ALL Diverse and ALL Stunning - PNB's All Premiere

ALL PREMIERE
Pacific Northwest Ballet
November 2-11th, 2012
McMcaw Hall, Seattle

Featuring Premier Pieces by:

Mark Morris, Kiyon Gaines, Margaret Mullin and Andrew Bartee

We attended All Premier opening night, which is fun in itself, its the night to see the who's who of ballet, to get all dressed to impress and hope you rub shoulders with someone fabulous - in addition to seeing the premiere pieces from a select few amazing choreographers of course.

The evening opened with the premiere of core member Andrew Bartee's piece, Arms that Work.  The stage lights to show a marvelously crafted prop that spanned the length of the stage and almost looked like a harp but with bands for the dancers to work with and around.  The two dancers out of the gate were Kaori Nakamura and James Moore.  Both show true elasticity with Bartee's movements and embodied the soul given with the dance.  The costumes were STUNNING.  Nuetral tans, linens, modern shapes and designs.  Easily could be in Spiegal's Spring catalogue. I found myself wanting the women's tops. This piece showed such a different path than what the New Works and All Premieres of the past have shown, I was so happy to see something refreshing, new and off the beaten path.  Bravo to Peter Boal for taking a chance on something that was truly a risk. The dancers that stood out for me: Carrie Imler by far was the highlight of not only this piece but the evening for me (more on her later),

Ezra Thomson and new core member Sarah Pasch almost out did vets James and Kaori as far as seamless partnering and electric chemistry, and newest core member, Angelica Generosa was surprisingly wonderful as well!  The only part of the piece that had me question and turn my head sideways like a pondering pooch, was the strange troll-like movements and lurking of Jessica Anspach on the sides - that would have been intriguing if done subtly and smooth but almost seemed a bit overacted and severe.  I thought her brother Barret Anspach's music was gorgeous however lacked the intensity I thought it needed at certain parts of the piece.  Overall we were not only impressed but so happy to be experiencing this art at PNB.

The next piece was company member Margaret Mullins piece - Lost in Light.  Reading the background on this piece about taking the saddness of a loss and finding your happiness - I was prepared for deep poetic emotion.  This isnt to say Mullins didnt deliver or that I was underwhelmed, but rather it was a bit more pleasing to the eye than the emotions.  I didnt feel as though it dug as deep as it could have.  Whether that is the fault of the choreographer or the dancer, is up to opinion.  The dancers in this company that I enjoy the most are the ones whos strength, joy and humility shine through their art when they perform.  The beauty of reps like this is that you have a chance to see members of the company that arent seen as much as some of the soloists and principles are.

I felt that pairing of Jerome Tisserand and Kylee Kitchens was gorgeous and easily out shined the others.  At times I have found Kylee emotionless from the shoulders up and not a favorite, but Jerome brought out a lighter, more expressive side of Kitchens which was refreshing and showed in every step she took.  While long legs and lines are appreciated in dancers, I find that if they aren't giving me anything upstairs, I quickly loose interest.  I was quickly aware who Carli Samuelson was, as she looked wonderful and danced beautifully.  Overall Mullins piece was soothing, sweet and lovely but I am a sucker for a bit more drama and depth.

Mark Morris's piece, Kammermusik No.3, had been veiled in secrecy for months, all of his rehearsals had papers on the windows allowing zero sneak peeks or leaks of what he had in store.  Whispers started - words like "monumental" and "epic" were flying around the PNB School.  The thing I enjoy about Morris's work is how picturesque he is, at times I thought I was seeing a revival or remix of some of the West Side story choreography - especially with the men.  The music was what gave it that epic feel - the cello predominately stirring your emotions.  The piece opened with Carrie Imler, who I like to call the PNB Rock.  She is always strong, dependable and amazing.  All of the men delivered fantastic performances, so solid and so in tune with each other.  Morris's movements are so intentional, and the PNB dancers really handle his style quite well.  There were a few that fell short in this piece that I thought made the movements seems labored and harder than they should have, however the more seasoned dancers easily shifted the focus.  In the end Morris's brilliance was realized.

