Friday Arts Immersion, With Time for Dessert

On Friday, we watched Ballet West rehearse for their upcoming all-Balanchine program.  For three years, we have taken advantage of a standing invitation by the company's Development team to sit in on a rehearsal.  It is a wonderful experience to see firsthand what it means to be a professional dancer, ballet master or mistress, accompanist, choreographer, and occasionally, company director.  I have been so appreciative of this opportunity, and can't thank the company enough for allowing us to do this 3 or 4 times a year! 

Maya has really benefited from these field trips.  First and foremost, she has a highly enhanced appreciation for what it takes to put on a professional dance performance.  She has seen the difficult moments, witnessed falls and frustrations, and observed the creative process as new choreography takes shape.  Not many 8-year-old girls have this sort of life experience to draw upon when approaching their own endeavors. 

Granted, Maya has received special attention from the dancers, such as being given autographed pointe shoes.  That makes for precious memories.  But more importantly, these interactions provide opportunities to develop positive relationships with people engaged in creative endeavors.  My daughter wants to be an artist in some manner or another.  That is not an easy accomplishment.  If she feels comfortable around these adults, and they have a sense of who she is, I believe she will be more likely to approach and ask for guidance when it is needed. 

Maya has already seen the impact of simple face-recognition in the hallways before her own ballet classes.  She is greeted by dancers and company professionals with a warm regard that makes her feel a greater part of the organization than just a lowly, nameless Foundations I student.  Every time a company member or employee says hello to her, she reports it as if it was the most important moment of the day.  We all thrive when we feel engaged and acknowledged by people we respect and admire.  Children are no different.  Regardless of whether or not Maya becomes a dancer, these positive emotional experiences will color all her days. 

On Friday, we were lucky to see both Serenade and Agon, very difficult, intense pieces.  In between rehearsals, the dancers relaxed in a variety of ways, including a game that entailed bouncing a tennis ball into a cylinder.  Maya was clearly enjoying observing the anticipation of the game; would they make it?  Would they fail?  Suddenly, one of the Principals gestured to Maya and asked if she wanted to join them.  I think she was somewhat flabbergasted, as she so admires the dancers, so I gave her a nod and gentle nudge, and off she went.  She very nearly made her first attempt, the ball narrowly bouncing off the tube's edge.  An audible response from the dancers really got her excited to participate in their game.  Fun ensued.

After the rehearsal, we went to our favorite local vegan restaurant, Vertical Diner.  Dessert was enjoyed!

 

Brownie Sundae

Amusement with distorted reflections in cutlery.

In the evening, we attended the Utah Symphony, showcasing Will Hagen's performance of Bruch's Violin Concerto #1.  Hagen is a local 17-year-old prodigy.  He was featured in a newspaper article this week, so Maya was excited to hear him.  We enjoyed his performance very much, making a nice end to our arts immersion day. 

For a parent engaged in an experiential learning endeavor, this particular Friday was pure gold.  Maya's day wasn't spent amid ringing bells, among a herd, and in obedience or defiance of adults.  It was lived freely, out in the world, and learning flowed naturally.