Before every performance at the Four Seasons Center, the National Ballet of Canada hosts a short lecture on the ballet about to be shown.  Sometimes the speaker is a historian, sometimes a costume designer or, if you’re lucky, a dancer from the company.   The idea is brilliant.  At once, new comers are put at [...]

It is a little known fact that I am in love with Rahm Emanuel.   Initially, this seems alarming, as America’s chief of staff is almost exclusively known for being a combative, political attack dog, prone to unhinged outbursts and oppressive work habits.  In one interview, DCCC executive director Brian Wolff gave this advice to incoming [...]

I don’t know how many times I’ve watched this video.  Four times, today alone.  Polina Semionova is rehearsing an Act 1 solo from La Bayadere, under Vladimir Malakhov’s watchful eye.  Pay special attention to the incredible bourree starting at 2:10.  Are there wheels on the floor?  A string pulling her along?

What makes this solo interesting [...]