Cinderella

              I introduce about Cinderella.  The story is almost same one that you know but there are some difference.  Cinderella is a ballet dancer and mother-in-law and her sisters-in-law are also ballet dancer.  However sisters are not good at ballet, so they envy Cinderella because she has great talent as a ballet dancer.  One day, a ball is given in order that star dancer find his partner.  Her mother and sisters go to the ball but she cannot go there.  Then, a fairy shows up and she give dress, toe shoes, and tiara to Cinderella and let her go to a ball.  However there is a condition.  That is to come back by twelve.  In a ball, star dancer dance with Cinderella but she has to go home.  Then, one toe shoes is left.  That is why star dancer goes to Ballet Company around the world to find someone who has the toe shoes…

              The performance that I watched in DVD is very funny.  That is because male ballet dancers play the part of mother-in-law and sisters-in-law.  I would like to this ballet and you can watch different kind of ballet by this performance!

 

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

              Today I’d like to talk about Tchaikovsky.  He was one of famous composers in the world.  He composed the music of “Swan Lake”, “Sleeping Beauty”, and “Nutcracker”.  These ballet were called “three major ballet”.  I think you know these ballet and you have ever listened to the music.  Then, I start to explain about Tchaikovsky.

              Tchaikovsky was born in Russia.  He composed various kind of music, for example, symphony, piano concerto, and ballet music.  When he was 37 years old, he composed the first ballet music, “Swan Lake”.  Unfortunately, reputation was not good.  However, after his death, “Swan Lake” became famous by revised choreography of Petipa who was choreographer in Russia.   He could express music with his characteristic.  In addition, his music is as beautiful as dancer.  That is why many people are fascinated by his music even now.  If you have never listened to his music, I want you to listen to his music!

Toe Shoes

              Today, I explain about toe shoes.  Most female classical ballet dancer wear toe shoes when they dance.  By wearing toe shoes and dancing, women seem to move lightly and fantastically.  However, toe shoes are very hard, so dancing with wearing toe shoes is difficult.  We have to take standard lessons for several years to stand on tiptoe with toe shoes because our bone might transform.  In addition, toe shoes have many kinds.  Hardness and width are different.  That is why dancers have to choose one that fit them.  They have difficulty finding toe shoes with a perfect fit, so they customize their toe shoes.

              For children who learn ballet, wearing toe shoes is admiration but ballet dancers have difficulty, for example, pains and maintenance of their toe shoes.  Now toe shoes are symbol of ballet and toe shoes give off female ballet dancers’ beauty.

Don Quixote

              I introduce “Don Quixote”.  I explained the story of act1, so I explain whole story this time.  However, I explained about act1 before, so I explain from act2.  Act2 begin in a bar.  Kitri and Basilio run away and Don Quixote keeps up with them.  Then Kitri’s father comes and Basilio tries to commit a suicide.  Don Quixote see that and he asks Kitri’s father to allow that Kitri goes out with Basilio.  And then Don Quixote continues traveling and he goes to camping of the Gypsy.  He runs toward windmill which he thought evil and he loses mind.  Then, in his dream he watch that princess Dulcinea, Queen of Forest, and Cupid dance.  After that Kitri and Basilio get married and Don Quixote starts traveling again.

              The scene I recommend to watch is in the forest.  It is very beautiful.  This story is in Spain, so it is passionate and Cheerful.  When I watch this ballet, I get energetic.  Why don’t you watch this ballet when you feel down?