from controversial people, for they consume too much scarce energy. One of the disadvantages of being on a team--whether in a traditional corporation, a sports franchise, or a ballet company--is that you sometimes have to suppress your opinions. When you fly solo, you are free to speak your mind.

jsmu, thank you for your thoughtful and eloquent post. I will be watching the imagery, not trying to determine any plot or storyline. I am looking forward to the experience, for I know it's going to be a great introduction to a new art form. Again, thank you for your post.

NYC Ballet considers social media guidelines (excerpt) Article should be available without subscription as it points to the following site: http://www.nola.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/nyc-ballet-considers-social-media-guidelines/70010ea4cb93436f9ff52c91832f0c5f If unavailable, use your favorite search engine for NYC Ballet Social Media. Edit: Moderators, this is likely in the wrong section. Feel free to move to "links."

To play upon the Simon and Garfunkel's lyrics from The Boxer. Still a woman sees what she wants to see And disregards the rest I suppose we are all selective. We focus on that which we deem important or beautiful and disregard the rest.

I am not at all worried. I am predisposed to like it. I will be looking for reasons to enjoy the ballet, not to see whether it measures up to my standards of entertainment. As I mentioned in my opening post, I enjoy photography. Although not a good photographer myself, after several years of exposure (pun intended), I have developed my own tastes. I know why a photograph, technically, usually appeals to me or doesn't. As we experience new art forms, it takes a while to develop an appreciation. With this thread, I am hoping to jump start my education. Of course, I will allow the experience to sink in. However, if I know what I should be watching for, then my appreciation of this art form will be even stronger. I believe the Alberta Ballet has a strong reputation. So, from my viewpoint, the challenge is on me to find the beauty and enjoyment in the ballet. I am aware, of course, that if expectations are too high, there is no where to go but down. I understand that. So I don't have any expectations to be awed or entertained. Instead, I expect to view an artform and to challenge myself to learn and appreciate it. Like most everything that is worthwhile, learning and appreciating will take time and effort. The good news is that I expect it to be an enjoyable journey.

vipa, I will most certainly come back and provide my thoughts. I am really looking forward to the ballet. As with anything new, it takes a while to develop an understanding and critical eye. Obviously, I don't possess sufficient background to fully appreciate the ballet. Even so, I am sure that I will enjoy the experience.

Thank you for the helpful reply. Given that I have two weeks, I will be sure to watch some YouTubes. And I completely understand your comment about shielding yourself from the sun.

Thank you for your reply Helene. I had not realized that this ballet is a signature piece. I am positive that it will be a visual feast. Again, thank you for your reply.

When I called in to purchase the tickets, I mentioned that I was unfamiliar with the ballet and Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Because I called late into the season, about two weeks prior to the show, and wanted one of the better locations, I beleive my choices were somewhat limited. I don't recall if the balcony seats were still available. Perhaps they were. As I recall, I am off to the side in a raised portion. In any event, I am sure that I'll enjoy the performance.

This post was originally posted at Ballet Talk for Dancers. Being a newcomer to the world of ballet, what should I look for in Alberta Ballet's upcoming performance of George Balanchine's Serenade? Or, put differently, as a newcomer, how can I derive the most benefit from this performance? I know to most of you, my question seems odd or, perhaps, obvious. If you were advising someone like me, who has no background in dance, what would you say is important? Perhaps given my question, you are curious as to why I am even bothering to attend. One of my passions is photography, and having seen many beautiful photographs of dancers, I am attracted by the aesthetics. In past threads, I have highlighted some of Joe McNally's photographs of dancers. Through his photography, he captures a certain majesty and purity. I am not sure exactly how to describe his photographs or why I like them, but I do. And having been following this forum for a while, I am even more intrigued. I am impressed by the passion, commitment, and physical requirements to be a dancer. I find the ballet world is so different and so foreign, just as my world is equally different and foreign to dancers. And, that's part of the magic. I am looking forward to learning more. I am reading Apollo's Angels by Jennifer Homans, though I am still near the beginning. So if anyone has suggestions as to how I can derive the most enjoyment from the upcoming ballet, I would be most appreciative. As an addendum, gav indicated that NBoC publishes "Ballet Notes" for each ballet it performs. Here's the one for Serenade: http://www.ballet.ca/pdf/education/BalletNotes/Alice.pdf.