As part of Bing Trip, we went to go see La Dame Aux Camélias last night at Opéra Garnier. It was my first ballet and it's now a regret that I haven't seen more. A ballet is so moving in ways that other theatrical performances like dramatic theater, opera, etc. have not been able to evoke -- The pure physicality of it, the raw emotion that is displayed in such grace. I can't really put into words how beautiful and striking every second of it was for me.
If you haven't seen the movie version yet, there's one with Greta Garbo. The story is very similar if not the same as Moulin Rouge. There is a young woman of easy virtue, Marguerite, who is dying of tuberculosis, and she ends up falling in love with this innocent nobody, Armand whilst having to carry on her diamond-studded life of flirting with rich dukes. Marguerite eventually gives that life up to be with Armand, but then his father does not approve. The father implores her to please give up his son so that Armand's sister can have a proper marriage without Marguerite tainting the family name. Since Marguerite is the type of heroine with a heart of gold, she lies to Armand that she wants her diamonds back and leaves him. Armand believes her and even though they are reunited for one last time, she has to leave him. The next time he sees her he throws money at her for "services rendered." And then she dies alone.
Sigh. Impossible love.
Anyway, bottom line: go see a ballet!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb8ZsnfE9Sg&feature=related
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