The Gifts of Lincoln Center

With Taylor Stanley in Mes Oiseaux (2012)

There’s nothing like returning to the joy of dancing when you’ve been away for some time.  Like any blessing in life, it’s easy to take the gift of movement for granted. It’s only upon losing the ability to dance, even if just for a few days, that I realize the preciousness of this gift and its defining presence in my life.  Dancing isn’t just my job; it’s my passion.  On most days I wake up excited to fine-tune my technique, to rehearse a range of ballets, and to perform for audiences in the evenings.  Of course, there are downsides, as we face criticisms from our directors and reviewers, and deal with all sorts of aches and pains on a daily basis. But this gift is ultimately liberating.  Each time I’m on the stage I feel that rush of adrenaline, a sense of authority, and pure happiness in expressing myself.  I’m my best and most fulfilled self when I’m dancing, and I feel very fortunate to be able to call this gift my profession. 

Whether you live in the city, or are stopping by for a vacation, I invite you to my workplace to experience the many inspirational artistic offerings of Lincoln Center.  In addition to NYCB, there’s a never-ending range of shows and excursions to chose from: The Metropolitan Opera, the New York Philharmonic, the NY Public Library for the Performing Arts, Juilliard performances and much more.  If you don’t know or can’t decide what to see, stop by the David Rubenstein Atrium (on Broadway between 62^nd and 63^rd) to talk to Lincoln Center reps about what’s playing, and to possibly purchase some discounted tickets! Even if you don’t catch a show, there’s something magical about simply walking around the plaza, particularly at night when the sparkling fountain and three majestic theaters glow in the darkness.  

Lincoln Center (even this doesn't capture its magnificence)

If there’s one excursion that I’m most passionate about, it’s this one since it’s close to my heart. By journeying to Lincoln Center, your lives are sure to be enriched by the talent and impeccable quality of its performances, or by the beauty of its architecture.  In the city where so much culture abounds, you’ll find Lincoln Center to be a cultural reservoir. So take this excursion to be moved and inspired, and I hope to see you soon!

Injury Strikes Again... but One Market Saves the Day

Injury is inevitable for all people, and for dancers, it’s also pretty frequent. It’s no wonder that we sustain injuries, since we push our bodies to the limits and fight fatigue daily. But when it happens, it’s always a trying time.

After Friday’s performance of the Nutcracker, I could tell I needed a break. I’ve been dealing with a leg strain that has not improved, and for it to get better I must part with the stage for a few days.  It’s always tough to be apart from the job that I love so much, and to see or hear about my friends sharing moments onstage without me.  But ultimately you gotta do what you gotta do.  If that means taking time off to heal, then let it be.  Taking care of your body is like a second, but equally important job; I may not be dancing right now, but I’m working by doing the RICE routine – rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Even when I’m performing, I try to do these things at night in order to calm my muscles and get ready for the next day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up with this routine, since all I want is a good meal and my warm bed after a long day of pirouettes and jetés.  And sometimes injuries just happen no matter how diligent you are with these preventative measures. 

Union Square Holiday Market (or the North Pole?)

Taking your mind off of an injury is one of the biggest challenges, but I’ve heard that if you can do so, the healing process speeds up!  So this weekend my sister and I ventured to the picturesque Union Square Holiday Market, and my anxieties faded away. At the market, it seems like you’re in the North Pole.  Not only is it outdoors and therefore a little chilly like the North Pole, but as you shop beneath the red and white striped tents, you feel like you are in an elves’ village, surveying the handmade crafts that the elves, or I mean humans, have created. Inside their illuminated tents, the craftsmen have such unique (and relatively affordable) jewelry, artwork, kitchenware, foods, hats and scarves, which make for great holiday gifts. If you find the tent that sells chocolate truffles, DO NOT pass up the free sample! (Listen to them when they say not to chew it, because it literally melts in your mouth). And if you’re having trouble finding the right gift for someone, perhaps take that someone with you to the market to see if anything catches his or her eye… It’s worked for me in past. 

Look for these signs to find the
melt-in-your-mouth truffles and hot cocoa!

