Waiting for the Balanchine stamp

[Farrell Fan]

In her article about how Saratogians shouldn't take NYCB for granted (posted by Ari on today's links) Mae G. Banner writes: "There is almost certain to be a first-class Balanchine stamp to honor his 100th birthday on Jan. 22, 2004," and suggests that the Saratoga Springs post office hold a ceremony to mark the occasion. Since I was one of many people who wrote to the Postal Service urging issuance of such a stamp, I certainly hope Ms. Banner is correct. In the meantime, the other day I got a letter bearing a stamp with the likeness of Audrey Hepburn. It is one of the most beautiful U.S. postage stamps ever, in my opinion. Too bad there has to be a postmark on it.

[BW]

Thank you Farrell Fan - I must run down to the Post Office and get ahold of that new Audrey Hepburn stamp...and I do hope that there is a Balanchine stamp in the works, as well.

[carbro]

I had a nightmarish thought on seeing this topic: What if the stamp bears the same artwork as the brochure -- the garish rendering of the Cartier-Bresson photo?

But holding out hope for something more aesthetically pleasing (though not likely as pleasing as Ms. Hepburn), I face a bit of a problem. After a protracted and unsuccessful hunt, I finally located a supply of 34c Leonard Bernstein stamps. Bought a gazillion of them. Still have a surfeit with almost a gazillion 3c make-up stamps Once I supply myself with the Balanchine stamps, I'll probably end up with a lifetime supply of postage, minus the make-up stamps for the inevitable rate increases. :shrug:

[Mel Johnson]

And just consider this: The "definitive" 37¢ stamp is the Purple Heart stamp. That means, for all practical purposes, that it's the permanent design. My grandmother and my father were both Postmasters. Let us hope that the Balanchine stamp is either a comemmorative limited issue, or else not the "definitive" $1.03 first class stamp.

[Giannina]

I'm not sure a ballet stamp is a good idea. The last one we had had a short life because it came just before a postal rate hike. Coincidence?

Giannina

[atm711]

I still have two pages of that 32 cent stamp---and I still can't figure out who the dancer is.

[carbro]

Ballerina Generica Americana, perhaps? :shrug: Although the arabesque line struck me as typically English.

[bellepoele5]

I remember that stamp, my younger sister has a poster of it. I thought the dancer was someone from ABT but I"m not very familiar with ABT so i couldn't say exactly who it was. BUt i hope the Balanchin stamp comes out and is a good rendition of him, I collect limited edition stamps and this would make me collection.

[carbro]

No, Bellepoele5, this was not an ABT dancer.

[Hans]

Shoot! I used to know someone who knew the dancer on that stamp but have lost touch. I think she worked at Capezio in NYC on...is it 54th St.? but may not anymore. I don't know where she danced.