...all the exercises given...for the barre should be performed. (Naturally, a beginner would take some weeks at least to learn the movements, quite a time to grow accustomed to them, and—in keeping with ballet as a whole—the rest of his life trying to perfect them!) — Kay Ambrose, The Ballet-Student’s Primer

 

An Occasional Fairy Tale

Guest Writer: Ashley Eaves, LCCB Principal

“Once upon a time,” is a familiar saying for everyone. Growing up, all of us have imagined what it would be like to fly like Peter Pan or to be the beautiful princess awakened with a kiss from her handsome prince. Storybooks and fairy tales have impacted the lives and imaginations of children for many generations and shall continue to have relevance for those to come. I remember imagining what it would be like to meet the characters from these stories such as the menacing evil villain or the kind fairy godmother.

Today, as a dancer with the Lake Charles Civic Ballet, I am allowed to put a face to these remarkable characters. Recently, several dancers and I were able to dress up in the costumes from The Sleeping Beauty ballet for storytime at Central Library located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The children were fascinated as Lady Holly told the tale of The Sleeping Beauty as the ballet dancers tiptoed their way into the hearts of the audience. I was dressed as the evil fairy Carabosse. The children and parents were astonished at my wicked costume, mystified by the Lilac Fairy, and enchanted by the beautiful Princess Aurora.

Needless to say, it was an occasion that made me realize none of us are too old for fairy tales and storybooks.

"A sentimental journey is not good in the theatre unless you can take your audience with you (after all, they have paid for their seats), and to watch a dancer who is enjoying herself in her own way, without reference to theatrical interpretation, is like watching a sleeper who has a smile on her face, and wondering what she is dreaming about." —      Kay Ambrose, The Ballet-Student's Primer

When the dancer has danced, the only thing which remains of the performance is--the length of time it will live in the minds of those who saw it. Kay Ambrose, The Ballet-Student's Primer