The market is generally open from 11am-8pm from now until December 24, so there’s still plenty of time to catch it.  If you can’t make it to Union Square, there’s also a smaller, and perhaps more manageable, sister market in Columbus Circle, with many of the same vendors.  The holiday spirit is abounding in both locations, so even if you have no intention of buying anything and just need a minute to take your mind off of life’s troubles, a walk through this wonderland ought to do the trick. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

From our vantage point at the parade

This is it. My favorite holiday of the year.  Although most people go home to their families for the weekend, or simply for the day, my family journeys to me in the city because I start performing the Nutcracker on the following day. Ever since I joined NYCB (about four years ago), they have come to visit on Thanksgiving weekend – to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade along the curbs of Central Park West, to cook a hearty meal in my tiny kitchen, and to spend time together. It has become a Kretzschmar family tradition that we look forward to each year, and I believe the city of New York is at least partly responsible for our love of this tradition.  Because we’re in New York, we not only get to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but also be in it.  Yes it’s usually very cold and windy, but the city scenery is cheerful; the streets are sprinkled with fall leaves, decorated with twinkling lights, and filled with Christmas tunes wherever we go.  

Family (minus brother) cooking in
my kitchen

If we feel like dealing with the crowds, we’ll stroll to Rockefeller Center during the afternoon to see the majestic Christmas tree glimmering above the ice skating rink.  And after eating a glorious meal prepared by my mom and sister, we often watch Elf and point out the various places the main character, Buddy, travels to in the city. (We can literally quote every line and point out every musical cue in this movie since we have seen it too many times).  Although it is not the home I grew up in, New York City feels like home, and Thanksgiving feels complete with my family present.  Someday I’d like to experience this holiday again in North Carolina, with my mom’s big kitchen and the beautiful forested landscape to gaze out at while we cook.  But for now, I couldn’t be more thankful for this special city tradition that I get to share with my family.  

A Little Britain in Manhattan

We have yet to perform the Nutcracker this year, but NYCB has already started rehearsing ballets that will be performed in the 2014 winter season! As crazy as it may seem, this is actually the usual procedure each year; in order to be ready for the 20-30 ballets we perform in January through March, we have to rehearse whenever we can find time.  And there is still time now before the Nutcracker rush.

In London - Couldn't resist a photo
with one of their telephone booths

Earlier this week we had our first rehearsal for Union Jack, a ballet that pays homage to British culture. This hour-long ballet is divided into three parts, in which you see traditional Scottish dances performed wearing kilts, a comical pas de deux with the “Pearly King and Queen of London,” and finally, lively jigs performed by dancers dressed as members of the Royal Navy. With 74 total dancers involved, this ballet is quite the spectacle.  I first performed it soon after joining the company, dancing in the “MacDonald of Sleat” regiment. The music for “Sleat” is solely the pounding of drums, and the drummers' intensity is matched by our quick and intricate steps.  I remember feeling like an army cadet, dressed in my red kilt and black cap, moving to the beat of the drums alongside my fellow dancers.  I also remember being extremely nervous about messing up the quick choreography. If you missed one step, it’d be a struggle to catch back up!

I can't believe I found this clip (below) from the sailor section! Some of my former teachers are dancing!

This past summer my family and I journeyed to London and experienced some of the classic British traditions; one of my favorites (and also my mom’s) was perhaps high tea at the Ritz Hotel, where we sampled finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and of course, world-class tea.  If you can afford this excursion, I highly recommend going.  But if that’s not in your future, never fear; Tea and Sympathy is the place for you right here in Manhattan. 

Tea and Sympathy Store 

Located in Greenwich Village, this TEENY restaurant offers only the most authentic British foods.  From tea to shepherd’s pie to sticky toffee pudding, this place has it all.  Not only is the food delicious and authentic, but the royal collectibles on the walls and humble decor also make you feel as if you are in a cute café in Covent Garden.  I was introduced to this restaurant this past summer by my friend, Maria, who grew up in the UK… so it's safe to say that she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to British delicacies. My one warning is do not go with a group of more than 4 people; even as a party of two we had a hard time squeezing into a table by the window.  In addition, remember to stop by the Tea and Sympathy store next door, which sells British jams, candies, teapots, and more. You’ll be delighted by this little gem in Manhattan, and mind you, do stop by the Koch Theatre to see Union Jack this winter!

And So The Season Begins!

