KLRU
Once in a Lifetime Dance
RECEIVED Sat., July 31, 2021
Dear Editor,
A work of thanks to the Chronicle. Had it not been for your article announcing the Ventana Ballet "Night Birds" performance on July 30-31 [“Winging It,” Arts, July 30], I would have had no possible prayer of experiencing a once in a lifetime performance. Admittedly, I am a novice at best, in terms of my ability to experience and appreciate ballet. However, experiencing these five dancers along with their three cello accompaniment observing this performance was a peak life experience for a near 70 year old fart that knows very little about this amazing art form. Even so, anyone in this small intimate audience inside the old renovated church building on East 16th Street who had the privilege of being at the right place and right time will never forget and cherished this gift of quintessential performance.
The very thought of being so physically close to these five exquisite ballet dancers, almost within touching distance, offered a spectacular position that could never be offered on a traditional stage and audience setting.
Then, the crème de la crème. The only source for the music. The soulful, sometimes mournful sounds produced from no more than a total of 15 strings created by picking, strumming and bow dragging from three exceptional cellists.
Any single performer, be it from one of the five member ballet or the three celli demonstrated their own unique virtuosities of stand-on-your own talent offered a combined synergy of performance perfection. This evolved into a triumphant moment for both audience and performer.
Retrospectively, those who missed the experience of this moment, missed an opportunity for the dance to continue in both the mind's ear and eye.
Thank you Chronicle for conveying the opportunity to experience a small sampling of what the Austin community can offer your readership.
A work of thanks to the Chronicle. Had it not been for your article announcing the Ventana Ballet "Night Birds" performance on July 30-31 [“Winging It,” Arts, July 30], I would have had no possible prayer of experiencing a once in a lifetime performance. Admittedly, I am a novice at best, in terms of my ability to experience and appreciate ballet. However, experiencing these five dancers along with their three cello accompaniment observing this performance was a peak life experience for a near 70 year old fart that knows very little about this amazing art form. Even so, anyone in this small intimate audience inside the old renovated church building on East 16th Street who had the privilege of being at the right place and right time will never forget and cherished this gift of quintessential performance.
The very thought of being so physically close to these five exquisite ballet dancers, almost within touching distance, offered a spectacular position that could never be offered on a traditional stage and audience setting.
Then, the crème de la crème. The only source for the music. The soulful, sometimes mournful sounds produced from no more than a total of 15 strings created by picking, strumming and bow dragging from three exceptional cellists.
Any single performer, be it from one of the five member ballet or the three celli demonstrated their own unique virtuosities of stand-on-your own talent offered a combined synergy of performance perfection. This evolved into a triumphant moment for both audience and performer.
Retrospectively, those who missed the experience of this moment, missed an opportunity for the dance to continue in both the mind's ear and eye.
Thank you Chronicle for conveying the opportunity to experience a small sampling of what the Austin community can offer your readership.
Jon Smith
