BW

Thank you so much Richard and Helena for giving us some background on the lovely and ubiquitous swan! I love hearing about the orgins of these sorts of icons!Wonderful - keep 'em coming! And, if you have any other bits to share with us, please don't hesitate to start a new topic. In my opinion, the more information one can have about the meanings behind things, the more meaningful they become....reminds me, once again, of my many art history classes! Thank you again.

Aubri, does this mean that brave is pronounced bravé and that "bravo" means the same thing in both French and Italian? In French if one were cheering a single person that was male, would it be "bravo" – and for a woman "brava"? Just trying to get this clear so I am sure to say the right thing.

Aubri, does this mean that brave is pronounced bravé and that "bravo" means the same thing in both French and Italian? In French if one were cheering a single person that was male, would it be "bravo" – and for a woman "brava"? Just trying to get this clear so I am sure to say the right thing.

Aubri, do you mean "Brave" because they are brave, in the English sense of the word, to be dancing in the corps!?!

Aubri, do you mean "Brave" because they are brave, in the English sense of the word, to be dancing in the corps!?!

Ed, nice image with Don Jose going for the throat!;) Your story reminds me of how I feel when I watch "the tennis" on TV, or in the flesh, when one of the players misses a shot - a hard one or an "easy' one:rolleyes: - easy for whom? It is so unsportmanlike! It really does annoy me! As it's been said: "There's no accounting for taste"...manners, though, are often learned...but not always! I was just rereading Victoria's post about the children's programs at Washington Ballet in which they're taught the appropriate terms and times to call one's approval out loud. Doris, good for you for using your ability to notspend your money on the card shop's sexist wares! ;) Your reply made me laugh - many thanks for that on this hot Summer's day!

Ed, nice image with Don Jose going for the throat!;) Your story reminds me of how I feel when I watch "the tennis" on TV, or in the flesh, when one of the players misses a shot - a hard one or an "easy' one:rolleyes: - easy for whom? It is so unsportmanlike! It really does annoy me! As it's been said: "There's no accounting for taste"...manners, though, are often learned...but not always! I was just rereading Victoria's post about the children's programs at Washington Ballet in which they're taught the appropriate terms and times to call one's approval out loud. Doris, good for you for using your ability to notspend your money on the card shop's sexist wares! ;) Your reply made me laugh - many thanks for that on this hot Summer's day!

I think the quintessential "swan confusion" is evidenced by Les Ballet Trockaderos version of Swan Lake and The Dying Swan - ronny, if you've never seen this company, you must! They were on BRAVO the other night and, although I have seen them before, I loved every minute!

I am so happy! Thanks sooooo much for the reminder. We saw them at The Joyce two years ago and loved every minute. These guys are good. Don't forget to get your hankies out if they perform The Dying Swan! P.S. Manhattanik, don't you feel you ought to share this with the whole board and place it under announcements?

ronny, I think you ought to check out these books. I've found them awfully helpful and interesting. Perhaps your library has them or you can go up through the Amazon banner on this site (and if you buy through Amazon by entering this portal, a portion will go to help support Ballet Alert...)! 101 Stories of the Great Ballets by George Balanchine and Francis Mason and Ballet 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving the Ballet by Robert Greskovic Both of these books are excellent and will really give you a tremendous amount of detailed information. Be sure to look at both of them, for they are different in their approach to the subjects... I would recommend Greskovic's book first, although I am sure there will be others who'd swear by the Balanchine/Mason book... Greskovic's gives a great overview of ballet history, dancers - everything and he is quite witty!

Just found this thread - beautifully written responses! I am guessing that what makes a dancer's dancer is the same thing that makes me "fall in love" with that dancer - even if I may not know the technique, there is always that certain "something." You all put it so much better than I - many thanks!

Thank you Farrell Fan for bringing this up - I did know about the differences between Bravo and Brava but did not know the plural Bravi (bravee)! I am more in the camp of vigorous and loud clapping. Now that I know the subtitles of the Italian, I may feel more inspired to put a voice to my opinions!

Thank you Farrell Fan for bringing this up - I did know about the differences between Bravo and Brava but did not know the plural Bravi (bravee)! I am more in the camp of vigorous and loud clapping. Now that I know the subtitles of the Italian, I may feel more inspired to put a voice to my opinions!

