This title is reference to this song from A Chorus Line. Honestly I don't even know this song that well but I always would see the title on my way to listen to some of the other songs... so I thought about it when I went to the ballet.
This Friday I saw Le Lac des cygnes put on by the St Petersburg Ballet (I'm pretty sure). It was spectacular! No I truly loved it. This is a lesser known fact by my college friends, but I used to do ballet. I used to be quite into it actually. From about 3rd to 10th grade. Then band took over my life... But it was in some of my most formative years that I did dance. And I've had a complicated relationship with it. Now I think it's mostly resolved and I've been thinking (since starting college really) about trying to take classes like just as exercise because it's some of the only exercise I can enjoy. Anywayss it's been a hot second since I did dance, clearly, but I still have a deep appreciation for the art!
Despite participating in many a recital, I never have seen a professional ballet (at least in my memory). I would watch a lot of YouTube videos of excerpts, but yeah that's not the same thing. So this was an enlightening experience! I was worried that I'd get really bored because sometimes I like things in theory but then find them boring when it comes down to it. Thankfully this wasn't the case. Oh, also I was scarred by having to watch an opera of Romeo and Juliet in 6th grade. It was like a performance especially for a bunch of school groups so the big drama was that someone had a seizure I'm pretty sure. Promptly after, my best friend and I saw the classic and much more riveting telling of the tale, Gnomeo and Juliet.
So yes, I didn't get bored! And I loved the dancing. Does anyone else only know the story of Swan Lake from the Barbie rendition??? Barbie really made sure I was cultured.
Tomorrow (well Wednesday but I'm writing this Tuesday), I'm seeing a play for a theatre analysis class I'm taking. It's really cool because we get to see 5 or 6 productions (plays and an opera) that Smith will pay for. And they're at all different venues, so it's the perfect opportunity to see the theatre scene of Paris! That was one pitfall of the ballet I just saw. That is, the venue wasn't like a traditional theatre that's very extravagant. It was more arena-like. But all that matters really is the seats are comfortable enough and I can see!
Speaking of the theatre class and the musical reference of this post's title, I have a question for all of youse. Or a scenario to propose. The prof for this class (who obviously should know a thing or two about theatre) didn't know about Hamilton and the whole class was so shocked. Do you think it's shocking? I mean, musicals really aren't a thing here (he admitted there are a couple exceptions like Les Misérables). Yes, London and West End are nearby, but I think there's still a great distinction between the two places. I understand Hamilton has enormous cultural significance in America, but I wouldn't blame nonAmericans for not knowing about it? But it's also true that so many other American cultural phenomena consequentially have strong influence in France. Also, maybe the prof is just really out of tune. I'll ask Jean what he knows about Hamilton....
So other than me engaging so effortlessly with les arts, all my classes have officially started! This is what I'm taking
- That theatre class
- A science seminar that's meant to help me find an internship... still working on it :'(
- A class about the relationship between the orient and occident within the mediterranean region, specifically between France and Algeria. It's interesting because in French, things that are "oriental" reference what Americans would moreso consider middle eastern/arab culture. But when Americans say oriental, they mean asian. I have yet to figure out where the discrepancy originates.
- A philosophy class at the Sorbonne about self identity in the tradition of Locke. This one is in English, which technically isn't allowed... but I went to the first class and it was really interesting... so I signed up and we'll see if I tell Smith :-). It was quite fun and even exciting stuff to learn. I think this had to do with it being new ideas to me. With STEM classes, idk, I think I'm starting to get tired because there's not that excitement of new stuff. But yeah... it's necessary to gain expertise to get over the fun of brand new concepts.
- I'll also take another philosophy class but idk yet how this one is. It's about the philosophy of social sciences.
So this week is when I'll start solidifying my routine and everything! I have a lot of free time still because these classes are all just once a week. Once I find an internship though, I'll be doing that 2-3 times a week, so I think it'll be more. Hopefully not too crazy though! I'm also still babysitting 3 times a week.
Oh lastly, I promised Erin I'd give a bit of commentary on Jojo Rabbit, which I saw this past weekend.
In short, I really loved it! I've only seen one other movie by this director, but after that movie, Boy, I decided he was one of my favorite directors haha. The style reminds me a lot of Wes Anderson. In terms of the shots included and attention to detail in setting construction. The humor is similar to Wes Anderson too but Taika Waititi has more heart to the comedy imo, like letting the characters put more emotion into what they say but also having an awkward (dry??) humor. It's astonishing how well the comedy was incorporated considering the subject. But that's satire for ya and that's the charm. I know people say World War 2 films/stories are overdone, but I've always been very interested in these stories. Now that I think of it, it's because these stories usually aren't just about war. Because that bores me. There's always a significant social aspect to WW2 stories, at least the ones that interest me. This story reminds me of The Book Thief in how it makes you consider things from the child perspective in Germany. It challenges me to consider the situation in different ways!
tldr - 8/10 I like Taika Waititi's style and you guys should watch Boy. It's on Kanopy.
Why would they deny you to audit? Doesn’t Smith allow you to audit any class? You should fight them @-@. Anyway, I say we should do a dance class together next semester something we both know little about like hip-hop or something!
@erin Woohoo chorus line! And yes, I want to (take a dance class that is)! Preferably ballet... I tried last year but they were being annoying any wouldn’t let me audit it bc Id only be able to go for one of the days 😒 I’ll have to check out that movie/ channel! It’s an interesting debate and one I don’t have a definitive answer to. I don’t think there exists one though....
I saw the title and was wondering if it was a Chorus Line reference, that's my favorite song from the soundtrack :')
Yeah I had no idea that you danced for so long! I can get how you might have a difficult relationship with something that was a big part of your formative years, but glad that you feel you've worked through it mostly. Do you think you would try to take a dance class again before you graduate?
Glad you enjoyed the performance! I feel that way about enjoying something "in theory" but getting bored in person a bit about concert band/orchestra performances hehe. Usually I like the first couple songs and then I'm like, ok. But I'm glad…