Snow Scene in Balanchine's The Nutcracker

‘Tis the season of Balanchine's The Nutcracker.  We aren’t quite ready to perform just yet, but the rehearsals have begun.  Unlike last week, in which I was constantly learning new choreography, this week will be more of a “refresher course,” since I have performed this ballet with the company 48 times each year, for the past three years.  That’s a lot of Nutcrackers.  But I can honestly say that I’m not tired of it. In fact, I look forward to it each year.  The pros definitely outweigh the cons. 

Children from the School of American Ballet
enjoying the "Party Scene" in Balanchine's The Nutcracker

Pros of The Nutcracker: 

• Balanchine’s choreography, Tchaikovsky’s music, the sets, and the costumes are all gorgeous, and together create a near perfect production of The Nutcracker. 
• We get to participate in a holiday tradition that has been around for almost 60 years! (Balanchine’s The Nutcracker premiered on February 2, 1954). 
• It draws a range of audience members – ballet fans, tourists, New Yorkers.  The house is almost always full, making it NYCB’s biggest moneymaker.
• There are lots of children involved, whose energy and pure joy easily put a smile on our faces.
• As corps dancers, we perform the same roles each night, which allows us to become comfortable with the movements – enough so that we are able to work on perfecting even the smallest details while onstage. 
• It’s such a festive show for the holidays! During the snow scene in particular, I feel like I am in a winter wonderland.
• Many of my friends and family come to see the shows. Even if I’ve done 34 shows already, I’ll make sure they see my best one yet. 

Cons of The Nutcracker: 

• We hear the music EVERYWHERE.  It follows us into the malls, our TV commercials, hotel lobbies… We’re surrounded!
• Rehearsing during the day and doing 8 or 9 performances of the same Nutcracker each week is exhausting, and there is little downtime to do anything else besides dance. 
• Sometimes the snow scene feels more like a snowstorm; I can’t seem to see my own hands with the wind and fake snow coming at us from all directions.
• The fake snow always finds its way onto my clothes, my couch, and my bedroom floor.  No matter how much I vacuum at home, those little white bits keep appearing. 

One-of-a-Kind Display at Barney's New York

To conclude, despite the repetition and physical exhaustion, The Nutcracker is a magical ballet, both to watch and dance.  Not only is the ballet magical, but also all of New York City radiates with the festive spirit.  One of my favorite holiday activities is to walk down 5^th Avenue and simply look at the window displays.  They don’t just embody the holiday spirit, but they also reflect the artistry of the designers. The designers often put a twist on the traditional images of the holidays (such as turkeys, Christmas trees, menorahs, and snow), as Barney's did with the window display of a Thanksgiving table in 2010.  The display shows the chaotic side of Thanksgiving, with Food Network stars battling it out; the turkey is chef Mario Batali's head!  I’ve also seen some displays that use unconventional materials, like coffee filters, to make holiday shapes and scenes in the windows. 

Christmas Day (2010) at Rockefeller Center with my
sister, Natalie, and brother, John

These displays are works of art and not to be missed. Although it’s fun to go closer to Christmas, or even on Christmas (as my family and I did a few years ago), now is perhaps the best time to visit 5^th Avenue.  As there is still much time to shop before the holidays, the crowds are smaller, which makes the streets easier to maneuver. I’d recommend starting at F.A.O Schwartz on 58^th street, and working your way down to 45^th street.  Be sure to stop at Rockefeller Center to get a glimpse of the Christmas tree (coming soon) above the ice-skating rink – an iconic symbol of the holidays in New York. Around the corner from Rockefeller Center is Magnolia Bakery (49^th and 6^th Ave) where you can stop in for a sweet snack.  They are famous for their banana pudding, but my personal favorites are the hummingbird cake, chocolate cake with vanilla frosting, and the Snickers icebox pie.  As you can probably tell, I have tried a number of Magnolia’s desserts, but these are my go-to options. (P.S – the cakes are a better buy than the cupcakes because you get so much more cake for only a dollar more!) With a Magnolia treat in hand, and the festive window displays to feast your eyes, you will surely get into the holiday mode. 

We’ll, I’m off to rehearse the Waltz of the Flowers now... Here’s to the start of another Nutcracker season, and the future celebrations in the city!

