Bonnette

Thank you from me, too, kbarber! Now I can get to work on erasing that image of embroidered cats' heads battering one another.

The instructor in my dance history class (1977) said that "entrechat" refers to the rapid beating of slippers bearing embroidered cat's head decorations in France. I thought at the time that this sounded like a most unlikely explanation, but I've always wondered...I guess by the same logic, "pas de chat" could mean "only one cat" contacting the knee.

She always brought quiet, good-humored dignity to her roles and I liked her very much. She was a gem.

I so enjoy reading about what you're seeing, along with your impressions. One museum I've long wanted to visit is the Musee des Arts et Metiers (http://www.arts-et-metiers.net/) - any plans to go there? It might not be possible to fit it in, there's so much to see and do in Paris! I am so glad that you're enjoying everything, and I hope you will be transported by Mozart tonight!

(Edited to add that this museum occupies the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, fitting so beautifully with the locations you've mentioned.)

A bientot! : : (Sorry, my keyboard doesn't do French keystrokes )

It sounds absolutely heavenly! So glad that Paris has met and exceeded your hopes and expectations. Your description makes me long - even more than usual - to go there.

Blessings to you, your mother and friend!

Isn't it wonderful? I am sure that this documentary will include archival material and great photographs!

Yes! Absolutely wonderful. I am thrilled that this is happening.

Great selection of photos, Cristian, as always!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads here from me, too.

Of his short stories, my favorite was There Will Come Soft Rains; of his novels, Something Wicked This Way Comes. Cooger and Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show! The moods he spun...

Thank you and RIP, Mr. Bradbury.

Thank you for sharing your views, Sidwich. I am glad to learn that you, too, think that the three strongest celebrities are in the finals. And I agree that Cheryl needs some time off to - as you put it so well - "keep the shine on her star." This has been a satisfying season, in that each of the three finalists has squarely earned the opportunity to carry the day.

So weird to be at the age where so many famous people we knew as kids are dying!

And how! Wrinkles and all, in my mind's eye I'm still 18 - on a bad day, no more than 32. Now I can relate to my father's angst when Bing Crosby died.

Though not a big disco fan, I appreciated it on its own terms and loved Donna Summer for many reasons. I didn't realize she had been so ill. As you say, Cristian, it's the end of an era...after Donna, there are the remaining Bee Gees (Robin in very poor health), and then...

Cristian, what wonderful photos to celebrate the day! I thank you and echo your good wishes.

Such a wonderful artist. RIP, indeed.

I, too, would love to know what you think, sidwich!

His memories of the Soviet Union, Latvia, and his parents are quite moving..

They certainly are. I would have loved for the program to last 90 minutes instead of 30, as he clearly had a lot to say - it was riveting and must have been very difficult to edit to fit the timeframe.

Thank you, cantdance.

Grrrrr, my cable guide was wrong. This is actually unusual, and of all times for it to happen! Was anyone able to see the interview as listed?

Thanks so much, Jack! My cable guide shows Part 1 as a new broadcast, midnight EDT on April 11.

Thank you, Cristian! Blessings to you and everyone here.

I, too, welcome you to Ballet Alert. My heartfelt condolences to you on your loss, and also appreciation for the beautiful way you have eulogized your friend and teacher.

Well said Mme. Hermine. Exactly how I feel about the matter and am hoping this "buzz" will produce the long awaited biography to materialize.

Yes, indeed. Perhaps a collaborative effort between Brubach and Lobenthal would be productive - one can but hope!

Thank you, Neryssa, that was a thorough and insightful review...I, too, think that this would be a good time for Lobenthal to finally undertake his dreamt-of biography.

I wasn't a fan, but familiarity bred affection over the years and...I mourn him, too.