Alberta Ballet

«FELLAS.
Had to negotiate a „date night“ with the Lady? So you scored tickets to the ballet. Talk about making sacrifices for your woman. Don’t worry our comprehensive guide will help you endure 2 ½ hours of prancing princesses and even get you some extra brownie points…»
And that’s how most Men’s magazines would describe a ballet experience to a guy who’s never been. Which really is no longer what most men are looking for (keyword: MEN). It’s not 1950’s anymore, it’s the 2013. The lines between what men and women are strictly supposed to enjoy are blurred. Or the old and young. High society vs. street. Art is art, and we all have the eye and taste for it.
*end lecture from Papa Angelo.
I honestly have never been to the ballet. I thought about watching it live at some point and finally got a chance when a lovely Lady scored me a ticket to watch Madame Butterfly.
I’ve never understood why and how the ballet stands out from other forms of dancing… until I saw it live. I liken it to the experience of seeing pictures of Manet, Monet, and PIcassos on the internet and wondering what all the fuss was about and finally seeing it at the Guggenheim. Lucky for us, our seats were within view of the stage and I saw the details of the dancer’s expressions and movements in contrast to the simplicity of the stage. I have to agree and would also use the descriptive word «breathtaking».
I know I would never shoot down the chance to go to an Alberta Ballet production. (Def if it’s a free ticket, hahaha). But for a classy night out, I think it’s worth the money. In conjunction with the Jubilee Auditorium, the experience of dressing up, drinking champagne, and being seated by professional ushers makes it a classy and memorable night that’s worth the money.
Lastly it was great going with someone who used to train ballet. It was nice having someone explain to me interesting things about Alberta Ballet, Madame Butterfly adaptation, and the dance itself. INteresting fact, not worth shelling mucho dolares for used ballerina shoes considering the amount of grossness that pours into those flimsy things. Collect something else people!

What’s this? A bro reviewing the ballet? And giving it five stars? Awwww hell yeah, kids. The ballet is badass.
Now I know what you’re thinking: «The ballet? What, are you some sort of turtle-​neck wearin’, Glee-​watchin’, Jazz-​handsin’ squeeb?»
Nope. But open your mind, fool. I’m about to lay down some gospel that might just change the way you fellas out there think about the ballet.
First, find a good lookin’ broad who raises your eyebrows and has a serious appreciation for the fine arts. The only tips I can offer here are to clip your fingernails and shine your shoes — the rest is up to you.
Next, surprise her with tickets to the ballet. Make sure they’re as close to the stage as possible; that’s going to be important and it also shows you’ve got some deep pockets on you and a whole lot of class. Who wants to watch the ballet through binoculars? Not you, Casanova, and neither does your date.
So you’re thinking, «Great, but now I have to watch a ballet».
HELL YEAH YOU DO, SUCKER, AND YOU’RE GONNA LOVE IT. What’s not to love about women in the prime of their health adorning tight fitting costumes and bending in ways unnatural for an hour or two?
«The men.» you might answer, and you’d have a valid point. Because there will be men up there in the same tight fitting garb, and you may just catch a glimpse of their fig n’ prunes. I suggest you just learn to selectively ignore them, but if you must glance, glance only once. You may feel like giving them a slow clap, but resist.
As an aside, if you’re not a Call Of Duty playing neanderthal there’s somethin’ great to be appreciated in the way the Alberta Ballet puts their shows together. For real though. Great sets. Talented performers. Beautiful music. It’s some classy, high-​grade stuff.
So, now you’ve shown her that you’re sophisticated and way into meaningful storytelling through the art of dance. That’s your first big win.
Buy her wine during the intermission. There’s win number two. Never met a classy lady in this world who didn’t appreciate a good glass of wine.
But the last big win is that instead of taking her out to Denny’s for a Super Bird or making her come over and watch Top Gun for the billionth time, you’ve actually put some thought into your date. You’ve shown her you care enough to take her to see a world class show. Mix in the fact that you’ve bought tickets close enough for her to watch the bulging biceps and flexing muscles of ballet-​bros lifting those ladies above their heads gracefully, and that right there is pure magic to the womenfolk.
She’s probably going to want to make out with you in the parking lot. Just let it happen.
You’re welcome.

The fact that Alberta Ballet is world renowned, and renowned across Canada is a pretty cool thing. We’ve got some of the cream of the crop, and it is always a pleasure to go visit. Like all little girls my parents dragged me to the Nutcracker when I was little and I loved it, so I made a point of going to other shows as I got older. They also used to have a program with discounted tickets for the dress rehearsal which they used to attract young people (now discontinued, I think).
Quite frankly, the performances were always breathtakingly beautiful and the music (Alberta Ballet is accompanied by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra) was astounding. I love the beautiful choreography, the incredible dancers and the variations on themes. From the traditional nutcracker to the unusually beautiful ballet choreographed to Joni Mitchell to the Ruby ballet, which was made up of performances in pieces, it all makes for this astounding night out. Alberta Ballet is such an important piece of Calgary’s culture, and we are so lucky to have it.

Last night, for the first time in my life I went to go see a ballet. And it wasn’t just ANY ballet, it was the Alberta Ballet’s performance of The Nut Cracker.
3 words my friends: OH. MY. GOD.
The show was absolutely INCREDIBLE. The sets! The dancers! The music! OH MY! The ballet was accompanied by The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and I cannot even begin to describe how superb every single element of the show was.
Choreographed by Edmund Stripe, all music composed by Pyotr llyich Tchaikovsky and performed by some of the most talented dancers I have EVER seen on stage, this show is truly one of a kind.
Every single dancer who took the stage performed with absolute grace, professionalism and expertise — to the point where they made it seem like dancing on your tip toes or leaping through the air is as simple as breathing.
I truly don’t have enough words to describe how incredible this show is. If I could recommend you see ONE show this holiday season, I would recommend it be The Nut Cracker performed by The Alberta Ballet. It’s only on stage in Calgary until December 26^th, so that gives you 6 days to book seats for one of the most awe-​inspiring shows you will ever see.