All About the Process

Principal Dancer Wendy Whelan and Soloist Craig Hall
working on a past NY Choreographic Institute

Executing a combination of ballet steps is hard enough, but trying to come up with new steps and ways for dancers to connect is a whole nother ball game. This week I’ve been partaking in the creative process with the New York Choreographic Institute. Founded by NYCB artistic director, Peter Martins, and arts philanthropist, Irene Diamond, the institute gives three promising choreographers the time, studio space, and dancers to create a new work.  The environment is relatively relaxed; over a period of two weeks, the choreographers work three hours each day to make a 10-15 minute piece on NYCB and School of American Ballet dancers, and the final product is performed in a studio without stage lights, makeup, or costumes. The nature of this program allows the choreographers to really experiment with new ideas, shapes, and movements, and simply gain more experience. For the dancers involved, it is equally an enriching experience.  We learn how to make steps work and communicate with the choreographer when certain steps feel awkward.  We also try to inspire the choreographer to create intriguing new movements, and then develop our own artistries by making the movements our own. 

This year I’m in a piece titled “Four on the Floor,” choreographed by George Williamson, who holds the title of “Associate Artist” with the English National Ballet. His style is expressive and more modern than say the classical Symphony in C, so returning from Japan to rehearse this piece made me a little sore.  Modern movement in particular requires being what we call “grounded,” or in other words, feeling a strong connection of your feet and legs to the floor. You have to really engage your quads, which explains why (at first) my quads felt like they were bruised! Perhaps another reason for my soreness was due to the process of choreographing – the dancers must keep trying the same steps over and over again in order to make sure that they fulfill the choreographer’s wants. The process is about trial and error, particularly when it comes to choreographing partnering sections, since figuring out how two bodies can move together is challenging. We had a lot of errors before we reached the desired results – believe me.  There was falling to the floor, girls crashing down from a lift, partners smacking each other in the face… but in the end we managed to get these kinks out, and hopefully presented both accurately and beautifully our choreographer's vision. 

Inside the Artists and Fleas Market 

In light of our choreographer’s creativity, you might want to venture to the Artists and Fleas pop-up shop at Chelsea Market, where you’ll find individuals selling their hand-crafted goods such as household items, clothes, jewelry and more.  You’ll find items here that you won’t find anywhere else. A few weeks ago, my mom purchased a cool 70s-inspired dress, and I found tees printed with old cigar box art that each came packaged in the old cigar box itself! We also enjoyed looking at a designer’s “Man-eater series” of button-down shirts, which had on them tiny cartoon prints of sharks or tigers eating humans.  Seems like a grave subject for a colorful shirt… but they were actually quite cute and made my mom and me laugh. The creativity of these artists is refreshing, particularly since so many of our products are mass-produced and found almost anywhere in the world. The designers will even tell you of the process of creating each piece, which just shows the amount of care and skill that is required to do what they do.

The Highline (on right) amidst the city

The BEST spot to sit at The Highline -
the lawn chairs located at the
southern end of the path

Before you leave, be sure to check out the Chelsea Market food vendors, located in the same building. They offer everything from delicious donuts to classic Italian fare. But next, head to one of Manhattan’s most popular new destinations – The Highline.  The Highline is a public park constructed on an elevated old railroad that offers a show of plants and views of the Hudson River, the New Jersey skyline, and the Empire State Building.  It is only a 15-minute walk away from Chelsea Market and well worth the trip.  Although Central Park is still my favorite, this one is unique because you can see up close the contrasts between the steel buildings surrounding the park’s path, and the vegetation displayed along the way. Like other designers or choreographers, the creators of The Highline clearly had a vision in mind, constructing not just a park but also a point of fusion between modern and natural elements, which interestingly compliment each other.  It is the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll; even on the dreary day that my mom and I walked its path, we felt both relaxed and captivated by the unique blend of scenery.

Smorgasbord Love

New York City never looked better than it did on Monday night as we rode our bus into Manhattan, after journeying for 22 hours across the globe from Japan. Each time I go away for a length of time, I return with this similar sentiment.  I realize just how inviting the city lights feel, how comforting the honks and street noises sound, and how cozy my little apartment is, tucked away from the busy atmosphere below.  With all its commotion and oddities, the city is my home. 

