Golden Gate

Does that motion of raising their leg behind them that golfers often make when reaching down to get their golfball out of the hole qualify as an arabesque? Maybe a fore-th arabesque? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Laughed right out loud... very funny.... Golden Gate

In any event... very glad to have them both, I have high hopes... as does most of the company I think. I don't know if she'll dance, I would imagine that at the most she may teach at some point... pointe... ha ha ha... but with a cross country move and a 10 week old son to busy her, perhaps the stage is not in the forefront of her mind just now. Who knows what the future will bring. How often do ballerina's have children and dance professionally again? Is that common? One of CB's best from the past, 'Michelle Dolighan' has had two children in the last three years (4 years?) and she is teaching in the academy only this last season. It will be interesting to see what new direction it all goes in. It's been a roller coaster over the last few years. [Edited to add: a discussion of Ballerinas and Motherhood has been moved to a thread of its own: http://ballettalk.invisionzone.com/index.p...ic=21619&st=15]

Found out some more yesterday... his wife Sandra Brown was a principal dancer at ABT too... and they have a 10 week old son (busy on many levels!). The CB dancers all agreed to Gil, and I think it's really great that he and his wife have been on both sides of the coin... so to speak. The perspective is greater. Here's an excerpt from Colorado Ballet's press release yesterday: "Boggs is a former Ballet Master and principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre, whose illustrious dance career has spanned 21 years. During that time, he has worked with and studied under some of ballet's greatest names, including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp, Agnes De Mille, Jerome Robbins, Anthony Tudor and Paul Taylor. The Artistic Director Search Committee was formed and began conducting the search process in October 2005. The group, headed by Colorado Ballet Trustee Ann Frick, partner at Jacobs, Chase, Frick, Kleinkopf and Kelley, received interest from over 35 applicants from around the world and consisted of board members, representatives from the musician’s union, two current company dancers, former dancers, two administrative staff members and community activists. The unanimous recommendation to hire Boggs was made by the committee to the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees of Colorado Ballet, and was also approved unanimously. “We were delighted at the response we received and Gil quickly rose to the top,” explained Frick, "Gil's combination of proven artistic and business experience, strong interpersonal and leadership skills, extensive contacts in the dance world, his passion for the art form and his vision for the future of Colorado Ballet promises to take Colorado Ballet to new heights.” Let's look to a productive and positive new future. Golden Gate

Well it's nice he's good at golf too... good enough to teach it and be a past ballet master at ABT... he probably has good BALANCE which is what CB needs desperately. The dancers had a BIG say in this choice, so I am sure he will be fine... but Martin Fredmann cannot be replaced in any way, and he will never be forgotten. Hopefully Gil will give summer lessons... I am a lousy golfer. The Armstrongs haven't been totally gone that long... it just wasn't announced to the press until today. They've been in the wings for a while now. Glad to have them back in the front line again... Liz and Bill are wonderful.

Colorado Ballet has announced today that Gil Boggs will be the company's new artistic director, effective April 1, 2006.

Especially because of that!!

Losing Martin was tough, and the management has been through the ringer, but it's beginning to settle down, finally. Thankfully. I don't like the way the board handled the firing at ALL, but nothing can be done about that. My sincerest hope is that all of those who love the ballet and the dancers will remain through it all... yourself included.

I'll keep that in mind for the future. This one's "OBE". <{POST_SNAPBACK}> It's fine to put those codes up for everyone, anytime they are sent out; the purpose is to fill the seats. The more the merrier! That email special was a good one too - 20% off. There is another email going out this week; tomorrow if it can be managed, that will announce the new season and offer a discount on season tickets. Keep an eye open for that! Thanks for thinking of everyone! Golden Gate

No, they are company dancers. That particular one is very good, but it was a surprise still. CB doesn't cast non-company dancers in anything other than very small/nominal roles.

