Off Topic...

I know, I know, for me to post on anything other than ELA content or literature is unusual in the extreme - however.... As you may, or may not, know I LOVE ballet. Actually classical music, opera, and the ballet, but ballet in particular. Last night I watched Snow White, a ballet composed and conducted by Emilio Aragón, Spain's popular conductor-composer. The lead was danced by Tamara Rojo. The ballet premiered in 2005, the DVD was released in 2008. I am not a fan of modern dance in general, and I make no secret, or apology, for being an avid Russophile. I will watch virtually anything provided the lead dancers are Russian or the ballet is performed by the Bolshoi or Kirov (now Mariinsky). That being said, Snow White was magnificent. The music was achingly beautiful and the choreography by Ricardo Cué was very classical; not Petipa, but beautifully done. The story is so well known even children will have no trouble following the ballet. This DVD would be a great way to introduce young children to classical ballet. I can't wait for Maureen, my friend and former principal, to return from Florida so we can have another ballet night, at which Snow White will be the featured performance. If you enjoy ballet, or even if you don't, I highly recommend you check out this production of this classic fairy tale; then, of course, you can move on to the Russians. :)