Nevertheless, Japan was a breath of fresh air (both figuratively and literally) and I felt extremely fortunate not only to experience their culture, but also to perform a wide variety of iconic Balanchine ballets. In one show we performed Balanchine’s Swan Lake (which is a condensed version of the 2.5 hour ballet), The Four Temperaments, and Symphony in C – each with their own distinctive flair.  You have the dramatic score and elegant swan-like port de bras in Swan Lake, the edgy and hip-thrusting movements of The Four Temperaments, and finally, the purely classical Symphony in C, performed by a cast of 48 dancers – the women all in dazzling white tutus. I had performed Balanchine’s Swan Lake before, but this was my first time dancing the first movement corps in Symphony in C. Hearing the joyous music and sensing the sparkling effect of our costumes made me feel radiant and utterly happy to be onstage. And we were in Japan!  Being in this exciting place, performing this new part and such an array of repertoire reinvigorated my passion for dance. 

(Here's a clip about the new design of our Symphony in C costumes - it gives you a feel for the ballet's radiant tone, and the background music is actual selections from the ballet!).   

Natalie and I at Smorgasburg

It’s safe to say that our performances in Japan were like a smorgasbord, because in one show you could see the many different styles of the New York City Ballet.  So for this week’s excursion, I’m going to take you to Smorgasburg in Brooklyn – only the best round-up of local and innovative foods.  Smorgasburg is an outdoor food market with views of the Manhattan skyline that takes place on Sundays from 11am to 6pm at Pier 5 in Brooklyn Bridge Park.  (There’s also another location in Williamsburg open on Saturdays if Sunday doesn’t work for you).  I first experienced Smorgasburg with my sister, Natalie, and my friend Grace this summer, and we were blown away.  Vendors offered a range of products from tofu salads to grilled cheeses, and each put a unique spin on the traditional meal.  I chose a 10 layer Mexican sandwich with fried chicken on a ciabatta roll (!!), and I was in heaven. For dessert, I had no ordinary peanut butter shake, but instead one blended with a slice of s’mores pie! I did wish that the peanut butter flavor was more prominent, but nonetheless I was excited to taste this inventive treat.  If it is still warm enough outside for ice cream, Grace highly recommends an ice cream sandwich from The Good Batch – they even have seasonal flavors right now such as the Pumpkin Chai and Mexican Chocolate sandwiches.  You might just see me there next weekend...

My incredible 10 layer
Mexican sandwich!

After all this eating, you’d probably want to walk it off, and walking is particularly pleasurable in the crisp fall weather.  You’ve probably all seen pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge, but have you ever walked it? The bridge’s arches look even grander when standing beneath them, and the city views from above the East River are stunning.  It’s only a 20-minute walk north of Smorgasburg, and to walk across the bridge itself, set aside a good 45 minutes – you need extra time to get that Instagram-worthy photo!  Not only are you looking at something beautiful, but also something with historical significance; it connected Manhattan and Brooklyn for the first time in 1883, and was the longest suspension bridge in the world for 20 years. But no matter all the research you do, there’s nothing like taking it all in from beneath those majestic arches.

The Brooklyn Bridge

If you didn’t already love New York, you might just fall in love with it after this adventure. Smorgasburg and the Brooklyn Bridge respectively capture the diversity and history of city.  Even though the city may not feel like home to all, especially with those loud and crazy cab drivers, at the end of this day you’ll feel satisfied, humbled, and inspired. Perhaps a new perspective will also reinvigorate you, as Japan did for me. 

Fish First!

The warehouse at the Tsukiji Fish
Market in Tokyo

Konnichiwa! It’s Friday afternoon here in Japan and we’re aboard the bullet train traveling to Osaka where we are to perform this weekend. After a whirlwind of shows in Tokyo and exhilarating experiences sightseeing, I’ve finally found some time to write as I sit by the window of the train watching the mountains roll by.  Today has been one of the best days so far, and it has only just begun.  

You might think I’m crazy, but after a day of performing Symphony in 3 Movements, Balanchine’s Swan Lake, and Symphony in C in Tokyo, I woke up this morning at 2:30am to go to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market.  Each weekday, tourists are allowed to view the iconic tuna auction located in a warehouse, in which freshly caught tuna is displayed and sold to buyers who make the most delectable sushi in Japan.  Only the first 120 people are guaranteed a spot to witness the event, and for this reason, you must arrive at least two hours prior to the 5:25am showing.  The auction is one of those once-in-a-lifetime events, so despite my exhaustion from performing, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see it.  My friends and I marveled at the freshly caught tuna – frozen and cut open to display the quality to the perusing buyers – and listened to the chants of the auctioneer echoing throughout the chilly space.  Before bidding, buyers tested the tuna quality by thrashing picks against the tuna’s flesh, and sometimes even tasting a bit of the raw fish before purchasing! Who knew tuna was such a big deal? Among the top Japanese chefs, sushi making is an art form that requires careful selection of ingredients and the skill of creating such masterpieces. I was able to observe their craft after the auction by going to a distinguished sushi bar in the market for breakfast – yes BREAKFAST.

