an arts and culture blog
"Lower your expectations." That's what Glennon Doyle said on NPR this morning and it was the piece of advice I've been looking for. A simple and direct statement recommending a specific thing I can do to feel better right now. So, I'll try to do some productive things I've been too busy to do during … Continue reading Lightening up
Rubies George Balanchine I’ll start with the title piece which comes at the end of the Carolina Ballet season opener: "Rubies" was choreographed by George Balanchine and was produced in accordance with his style and technique with the George Balanchine Trust. This is important to note. I have seen reviewers and/or commenters suggest it is … Continue reading Carolina Ballet: Rubies, Weiss, and gentle change
I heard someone talking to or about the the writer Ocean Vuong every time I turned on the radio last week, and then I opened the New Yorker and saw him in there. I recognized his name from the cover of a book of poetry I picked up a few years ago, Night Sky with … Continue reading World Makers: Ocean Vuong and James Ijames
I’m not a big crier. I usually receive sad stories and bittersweet twists in a matter of fact way. I am especially resistant to a movie or show that attempts to contrive or construct certain emotional responses. Just tell the story and I’ll decide how I feel. And I don’t usually feel like crying. I … Continue reading Beautiful things: Reflections at a Carole King musical
It’s been over a week since the Monti GrandSLAM on April 18. The delay in publishing my thoughts has been a combination of processing and procrastination. In case you aren’t familiar with the Monti it is true stories told by the people who experienced them relating to a theme and within a certain amount of … Continue reading The Monti GrandSLAM
I am excited to return to writing about the arts beginning next week! Look for my article on Carolina Ballet's Monet Impressions following its opening on May 11. I started this blog when I was writing reviews for Triangle Arts and Entertainment. I received press releases and calls for media photographers for performances and events we … Continue reading Let’s talk about art
The original plan was to go to Washington, DC and take part in the massive march I knew that would be, but I was feeling unwell, so I decided to stay home and march in Raleigh. What a great day that ended up being! We were among the first to arrive, and as we stood … Continue reading A day in Raleigh
The recital theme of the studio where I teach, Holly Springs School of Dance, from this past June was Evolution of Dancer. This is a fitting theme for my summer of photos, as well. They include everything from a little dancer's first time on the stage to professional ballet dancers honing their skills in class. Here … Continue reading Evolution of a Dancer – Summer Favorites
In a review, I try to not make a list of dances with ratings, which means I don't mention every dance or every dancer, even if the choreography or performance were exceptional. In a dense program like Master Composers with two and half hours of new and exciting choreography, with a full-company cast bringing it … Continue reading There’s more to say about Carolina Ballet’s Master Composers
This program is my favorite kind: five short ballets with simple costuming and nothing on the stage but the dancers. I shot these with my 50 prime. They would all have turned out better if I had used a bigger lens, but experimentation is fun and sometimes fruitful. I love the theme for The Double. … Continue reading Carolina Ballet – The Four Temperaments
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