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The Washington Ballet celebrates Balanchine's 100th Birthday

Never before was romance so utterly zany! In honor of George Balanchine's 100th birthday, The Washington Ballet brings his fluttering first act of A Midsummer Night's Dream to the Kennedy Center. With a single drop of potent flower nectar delivered by the impish Puck, immortals and mortals fall under a hypnotic spell that launches them into complete confusion and chaos. The forest is dewy with a frenzy of fairies led by Titania and Oberon, the King and Queen of fairies, all buzzing to Mendelssohn's twinkling score. This greatest of romantic comedies is coupled with Balanchine's Sonatine and The Four Temperaments, a tour de force from his famous black and white period.

Kennedy Center

Anyone going to the Sunday matinee? I'll be there. Can't wait to see Jason Hartley as Puck (I sure hope he's dancing on Sunday!)

Also airing in Maryland, Washington DC metro channel 22 (MPT) 1/14 at 9:30 Parts 1 & 2

Susan: My best ballet experience of 2003 (and in fact of all time) was with my husband too! This was seeing the rehearsal of "Mesmerics" by George Piper Dances at a Sadlers Wells rehearsal studio in London. Just my husband, me and a friend sitting in the corner watching the five dancers work with Christopher Wheeldon for 3 hours. About 1/2 way through my friend had to leave, she had to go to an interview with Matthew Bourne. I asked my husband if he wanted to leave also, thinking he would be completely "done" But he said no, wanted to stay to the end. He usually hates ballet.

For me it is clean lines, wonderful partnering and that unexplainable quality of charisma (similar to simpatico, I think but more commanding).

Adam Cooper has charisma, not always the best technique although there are moments that are sublime, but such a stage presence.

Billy Trevitt, beautiful lines, strong and charismatic.

Michael Nunn, fluid lines, gorgeous movement and he comes into his own with a partner, I must say I have never seen such a marvelous partner. He makes a pdd seem like it's more than the sum of the two dancers (both male and female partners)

Baryshnikov, amazing technique, but for me it has always been his stage presence. He draws me in to the dance, even more so nowadays, than when he danced mostly classical.

Another dancer/choreographer who has caught my eye is Jason Hartley (Washington Ballet), strong and athletic with a certain stage presence that I do hope continues to develop.

There are many others, but these I have seen recently and they made an impression!