At the sushi bar about to try sea urchin!

 Seated at the bar, we witnessed the creation of sushi right in front of out eyes, and enjoyed the chef’s selection of raw fish.  Oh my goodness it was so fresh! It makes sense seeing that it was literally brought directly from the ocean. I’m no sushi connoisseur, but I know I will never taste sushi like that anywhere else. We tasted raw tuna, prawn, sea urchin, eel, and squid (the latter giving us all difficulty because of its thickness and rubbery-ness).  But we ate it all! Before 7am, I saw how a body of raw fish was bought, transferred, prepared, and ultimately enjoyed by people like us. I left the market constantly saying “WOW.”

S'mores in a Jar at
The Smith

I wish that for this week’s NYC excursion I could tell you of an amazing Japanese sushi restaurant tucked away in Greenwich Village or Chelsea, but I have not been to many sushi restaurants myself to give you that advice.  But I will tell you that I’ve eaten one of the best fish dishes at a cool urban restaurant called The Smith, located on the Upper West Side, in the East Village and Midtown.  Their salmon is perfectly seared and complimented by a bed of leeks, mushrooms, and Brussels sprouts. It’s one of those meals that will melt in your mouth.  If salmon doesn’t suit you, the restaurant also has a wide variety of other fish, including oysters, mussels, shrimp, and delicious non-fish meals such as the chicken pot pie (another personal favorite).  Be sure to save room for the “s’mores in a jar” dessert – a rich chocolate pudding infused with graham crackers and toasted marshmallows.  You won’t get a taste of Japan by eating here, or experience the wonder of freshly caught and immediately prepared fish, but your taste buds will delight in the flavors of these classic and innovative dishes. 

As we are approaching the Osaka train station, I just want to say one last thing; arigatuo gozaimasu (or thank you very much) for reading! 

Rest and Recuperation

The "downward dog" pose in Yoga

Everyone needs a little “R&R” from time to time, and for dancers, this is most indispensable after the end of a performance season.  Last Sunday evening, after tearing off our pointe shoes and scrubbing off our makeup, it was time for some serious rest and recuperation.  For me, this usually means eating, sleeping, watching movies, and just doing good things for my body – for the most part anyway.  My family and friends will attest that I have a large appetite, and sometimes I go overboard on the food and later regret the “food coma” that causes me to root myself to the couch. (We’ve all been there done that right?) Aside from eating sumptuous foods, I do find therapeutic solutions to fatigue and muscle tension by getting a massage or doing Pilates. If I’m sensing sore feet and feeling strong-willed, I’ll also soak my feet in an ice bath – BRRR!

Perhaps an ice bath isn’t your idea of a relaxing time, and I don’t blame you.  But here’s a suggestion for a calming, invigorating, and free (!) experience on the Upper West Side.  Each Sunday, the Lululemon store, which sells the over-priced but incredibly comfy athletic garb, holds a yoga class called Sunday Salutations at 9:30am, with space available for the first 40 people to sign up that day. (There are a few locations throughout the city, but considering what I propose to do after the class, you might want to try the location on Broadway and 64^th street).  If you’re a newcomer to yoga, you may think that the strange positions will make you sore, and you’re probably right. But on the plus side, it is not a strenuous activity since much of it involves maintaining your balance, stretching your muscles, and breathing into each pose. I always feel rejuvenated after taking a yoga class, even if my arms feel limp from doing so many “downward dogs!” 