Last but most definitely not least, was soloist Kiyon Gaines piece, Sum Stravinsky.  I have enjoyed Gaines as a dancer for years, and missed him last year during his injuries.  However I didnt know what to expect of his choreographing abilities and seeing no teasers or anything - was gleefully surprised.  I like to say I was doing my Zack Woodlee hands (only Glee Project fans will get this) during his entire piece!  This piece regressed me to a 10 year old giggly girl who saw real life ballerina dancing in a tutu for the first time.  That is the mood and feel of this ballet.  Sheer happiness with a lovely spirit.

Carrie Imler, principle dancer, danced the best I have ever seen her. She was glowing, nailing every line, move, turn.  Just made everything seem effortless and focused on her sheer joy for the art. Paired perfectly with my fellow Italian Jonathan Porretta - their joy and energy was magnetic! The tutu's. Can I say I am in love with a tutu?  A gorgeous light, blue and other hue tutu that had a different hue and cut different for each lead female dancer.  When Maria Chapman came out with the one shouldered version I died. You could tell she felt gorgeous in it.  Her smile was as vibrant and amazing as her arched feet.  The principle dancers truly showed us why they are in the positions they are in this piece.  In the music industry we say - they left in on the floor.  They truly put every thing they had into Gaines work and even though all the works were amazing - it was evident that this was the performance of the night.   

If I had to rate the performances in order of preference, I would say Gaines, Bartee, Morris and Mullin.  But truly all of them were gorgeous pieces of work, each coming from the heart and soul of a gifted and talented dancer and choreographer. 

This weekend is your last chance to see All Premier - tickets are available at http://www.pnb.org or at the box office day of show. 

Lunchbox Laboratory - Well worth the experiment!!

LUNCHBOX LABORATORY
1253 Thomas St, Seattle, WA
(206) 621-1090
Open 11am to 11pm Daily
http://www.lunchboxlaboratory.com 
(also have a location in Bellevue)


We decided to give this place a try after some friends, who know our love for good quality food, recommended it to us, saying we would not be disappointed.  (Shout out to the Berg's!!) I must say I had my doubts.

We went to the Lab late on a Sunday, hoping they would be open.  With only a few tables and an hour before close, I was already thinking like a sceptic.  Then I read what was on their sandwich board sign out front:  "where 6 pieces of bacon...is just average!"...and I realized, I was home.  Decorated with vintage and classic old lunchboxes, we found ourselves pointing out favorites and marveling and ones we didn't know existed.  There was an arcade upstairs that we were all very tempted to go up and see, but we told ourselves we would go there next time, when we had more time and they weren't closing.

Our waitress was cute, sassy and fun and didn't give us that "Ugh I was hoping to go home soon" look when she greeted us.  That's always nice.  I quickly ordered one of their vodka infused drinks that looked so fun, the two men had beers, when she asked what kind they just said "Whatevers big, comes in a BIG glass lol" they pounded their chests and carried clubs too.

Our teenager was trying to stop from hyperventilating to give her drink order.  You see she had just read on the menu that they had NUTELLA shakes.  She needed CPR from the cute male bartender immediately she claimed.  She was going to have to settle for the shake, a close second.






We began perusing the menu, so many fun items, so little time!  Immediately the MINI CORN DOGS were pointed out to me.  Brilliance.  We called waitress back over as fast as possible and asked for 2 orders of them.  Bite size corn dogs on a stick. Hand dipped and fried as they are ordered.  They were DELICIOUS and between the 4 of us, gone in 2 minutes.  






The decision as to what burger to order was so difficult.  I am a burger foodie snob.  I admit it. I am constantly on the search for the best burger in the world.  There are categories though, there are trashy middle of the night grease burgers, there are shishi Kobe onion crusted $40 burgers and just sometimes you can find a mix of both.  Something that is messy and a bit greasy but also won't slide through you and has quality ingredients.  Imaginative combinations is a plus, and LL most definitely had that.  They also have things for those not wanting burgers - which oddly neither male with us wanted.

