As a child I always wanted to be a ballerina and dance on my toes. Instead my parents signed me up for accordion lessons. If I’d known how hard toe dancing was then, I probably wouldn’t have minded the accordion. The special pointe shoes help keep your toes together, but the dancers still have to have tremendous strength in their feet and legs.
Courtesy of Pacific Northwest Ballet
While watching the Pacific Northwest Ballet School’s production of “Snow White” in Seattle this past weekend, I marveled at how many of the dancers spent prolonged periods of time on their toes. What a feat.
All the footwork looked clean and crisp. The 70+ students performing showed extreme flexibility and graceful movements at every turn. This was the opening performance of “Snow White” yet everyone seemed well-rehearsed.
I went to see this ballet with my daughter and three-year-old granddaughter, Kita. I thought Kita might fidget or even have a full-blown melt down having to sit still for awhile, but she never once took her eyes off the dancers. Upon arrival we were given a booster cushion for her to sit on so she could easily see the stage. Of course, there was a lot of movement on stage, brightly colored costumes and a King who narrated the action.
As you probably remember, in the story the Evil Queen, Snow White’s stepmother, wants to be “the fairest of all.” Every time she asks her mirror who is the fairest, it replies, “Snow White.” In order to get rid of her competition, the Queen tries to harm Snow White in a number of ways. Finally, disguised as a beggar woman, the Queen tempts the fair young maiden with a poison apple. Snow White can’t resist, takes a bite and falls into a deep slumber. It’s not long before a handsome young Prince happens by (after all it’s a fairy tale), falls in love and wakes Snow White.
When the Evil Queen discovers her nemesis is still alive, she tries to put a curse on the mirror and becomes caught in her own image for all eternity.
The entire ballet lasts an hour, which is just perfect for young children. At the end, the dancers were met with some well-deserved, thunderous applause.
There are only two performances left: Noon and 3:30 p.m. on March 25 at Seattle Center’s Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. For tickets, visit www.pnb.org or call (206) 441-2424.
Kita trying to decide which flavor of milk to try next at the Purple Cafe.
We stopped for lunch at the Purple Café and Wine Bar in downtown Seattle prior to the ballet. There Kita was served a milk flight – glasses of white, chocolate, strawberry and caramel milk, which kept her entertained until her food arrived. All in all it was a totally kid-friendly outing.
Sounds like a great time and something to see for the kids!
I remember being fascinated by the dancers’ feet when I was little. Sounds like a fun outing!
I survived one year of ballet lessons when I was young, before begging my mother to let me drop out. At the recital, dancers of all ages ended up on stage together. My class’s contribution was to bourré across the stage together in one, long line, wearing flower costumes that itched like hell around the forehead and neck. Good riddance.
But as much as I hated taking lessons, I now LOVE to watch dancers. I admire their grace and their strength and the way they move. Sometimes, I think to myself, I wish I could do that. Then I remember being a young flower, and I think, better them than me. 😉
Funny, I always wanted to be a ballerina, too…AND played Snow White in our 2nd grade production. My proudest moment 🙂
sounds like a lovely, family centered event. I hope you’ll have the chance to report back on other Pacific Ballet School productions, and other dance events in the area.
A Milk Flight! How cool. And that production of Snow White sounds wonderful. There seems to be a resurgence in fairytale themed shows and movies, which is probably migrating to other arts, too. Looking forward to Snow White and the Huntsman.
I took ballet for a few months before my mom figured out I was only going for the cookie snack that we got at the end of practice. Obviously, my interests were in a different area.
Holy cow! That’s a lot of milk. It sounds like a lot of fun though. I’ve never been to the ballet, but I fear I’d be sitting in my seat feeling like a moose compared to all the tiny ballerinas.
What a fun experience. Growing up my mom used to take me to to matinee opera performances–I learned to love opera in that kid-friendly setting. So what was Kita’s fav milk flavor?
Her favorite was strawberry and she took that one with her.
I LOVE the milk flight. And wish there was a Snow White ballet near me to take my granddaughter to. I took a year of ballet and a year of toe ,and yes, I’ll never forget the lambswool and the agony. But I’ll never forget the feeling that clunky me could be graceful for an hour.
I was pushed toward the piano, instead of the accordion, but always thought I could have made it in toe shoes. Looking back, my mother was right.
Looks like a wonderful production—I love the picture!
My granddaughter would love this. Funny how Snow White is so popular this year, what with this ballet and the two movies …
Love the idea of a milk flight. (Though, heavens, that’s a whole lotta plastic headed for the landfill!) As for being a ballerina? That never even crossed my mind as a girl. 😉
I have fond memories of getting a glass of chocolate milk – such a treat, we weren’t allowed sugary foods in the house – after seeing the ballet or musicals in downtown Pittsburgh growing up. Glad kids are still having that experience!
The milk flight is a fun idea. I think taking the women of the family (grandmom, mom and daughter) is a wonderful bonding experience. I remember when my mom and I took my daughter to see the Nutcracker. So much fun.
Heading to Seattle next week, Heather, with my teen. Purple Cafe might be on our list for milkshakes, thanks for tip.
These are the kind of events from which memories are made and traditions are created.
I know the girl who playing snow white!!