Kelly and me at Alice's Tea Cup (with Alice's
florentine, two scones, and a pot of Indian Chai Tea)

After your yoga wake-up, stroll north up Columbus Ave, eventually making your way to Alice’s Tea Cup on the corner of 73^rd street.  If you could try only one brunch restaurant in Manhattan, this is absolutely the one to experience.  This quaint, calming café underground is best known for its tea and scones; the wall behind the pick-up counter is lined with an assortment of fresh tea blends, and their scones are perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining buttery and soft on the inside! (My mouth is watering just thinking about them).  For a sweet option, I suggest the pumpkin scone with its caramel glaze on top, but my sister would highly recommend the French toast, which comes doused in an apricot-maple syrup. For a savory meal, I’d order the “Alice's florentine” (eggs benedict served on a buttermilk or ham and cheese scone).  Just a heads up, Alice’s does not take reservations and they are usually busiest at brunch on the weekends. BUT, you can give them your name and phone number, go wander around nearby shops or Central Park, and then return to the restaurant when they call you with an availability. Once you have the comforts of a cup of tea and a warm scone in your hands, you’ll enter a world of perfect tranquility that will take away all your stress.  And if you don’t believe a day of yoga, tea, and scones can do that, go try it out for yourself and let me know how you feel!  

Stay tuned for a Japanese-inspired post - we're off to perform in Tokyo and Osaka this week! Sayonara for now NYC!

All Things Vintage

A little jazz entertained audience members this week at NYCB in our performances of Slaughter on 10^th Avenue.  Slaughter (our shortened name for the piece) isn’t your typical ballet.  In fact, none of the dancers even wear pointe shoes.  Instead, we don black fishnet tights, short frilly dresses, and heels, all of which give us a 1920s saloon dancer appearance.  Since the music was taken from a 1936 Rodgers and Hart musical called On Your Toes, the dancing is all Broadway inspired, with lots of jazz hands and high kicks.  Although it is a short piece, it is somewhat complex because depicts a story within a story, and it is packed with romance and violence.  As the title suggests, there are murders, but they are so melodramatic that they're funny.  In the beginning, a Russian ballet dancer hires a thug to kill his rival – the leading dancer in the premiere of the ballet that the audience is about to witness. As the curtain ascends, the audience watches the new ballet in which this leading man falls in love with a stripper in a New York saloon. I won’t give away the ending, but I will say that the thug is persistent in his attempts to fulfill the Russian dancer’s mission.  All in all, Slaughter is like a miniature Broadway show with fewer spoken words and a lot of sass.  The sassy part is especially fun to portray.  Besides Halloween, when do you get to wear black fishnets and a corset and not feel out of place?  This leads me to another point; if you’re a woman trying to convince your husband/boyfriend/male friend to come to the ballet, just describe the costumes and I’m sure you’d win him over.

We're all ready onstage at the bar - I'm fifth from the left

Chandeliers at the GreenFlea
Antique Market

Slaughter renders a certain vintage appeal with its costumes, music, and saloon-style sets, which is why I’ll suggest a visit to the GreenFlea outdoor antique market on the Upper West Side.  It’s open every Sunday from 10am to 5:30pm and is located on Columbus Avenue between 76^th and 77^th streets.  They have a wide range of furniture, jewelry, art, trinkets, and more.  I bought a red silk scarf here for about $15, and I’ve found many unique earrings that make great gifts for friends.  They have an incredible chandelier vendor as well – I just wish I could put one in my rental apartment!  There is also the added bonus of food at this market.  I have yet to try them, but the Greek kabobs and spinach pies look delectable.  If that’s not your cup of tea, they also have other cuisines and baked goods.  The beloved pumpkin season is here so you can bet that there will be many pumpkin flavored treats. 

Inside Prohibition

If you go to the market in the late afternoon, why not hit up the local bar called Prohibition for happy hour? (At one point in Slaughter, the cops invade the saloon presumably searching for illegal alcohol, which always makes me think of the prohibition era).  Of course, this part of the excursion is only for those 21 and up, and if you need a babysitter, I’m in the neighborhood. At Prohibition, located on Columbus Avenue between 84^th and 85^th streets, the ambiance is as cool as the drinks. Rustic light fixtures illuminate the central bar and a small dance floor across the way, and there’s even a billiard table in the back room.  But perhaps the best feature is the live music played nightly, and there's no cover charge! When I went a few weeks ago with my friends Katherine and John, it wasn’t just any old mediocre band either.  They could play songs by Jackson Five, Rihanna, Mumford and Sons, and sing them with their own unique harmonies. That’s some versatility to say the least!  The music may not take you back to the 1920s, but the space itself, in addition to the antique market experience, will surely inspire the cool, jazzy mood of Slaughter on 10^th Avenue. 