I ordered the Santa Fe Slammer – Super-beef patty, Colby jack cheese, bacon, lunchbox onions, Anaheim green chilies, Papa’s homemade BBQ. They cooked it exactly how I asked, medium rare, more pink than usual.  The bacon, chilies and BBQ sauce were all a perfect dance together.  I wanted a bottle of their BBQ sauce to take home with me!  Tater tots on the side, a soft but lightly toasted bun and ALL my fixings fresh and on the side -  made this one of the best burgers I have ever had.

Those with my group ordered the Dork (and Pork and Duck patty) as well as the Burger of the Gods (key ingredient is the Gorgonzola) and they were all moaning and grinning as they demolished their meals.

I must say - being a bit of a picky restaurant patron - I have high expectations when it comes to presentation and plating.  For a place that specialized in burgers, I was quite impressed with their plating.  Each burger was served on long rectangular plate with the side you choose in a nice bowl, very modern/chic looking.

 Normal restaurants have "specials" well LL has "Experiments" which are not only imaginative and hilarious but most of the time delicious and current event based lol!  For example on this weeks list:

Donald Trump vs. The Birth Certificate --

Dork, Cheddar Cheese, a mix of Sweet Brown Sugar Marsala Onions and Crushed Pineapple, and Pineapple Mayo!  Priceless!!

We enjoyed our meal and service at this joint tremendously and have raved about it to everyone we can!!  Give them a try, you won't be disappointed!!

RATING! *****  5 out of 5!

Rebirth - it stays with you long after the movie is over

“We sometimes encounter people, even perfect strangers, who begin to interest us at first sight, somehow suddenly, all at once, before a word has been spoken.”

— Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment

Released: 2011

Director: James Whitaker

This quote is the words I needed to express my connection to this movie, and to one of the people in the film.  I recently watched a movie called Rebirth.  A documentary that came out last year, shadowing 5 people who were horribly affected by 9/11, over 10 years this movie documents the healing process after experiencing something so unimaginably tragic and unexplainable.

I have watched a lot of 9/11 documentaries, movies, interviews - like most people - I was not touched in my own family, but jarred and emotionally effected at the loss it was for our nation, and for anyone who lost a brother, sister, friend, mother, father, aunt, etc.  Over the last few years I have tended to steer away from these movies, because honestly they make me sad, make me cry and as someone who wasn't directly affected, at times I feel bad for my tears - like I don't deserve them. 

My late brother Jimmy - who would have been 31 this year - was living in NYC when the attacks occurred.  We were panicked.  He got a hold of us that day, saying he was fine.  He was obviously shaken, sad, confused, angry.  There was darkness in his voice.  A few years later we traveled to NYC for a few days, on the way to CT for his Yale graduation.  I wanted to see Ground Zero - but never did.  Did I try very hard to go? No. Part of me dreaded it.  The cloud of darkness was still looming around my brother and his graduation.  Later sadly we will learn that cloud was a much bigger issue, mental issues.  And in 2007 - at he age of 27 - my brother jumped out of the 9th story of his office building in Atlanta. 

What does this have to do with this movie about 9/11?  I began to watch it one afternoon.  Within minutes of beginning a young boy - if I had to guess he had to have been 17 or 18 - named Nicolas Chirls.  He had lost his mother, who was working in the World Trade Center.  Was it because I was a young mother and the story tugged at my heart? Sure.  But it was more than that. This movie showed the different types of grief and processes of healing. It was in his eyes. The way he held himself.  This young man, was so real, so honest, but also so together and composed.  Not stoic, but solid.  The memories he shared or chose to share were so exposed and vulnerable, but the way he presented them was like they were on a plaque - with true memorial, honor and recognition.  He was so thoughtful and careful at such a young age to his grief process.  Giving himself room to be angry, but also to miss her and need to just "smell her hair". 

  During the middle of the movie i realized - this kids personality was very similar to my brothers.  Incredibly bright. Very thoughtful and sensitive, but strong and controlled.  As they followed Nicolas through the years of this documentary, it was amazing to watch his growth.  From anger for Bin Laden to his own father - then those feeling growing into a humble admittance that he didn't hate either.  It was amazing to watch.  The difference one year after the next can do...this young man gave me hope.  Hope that healing and rising up out of such a tragedy is not only possibly, but it is something we are given for reasons unknown, but build us into the amazing people we are today as adults.

