Nutcracker - Wed 09.11.05

I went to see the “Nutcracker and Divertissements” preformed by Cork City Ballet in the Opera House on Wednesday the 9th of November last year. I didn’t think I’d like it all that much (I dislike the thought of pop-ballet) but in fairness it was very enjoyable. I went with my sister at the last moment. I had this spare “magic” ticket you see. I wont go into the details but I will say it caused nothing but trouble in its short existence :) So anyway, we went, we saw, we bought the DVD. I’ll comment on this DVD later on. Before that though I’ll just finish up on some points about the show. The divertissements were nice, not just filler. Even the dreaded Paddy Casey number seemed to flow nicely. There was the occasional wobble from one of the danseurs (he’ll remain nameless) but other than that the performers seemed capable. My favourite moments of the evening came from the performances from the Don Quixote extracts. Superb dancing and some fabulous costumes on the principles. A great night again, even if I did get TB from the people sitting around me!

"The Magic of Ballet: With Alan Foley and Monica Loughman" is the title of the DVD we brought home. Its hard to describe, not exactly designed for ballet tuition or giving an overview to ballet in general; I suppose you’d call it an introduction video based around Alan and Monica’s involvement in Cork Ballet. You see clips of Monica and Alan practising and performing on stage as well as some behind the scenes footage in Cork Opera House. The footage of the two practising is very nice but I’m not sure why we had to see Alan Foley drinking a bottle of water every 5 minutes and why he had such tatty sweatpants on.



Theres the odd moment or two of Monica and Alan talk to the camera



Monica and Alan practising on the stage of the Cork Opera House *I think*



Don't smudge that eye liner Alan



Monica Loughman realising shes not a size 6