Just For Fun

NYCB has always been working to broaden its audience, since its funding and support relies on ticket sales in addition to large donations.  Recently, the company’s focus has been on the younger generation – getting children, teens, and young adults interested in the ballet by holding seminars, post-performance parties, and putting together performances that they can relate to and enjoy.  Click the video below to see the level of curiosity and awe  that the ballets can incite in young children and their families.  Warning: you might wish these kids were your own. They are that adorable. 

Like these "Family Saturdays," our “Just For Fun” program seeks to bring in these younger audiences with its very family-friendly, youthful vibe. On these nights, we perform Jeu de Cartes, in which we mimic playing cards, and also The Four Seasons, in which the sections capture the essence of winter, spring, summer and fall.  We also perform my personal favorite, Carnival of the Animals, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon and set to Camille Saints-Saëns’s famous music of the same name.  In this visually captivating and often comical piece, a boy named Oliver gets locked inside the Museum of Natural History at night and dreams of his classmates and teachers acting as different animals. We portray these different animals as we dance, and the brilliant choreography allows us to easily embody a certain animal's personality. 

The Cockerels and Hens from Carnival of the Animals

As this ballet is “Just For Fun,” here as some fun facts about Carnival of the Animals:

1.  The ballet was premiered on May 13, 2003 at the New York State Theatre (now named the David H. Koch Theatre).   

2.  John Lithgow originated the role of and wrote the accompanying narration for the policeman character.  The policeman finds the young boy in the museum, and then relays Oliver’s story to the audience.  

Me (right) and Harrison Coll (left) as hyenas 
with Brooks Landegger as Oliver

3.  The star of the show is Brooks Landegger, an 11 year old who plays Oliver with such delightful curiosity and joy.  He rehearsed for about two hours a day for three weeks leading up to the show, coached by teachers at the School of American Ballet.  His favorite part of the ballet is the "baboon dance," in which he dances in sync with his piano teacher, Herr Dr. Von Loon, who looks and dances like an ape. 

4.  In order to look like he has extra long ape-like arms, Amar Ramasar, who plays Herr Dr. Von Loon, holds small-crutches under his sleeves.  He even does cartwheels on these extended crutch-arms!

5.  There are about 50 costumes involved with this 35 minute production, and it took our costume shop about 16 hours to get them ready for the show. 

6.  I play one of the hyenas, weasels, and rats from the Oliver’s class, and our signature moves include sliding to the ground through our partners’ legs and doing splits on the floor.  It’s very acrobatic choreography, and in one rehearsal, Christopher Wheeldon told us to “be sharp like the Russian gymnastic team!” Even though she's technically not a Russian athlete, I try to channel Nastia Liukin.  

Entrance to the Bronx Zoo

With so many animals portrayed in Carnival of the Animals, this is the perfect chance to mention the Bronx Zoo.  Located in the heart of the Bronx, it’s about a 30-minute drive from midtown Manhattan, or an hour trip on the subway, making it a very do-able getaway from the busy city streets.  I have not been recently, but I remember really enjoying my last experience here. You could check out the Congo Gorilla Forest in honor of Brooks’s favorite baboon dance, or see the big-eyed lemurs that we have come to love in the Madagascar movie series.  Be sure to hop on the Wild Asia Monorail – a relaxing way to see many beautiful animals without having to trek across the zoo’s expanses.  (This saved me during the middle of the day when I was loosing steam).  The Bronx Zoo is only open through November 3, so your time to visit is somewhat limited! Right now there is a kid-friendly (but fun for all ages) festival on weekends called Boo at the Zoo, offering Halloween inspired activities such as costume parades, 3D pumpkin displays, hay mazes, and magic shows. We all love to look forward to the winter holidays, but why not enjoy the magic and mystery of Halloween while it’s here?  Zoo animals + seasonal activities + a beautiful outdoor escape = a fun-filled day. The zoo is open from 10:00am to 5:00 or 5:30pm and admission for adults is $34.  If you buy tickets online you save about $4 per ticket, and on Wednesdays the price is only a suggested donation of $15.  But this trip is sure to be worth much more that the cost of admission!