I shed tears for Nicolas. From the moment with the baby sparrow, to her birthday wish, selflessly given to each of her children, by way of re-lighting birthday candles...I connected with him.  I felt like he could have been my brother.  I wanted to check on him, send him cookies, give him a hug and let him know he was amazing. 

I don't mean to ignore the others highlighted in this movie.  They all had amazing stories of loss and "Rebirth" that brought a sense of hope and joy with every detail.  But have you ever watched a movie, and days, weeks, months after - a part of it sticks with you? This is what has stuck to me.  Here is a trailer.  Watch it if you can - Its on the movie channels right now.

All Wheeldon proves to be All Genius

Pacific Northwest Ballet Presents:

All
Christopher
Wheeldon

Choreography: Christopher Wheeldon
Artistic Director: Peter Boal

Sept 23-Oct 2, 2011
McCaw Hall
Seattle, WA.

Pacific Northwest Ballet comes out of the gates for its 2011-2012 season like a prize winning show horse with these amazing series of works from England born dancer turned choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.

The PNB dancers were like refined tools working with Wheeldon's fluid, emotional and mesmerizing choreography. Here are my thoughts on all 4 pieces. We had two friends attending with us that night, one was a virgin to ballets, so this was his first impression and the other had only been to a handful. I will pepper in their opinions as well, because first impressions are important to me.

Carousel (A Dance) was the first up. Principle dancers Seth Orza and Carla Korbes carried this piece and Korbes made it hard to take your eyes off her. The romantic love story between the two was easy for even amateur patrons to feel. 30 some rows back, we could hear Korbes small gasps during the back and forth between the two lovers. Orza, who seems leaner and slimmed down this year (which I saw as a good thing, makes him seem softer), was tender, careful and thoughtful in every movement, I got goosebumps every time he gently grabbed Korbes by her small waist. Their chemistry wasn't electric, but I don't think that's what Wheeldon wanted. It was sweet, soft and cherishing. Honestly its difficult for me to comment on the other dancers, as my eyes followed those two the entire time. My friend who had only been to a few ballets in the past said "This piece was visually so happy and lovely and Korbes was so lovely, she made it seem effortless!".

After the Rain pas de deux with Principle dancers Maria Chapman and Karel Cruz. One word. Unbelievable. A single violin, heart stopping silences between the notes and a breathtaking union on stage. In my few years as a PNB patron and fan, I have been rather indifferent about Chapman, initially because she was out with an injury for an entire season, and upon her return, her roles were few and far between - so getting a taste of her true talent wasn't easy.



She has won me over. Her slim and stacked facility in the nude leotard costume, and amazing arches, made for a beautiful sight. The strong, chiseled arms of Cruz were a perfect match for her, as he seemed to effortlessly partner her with fluidity and grace - he was able to convey power in the silences that was almost deafening and was gentle but present with the small cut body of Chapman. There was a point of the dance where I couldn't tell where Chapman ended and Cruz began, they were so seamless. Overall my favorite piece of the night - it showed not only brilliance on the part of the Wheeldon, but also the caliber of artistry in the seasoned dancers at PNB under Boals direction. My friend new to the ballet said "This one was my favorite, the violins were perfect and the dancers showed SO much control and athleticism, it was unreal.".

Polyphonia was the piece we all agreed was the least enjoyed, mainly the music made it difficult to focus, but a few of the Principle dancers in the piece, Carla Korbes, Kaori Nakamura, the newly promoted Rachel Foster, and Lucien Postlewaite.


The maturity and fluidity of these dancers made them easily outshine the rest. I wish the solo's in this piece would have showcased more of Postlewaite, Nakamura and Korbes - who I feel add more emotion and feeling in their upper body work of dance than the others in this piece.

















The final piece of the night, Variations Serieuses - was the only piece I had seen before. Several years back, PNB performed this as a part of a series called Laugh Out Loud. It stuck with me over the years as I have always remembered it. This time didn't disappoint. It is a comedy and almost a parody of the dance world. With exaggerated depictions of characters everyone in the dance community sees on a daily bases - the piano accompanist, the ballet master, the "diva", the male "lead" and the diamond in the rough/cinderella type dancer.