...THAT puts it in a whole different light. I wasn't aware that companies were in the practice of doing that, and I agree, it is wrong. We all raised our eyebrows when one of the dancers in our Artist I company (three levels down from a principal) was cast (albeit 3rd cast, but still...) in a the roll of Princess Aurora in the fall production of Sleeping Beauty, but that is the first time I've seen unusual casting here... hadn't occurred to me that it might happen elsewhere, and I applaud the dancers who are trying to make sure it doesn't continue. I believe those roles are prestigious and must be earned through hard work and determination over a period of time... not given politically/for financial benefit to the company. Thanks for the eye opener! GG

Noticed on the calendar that the matinee performances for Feb. 18th and Feb 25th of Colorado Ballet's "Cinderella" are still showing; these two shows have been cancelled. As an aside... the "Choreographers Showcase" which runs simultaneously with "Cinderella" is a triple bill featuring a premiere created by Jessica Lang, formerly of the Twyla Tharp company - very good, Paul Taylor's 'Company B', and the one I can hardly wait to see on the stage... Twyla Tharp's "Nine Sinatra Songs", which she choreographed for Mikhail Baryshnikov, the costumes are Oscar de La Renta, and who can resist old blue eyes? - This one premiered in Vancouver in Oct. of 1982 to rave reviews and in the last 23 years has only been produced by 3 other companies... so excited to see the curtain come up on this one... if you are in Denver, don't miss it.

I was so wrapped up in Colorado Ballet's Nutcracker that I didn't surface for air until recently, and I was aware that this was happening (it's a small dance world), but I'd like a little clarification on this one part... forgive me, but I don't understand why this is an issue... CB uses the academy students/apprentices in many of their productions; this season we've done Sleeping Beauty, Nut, and we are about to dive into Cinderella... all of these productions have included parts for the littler ones... and they are very excited to be in them - mutually beneficial... they get to dance with the company, the company gets a full scale production... the students get a choice, it's not a requisite role... the apprentices are paid a very nominal sum, but again, they get the experience with it too... Is it different because of the unionization? CB just unionized but it doesn't take effect until the fall season, so I am unfamiliar with the intricacies of that environment as yet. Can someone clarify please? Thanks!! Golden Gate

Call Cecilia Soriano, she's the VP of Sales/Marketing and she will get you tickets if you mention this to her, it should have been offered to you already... methinks it must have been a sorry oversight. Sincere and deepest apologies to you! [snip] Many thanks- GG

I am fluctuating between being completely elated that Christopher Wheeldon is doing "An American in Paris"... I can almost imagine how wonderful this would be... and I am SICK to my stomach that I won't be in NY in time to see it. In the old debate of "Gene or Fred"... I always picked Gene Kelly, I love that movie, I love Leslie Caron... I am beside myself with delight that Mr. Wheeldon took it and created something with it... and both of us are wallowing in misery that we'll miss it. SO. If anyone gets to see this, I want to hear all about it... a dissertation, if you can manage it. Please and thank you!

It is an enthusiasm for the company as a whole, but more specifically for what the whole is comprised of... of each dancer who gives everything in themselves until they think they can't do it again and then they top it... for the little ones in all the classes in the academy who crowd around the main studio door, peeking in wide eyed and hopeful of a realized dream... for all the staff who come in every day and does everything they can to reach out to the community to give the best experience, and to get as much support for now and for the future so that the company can grow... for the parents, patrons, and volunteers... it really is a very big family at this company, but this is what fires the enthusiasm... seeing what is in my soul come to life before my eyes. As loquacious as I am (pick that up yet?) I cannot find the right words to express the delight and joy I get even being near it... loquacious to a fault, as I try to use too many words... ha ha ha... ah well. You obviously get it. I'm nothing if not loyal. I am very glad to hear about the friends; sometimes it feels like there are so few... and sometimes it doesn't. Martin is my muse and I love him dearly. I have never known a real pied piper like him, a master, an inspiration... He has loved dance since he was 4. I've never known anyone who spent their ENTIRE life doing what they love to do. It's incredible, and losing him was like having the wind knocked out of us... stunned, cannot think, cannot react, lost in the days that followed... it takes a long while to regain one's balance again. To find clear lucid direction. He is doing very well, and I am glad to know that. Several of us still ache from the loss, and miss him terribly. It's so different, he MADE this place, this company- what it is today. Even in his absence, he is still here in so many ways, just around this corner, in that picture, on that letterhead, in the choreography and moves of the dancers - on every banner and ad... little nuances everywhere. He will be for many years to come. Like a single drop of water that ripples off into eternity when it strikes the surface... except he's much more like a waterfall. Thanks for the kind words, they mean a lot.

Haa.... ha ahaa. Forgive me a good laugh. Not flackery... intense passion. I reread my post today and, admittedly... it is a bit strong. Ah well. It's what I was thinking yesterday. ...and yes on my first post... I never do anything in a small way, what's the pointe... ha ha ha... Yes. I have a strong connection. I am a member of the Colorado Ballet staff, but do substantial volunteer work for the Company in many roles. ...can you tell? Have a wonderful day!

