Performancing Metrics

11.03.2011

Star Crossed


I had tried out for The Nutcracker twice before, only to receive the devastatingly thin envelope in the mail, breaking my eight year old heart. But this time, I was certain, was different. I was ten now, and practiced every night in my room to a beat-up cassette tape of the fight scene music. I had attended tryouts again this year (along with 250 other little girls) and Moscelyn Larkin herself had asked me to demonstrate the steps. The day the big, fat envelope arrived; I cried my very first tears of joy. That winter, I practiced every day, all weekend every weekend, with a fervor that can only be found in a love-struck child. For I was in love, with the costumes, the way the lights heated the stage, the way the fake snow stuck in my lashes, and the way my body felt when it moved in sync with the music. Ballet made me profoundly aware, even at a young age, of the effect art can have on a person; that we humans can be moved by a sound, a word, a painting, even the delicate movement of an arm, surrounded by (fake) falling snow.

Why do I tell you all this? I wore this outfit to the ballet Wednesday night, to the final dress rehearsal of Romeo and Juliet at the Boston Ballet. I can tell you, I have read Romeo and Juliet. I've watched the Zeffirelli film. I have even seen the ballet before, but never, ever, has the story moved me to tears. Last night, with one, simple gesture (Romeo caressing Juliet's hair), I wept. 



Top: Gap
Skirt: St. John
Shoes: Kate Spade
Sunglasses: Aldo
Watch: Michael Kors

11 comments :

  1. Lovely story and adorable classy outfit! Love it!

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  2. Awww, great story! Would love to take my niece to the R&J ballet!

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  3. Anonymous11/03/2011

    Love this story :) And you look darling, what a perfect outfit for the ballet! So jealous you got to see R&J!!

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  4. I didn't know you were a dancer! I'm going to see Romeo & Juliet with my mom next week. Can't wait.

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  5. Anonymous11/03/2011

    Perfect ballet outfit :) Love the skirt!

    www.chillairandperfume.blogspot.com

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  6. I adore the ballet. Adore it. Isn't it wonderful when you go to a production that is done so well it can have that profound an impact on you? Your outfit was so lovely and your hair was perfection. xoxo

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  7. Beautiful story Kristen. I know I would've cried too. I love both the Nutcracker and Romeo & Juliet. That taffeta skirt is great and a perfect outfit for the occasion!

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  8. Thanks, all! Those of you attending the production- let me know what you think!

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  9. It was great to meet you at the ballet, and you looked fabulous =)

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  10. You looked so beautiful for this fabulous night out. I can't think of the last time I cried tears of joy or was this moved. And that is sad. Maybe time to get some tix to the ballet.

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  11. Great post! Isn't amazing how dance (and art in general) can bring out such strong emotions? I'm so fortunate that I still have the opportunity to dance and share that joy with my students.

    Beautiful outfit! I love how soft and romantic the top is, and your hair is gorgeous!

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