My wife was selected to begin her training at 4 1/2 years old. The testing by the state was rigorous and painful, involving forced stretching to see if her body could take it. It’s a brutal business.
She was a marvelous director. I’ve directed more shows than I can possibly remember, but she’s a natural. Of course, learning in China, she was taught by the best Russian dancers and later coached several medal winners in Russia before she defected to the USA. She starred in China’s national Ballet, ‘The White Haired Girl’, performing for Mao Tse Tung, Richard Nixon, Kissinger, and Imelda Marcos. Later, when the ballet was made into a movie, she was too old for the lead, but was made the co-star (Auntie). She’s had quite a lifetime of experiences.
But then, I also like performers from the 50s and 60s, Nat King Cole, Sinatra, Bobby Darin, fusion jazz and newer artists like Chick Corea, Flora Purim, Kenny Rankin, Diana Krall, KD Lang (especially with Tony Bennet), Michael Buble, Robbie Williams, Joni Mitchell, Willie Nelson (Stardust Memories), Blood Sweat & Tears, (early) Chicago, Jaco Pastorius. Stanley Clarke, Oregon, Paul Winter Consort, and even Tom Waits. Jazz is big and broad with lots of different flavors.
My wife is a former ballet star from Shanghai, China. I met her when she was working as the artistic director for a ballet company in the US. Because I have extensive amateur theater experience, I was put on her board of directors and became her production chair. She said she needed men on stage, so I would have to learn to dance. I produced six ballets for her, performed in five, and as the comic lead in four of them (Herr Drosselmeyer twice, and Dr. Coppelius twice – I merely had to be funny or dramatic to a beat). I used to give pep talks to the dancers before the shows and during intermissions. I got to see up close how grueling their sport is and how much pain they endured. My wife and I are both retired in our 70s now. She has had both ankles rebuilt and one knee. The other knee will also likely need surgery. Ballet is not for those who are weak or lack commitment.
I resemble that remark. I’m just thankful I was able to keep cool during the emergencies. Afterward — well, that’s a different story.