1- The article from the Rocky Mountain News offers Mark Shulgold's negative take on the situation. In fact... what a difference a show makes, if you read Kyle MacMillan's latest (Denver Post Fine Arts Critic) - "Ballet sees a reason to smile", it's clear at the other end of the spectrum. 'best the ballet has ever done...' http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_3424971 2- Colorado Ballet has undergone some serious changes in the last year; some painful and some good, but on the whole the result is not bad. Just like with anything else... changes are not easy and take some time to adjust to. It's terribly sad that Martin Fredmann is gone; he is an inspiration and an incredibly magnanimous individual. Anyone lucky enough to know him, and even luckier still to have learned from and danced for him would tell you that. 3- The future of Colorado Ballet is strong, it will definitely find a new direction under a new Artistic Director... for whom the search continues... but the people who support the ballet, the dedicated staff and dancers, the public that attends... these will remain- those who have remained loyal to the company through all the changes in the last couple of years have already seen the hardest part, and the future is bright for this company. 4- As far as perks for the donors... there are still many. Donors do get a couple of free glasses of wine. And a parking pass. And discounted tickets for the season. And "Dance Celebration" was changed to Academy of CB's Stars of Tomorrow; so there is still a free performance, in addition to a complimentary special private showing of "The Turning Pointe" which was a big success. And they get recognition in every program for every ballet of the season... which is a HUGE perk this year considering that Colorado Ballet is performing in the newly renovated Ellie Caulkins Opera House - a 1911 structure that received a $100+ million dollar renovation and is one of the top ten opera houses in the world now... this 45th season of Colorado Ballet; this inaugural year in the new house... what a time to be part of it, to support it, to have your name listed among those who will not let the magic and beauty of this fine art perish... in such an important year. And of course there are the tax perks... as a result of Katrina, the federal tax break for any amount donated to a charitable organization from 08-30-05 to 12-31-05 is taken right off of gross annual income earned. As far as state tax goes, Colorado Ballet is the only non profit organization that qualifies donors for a 25% deduction off of state taxes. ...but they stopped washing people's cars and babysitting their kids. If you feel like you want to be more a part of it; get behind the scenes more, then volunteer. Or drop by the ballet on a Saturday and go upstairs and watch the dancers rehearse. The donations go to support the dancers and the company... but a good portion of it goes toward Colorado Ballet's education and outreach program too. A program that was one of a kind until other companies caught on and saw the enormous benefit. The E & O dept. goes to underprivilegded schools in the disadvantaged parts of the city to give free after school ballet classes, and the kids do performances later on... it's called the Dance Renaissance program... totally donor supported. They also do the 'sensory tour'... a special program that is designed specifically for those who are visually impaired... so that they get a hands on experience at the shows, a narrated performance and back stage tour. This company is a huge passion of mine... obviously. I support it in so many ways and for me, it's not so much 'what perks do I get...' I think that's such a selfish way to look at it... what are you going to give me for supporting you... what's in it for me... no. For me the benefit is realized at the performance. When the patrons walk in... when it's a little girl coming to her first ballet... hand in hand with daddy... eyes wide, the gasps and delight when she sees the dancers transform the stage into a wonderland. The couple who comes in on a special date... or an anniversary... or the older couple who've seen and done it all but they won't miss this show... the group of ladies who are having a 'girls night out'... my favorite was last years Christmas Eve performance of The Nutcracker (2004) at the 'vaudeville' Paramount Theatre - yes it's a terrible place to have ballet, but that will always be such a treasure box for her... as she sat in her chair and her boyfriend walked up onto the stage after the curtain fell and he asked her to marry him... in front of the whole audience... and no one ever heard what she said because the whole crowd exploded in enthusiastic applause and cheering. The benefit is seen in the little girls and boys who hurry through the halls of the company building with excited smiles and breathless giggles. In the giddy star struck awe that comes when the patrons get to meet the dancers after the shows in the lobby, in the faces of the people who have never seen anything so beautiful or graceful or entrancing in their whole lives. Especially in this ugly time of war. What a fantastic escape. The realization that my support enables these dancers... who dance until they cannot stand and are barely breathing... to work harder than anyone I have ever seen at the same thing 100 times until it's perfect, just for an hour on the stage and a few minutes of applause... and the gift of their talent to all those people who came to see something incredible. The gift of a special memory... "Mom, remember when we went to the ballet and saw... wasn't that wonderful?" That's what I get when I donate. I'm hopeful that others get as much if not more, than I do. Golden Gate