ballet explained (kinda)
ballet bingo
I made you something. It’s a little game to augment your experience the next time you attend a ballet performance. It could also be useful when you’re forced to sit through one of those four-hour dance recitals that your kid is in. (God help us all.) Click here to download your Ballet Bingo sheet.
Read Morewho’s the worst?
During our time together, you’ve learned all about four of the world’s most famous ballets. Congrats! You’re on your way to becoming a bona fide balletomane! You’ve also learned about four of the world’s most famous jerks: Duke Albrecht, Solor, Franz, and Prince Siegfried. But who’s the worst? Whaddya think? Cast your vote below! (Read…
Read Moreballet explained: swan lake, act 4 {finale}
Back at the lake, Odette and the other swans are inconsolable. The spell cast upon them can’t be broken now that Prince Siegfried has pledged his eternal love to the wrong beast at the Betrothal Ball. Prince Siegfried finds the swans on the shore comforting one another. He runs to Odette and explains that von Rothbart…
Read Moreballet explained: swan lake, act 3
It is the evening of the Royal Betrothal Ball. It’s a lavish affair, and everyone is excited for Prince Siegfried to pick a bride. There are a lot of potential roommates at the event, but Siegfried’s still into the idea of hooking up with Odette, despite the fact that for most of the day she’s a…
Read Moreballet explained: swan lake, act 2
Deep in the woods, Prince Siegfried has ditched his friends and finds himself at a lake. There are some beautiful white swans there, and one of them looks extra sparkly. That classy swan is Odette. Naturally, Siegfried’s first instinct is to murder her with his new crossbow. Siegfried raises his weapon and takes aim at…
Read Moreballet explained: swan lake, act 1
Our story takes place long ago in the Land of Impulsive Decisions. It is the evening of Prince Siegfried’s 21st birthday, and he’s celebrating with his tutor, friends, and some peasants. Remember when your parents made you invite your entire class to your birthday parties? It’s like that. The soirée is a real rager – or at…
Read Morecoming soon: swan lake
ballet explained: coppélia, act 3
READ ACT 1 | ACT 2 It is the day after Franz was almost murdered and Swanilda destroyed a man’s life. The town is preparing for the wedding of the pair because – as in most ballets – the female lead has completely forgiven the asshat she’s been dating for his indiscretions. Wedding attendants and guests…
Read Moreballet explained: coppélia, act 2
READ ACT 1 HERE The curtain rises on Doctor Coppélius’ house. Inside the dimly lit workshop, Swanilda and her friends investigate the space which is filled with life-sized mechanical dolls. Like the characters in any decent horror movie, the girls ignore the stench of heartbreak and desperation, and lack the good sense to flee before being discovered. Instead, they wind up the…
Read Moreballet explained: coppélia, act 1
Our story begins long ago, in a small European town. It’s a bright and warm summer’s day, and a festival to celebrate the arrival of a new bell is set to begin. (People in the days of yore were really into ding-dongs.) Behind the doors of a tiny wooden house lives Doctor Coppélius, a toy-maker…
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