The entire group did this piece justice. Boal/Wheeldon picked the best dancers for the acting parts in this piece. I have always personally thought that there are several PNB dancers that are rather emotion-less when they dance, so I was happy the ones with the acting rolls, could actually act. Major applause for Laura Gilbreath as the "diva prima ballerina" as she showed fuming rage and total devastation brilliantly. Jonathan Porretta was hilarious as the Ballet Master, Seth Orza was funny as the Premier Danseur - however I wonder how much of that was type cast ;) and last but certainly not least, I LOVED Lindsi Dec as the Stage Manager, she ALMOST stole the show in my opinion.

This show has me more than ready to see what Boal and his company has in store for the rest of the season. You have one more weekend to go and see All Wheeldon - get your tickets at http://www.pnb.org/.

Review - **** brilliant piece of work!!

How to Die in Oregon - a Masterpiece about our quality of Life and Death and the Human condition

How to Die in Oregon
HBO Documentary
2011
Director: Peter Richardson

In the opening scene of this documentary, before we even see the title of the movie -we are made part of a home movie. Your first impression is that we are witnessing a birthday party. Then a tear, an awkward silence and a sad farewell and expression of love to his family, Roger Sagner drinks a lethal potion to end his life, made available to him by Oregon's Death with Dignity Act. Before the title even rolls, I am weeping.

The movie follows a number of people, going through terminal and painful diseases - but the focus is on Cody Curtis, a 54 year old married mother of 2, struggling through the final years of liver cancer.

Cody is a gorgeous, silver-haired woman with a bright smile and an amazing family. We meet her as she has set her "date" to die, and we see her daily struggles with this decision. Some days happy to have a time to know when the pain will be over, and rest will be infinite - but some good days where she gardens without pain, makes meals for her family and enjoys priceless time with her children. Those moments she breaks down and wants to cancel her "date" and for a second, thinks because she is feeling better, maybe a miracle has happened, maybe the cancer is gone....



I found Cody not only beautiful and courageous, but also graceful and thoughtful, as she wanted to plan each goodbye special for each loved one, and wanted to make her last hours perfect. She spent time cooking with her son "T", going through her jewelry with her daughter, even going through clothes with close girlfriends.

The relationship that was the most touching to me however was that of Cody and her doctor, Katherine Morris. Dr. Morris was such a sweet, kind and understanding doctor who worked with Cody up until her chosen death and cared for her every need. She explained the difficulties and pains she would have on her way through the process. She was informative but also supportive and nurturing, during what was arguably one of the toughest fights for life I have ever witnessed.



Following her painful decline had an intimate and sweet side to it. I can't imagine the pain this family had to go through, and adding in the cameras and invasive project - I felt at times I was intruding on something very private. Her final chosen death date was handled beautifully I thought. Lovingly, quiet and extremely respectful. If you have any heart whatsoever, it made you realize the humane nature of this choice and why people would choose to take this road to salvage their dignity and whatever quality of life they have left.



The flip side to this issue is also explored. We meet a woman from Washington, who's husband struggled with brain cancer and the Physician assisted Suicide law was not passed here the year she needed it. The movie follows her husbands horribly painful descent and openly displays his severe suffering. Unable to move to Oregon, because you must be a resident for a specific amount of time order to qualify under the law - an amount of time that her husband did not have. The heartache that you feel for this woman and her poor suffering husband, is just horrible.



In the end, besides finding myself weeping and wanting to contact all of my family and friends affect with or by Cancer - the movie also made me want to be part of the fight for this law. To help convince people the importance of this choice and the affect it has on peoples affected and their families. You will never again look at terminal illness the same.

I applaud the families who had the courage and strength to put their life and death on film to help educate the world. I applaud the writers/producers and staff who had such great respect and care when preparing this subject for the worth. They found the perfect balance to both touch the heart, educate the mind and make us want to work for change.

***** = 5 stars - excellent movie that everyone should see

**I dedicate this review to two special friends, 2 sisters - who's dear mother is going through stage 4/5 cancer in 4 parts of her body. You are amazingly strong warriors and your mother is an amazing soul to withstand all she has up to this point. We love you guys so very much.**