My heart goes out to you who've experienced clapping from the unthinking audience during the appearance of Queen Myrtha and the Wilis! Here, here! I applaud your replies and may there be many more! Perhaps it will evolve into a learning experience for some of us.

Thanks Alexandra! If anyone else is interested, just remember to click on the little button that says how far back in time you want to go - and pick the beginning! I shall read through the different topics later tonight, I hope.

I was wondering if some of you might be able to expound a bit on the various types of ballet - in the sense of classical, neoclassical and contemporary...? Are these valid terms and can someone explain to the differences, the similarities (if any) and a bit of the history of ballet with regard to the birth and evolution of these different styles. Is the word "style" even the proper term to use? Within classical do we include Vaganova, Cechetti, French, Italian, English, RAD? I think that I have a very basic knowledge from reading, but I would love to hear what our Ballet Mistress and others in the know have to say. I have to believe that I am not the only one out here who gets a bit confused. I would say that ABT is generally considered a more clasical company; NYCB neoclassical, Boston and Washington(yes?) classical, but what about PNB, SFB, Miami, Pennsylvania? And what about all the various international ballet companies?

Thanks Estelle, unfortunately for me - I could only read their history as the rest of the info was in Spanish and sadly, I do not speak it. The City Center site does give a very basic overview and I'm sure you're correct about the term "ballet" being used a bit more loosely than we in the USA are used to.

Thanks Ari! That is what it looked like to me - which seems a bit odd, since one of my daughter's ballet teachers urged her students to attend...perhaps she thinks it would be a good opportunity for them to see other forms of dance?

But I do care!!:eek: So once I learn about a proper fouette turn, then what's next?

In reading around this site, I've noticed a couple of instances when inappropriate applause has been "cited". I'm wondering about this - naturally if one is totally "unsure" one can always wait for the rest of the audience. But aren't there certain times when one is supposed to applaud individual dancers, for example after a soloist or principal does something wonderful? Or for members of the corps? And yet, I have read that some feel that inexperienced audiences applaud inappropriately - as in giving someone too many curtain calls when they don't really deserve them! Is it considered gauche to applaud the 32 fouettes that are whipped off during Swan Lake?

They are performing at City Center in NYC towards the end of next week. I know nothing about them, and the description on this website http://www.citycenter.org/frames/fr_calendar.htm isn't too helpful. Has anyone on this board seen The National Ballet of Spain?

Odette, I think your answer is lovely. I would guess that your very answer rings true for all serious dancers - it would have to be! As a matter of fact, I only recently received a letter from someone telling me that a mutual friend had given up her budding career in ballet - the short version of the explanation was that this person had come to doubt her abilities... When I read your post tonight where you said: I couldn't help but recall this recent letter.Thank you for letting us in on what your own dancing means for you. You're very fortunate to be doing what you truly love.

You know, Ed, that is an excellent point to bring up. I never really thought about it that much but this past winter season after my first night, I began to become a bit nervous about my neighbor...he was especially talkative and a bit too much so...you know "inquiring minds want to know" but I soon discovered he was actually a good soul and never uttered one word during the performance! I had one close call when he attempted to kiss me good bye - but after a quick exit maneuver that one never happened again! The only thing you must be aware of is that sometimes, as in the case of ABT's season coming up, unless you actually go to the box office to exchange your tickets you can be hit with a hefty per ticket fee making these changes. All in all, if one can afford to subscribe and likes the choices, it's worth it in my opinion - even though it seems awfully hard to project one's schedule so far in advance. And usually one's seat mates are quite pleasant.

Hal, there are many costumes that I've seen that I do not care for and some of them are in Four Seasons! Neither am I fond of 50 lbs costumes on anyone, but I still enjoy story ballet's if they're well done. And, story ballet or plotless - a costume can still enhance the dance. I'm sure there are a few good costume designers around these parts that would back me up on this! If only my French was better, I could say "To each his own"!

Now hold on dirac! There'll be no casting of aspersions at 007, I mean, Sean Connery! As for casting my vote, I just can't for - as liebling said - it all depends!