Charlotte Ballet’s season to “see for yourself” has begun
There is a stigma, I think, that young twenty-somethings can’t understand or enjoy the fine arts: the opera, orchestra, etc. I thought this, too, for a long time. But it’s silly to think that people my age can’t enjoy the finer things. This was the thought on my mind when I first saw Charlotte Ballet’s new ad campaign.
I’m no stranger to ballet — in movies, at least. I saw “Black Swan.” I remember the ’90s classic “Center Stage.”
An actual performance, though, with real people? It never crossed my mind I could even go. But I live in uptown. If you’ve walked around Tryon Street recently, or opened a Charlotte Observer, or, you know, existed as a functional human in this city, you’ve probably noticed Charlotte Ballet’s “See For Yourself” ad campaign. So, I decided to do just that.
Director of marketing and communications Logan McSwain was kind enough to answer some of my questions. For someone expecting only Natalie Portman to pirouette across stage at some point before dying, McSwain had some helpful advice.
To enhance the experience she suggested reading about the dancers in the playbill or following them on social media beforehand. Getting to know the dancers “totally changes the experience,” McSwain said. “You root for them the way you would your favorite athletes.”
The easiest way to keep up with the ballet and their dancers is to follow the company (@CLTBallet) on Instagram and Twitter.
But mostly, she suggested to relax, have fun and not to worry about “getting it.“ Choreographers are often looking for the audience to bring their own perspective, she said.
So, with that advice in my back pocket (and a beer in each hand) I entered the theater for the annual “Fall Works.”
Hope you enjoyed meeting our 9 new dancers at Fall Works this wknd! They are loving #Charlotte! #cltarts pic.twitter.com/TEQCtXW8nm
— Charlotte Ballet (@CLTballet) October 21, 2015
“Fall Works” is one of Charlotte Ballet’s three “Works” performances each year. The other two are “Innovative Works” in January and “Spring Works” to close their season in April. They are an excellent first foray into ballet. Comprised of short ballets, they showcase the expansive possibilities of which ballet is capable.
“Performances are similar to a wine tasting,” McSwain said. “They can help you figure out what styles of ballet and choreography you really like.”
The night was explosive, in the best way possible. “Fall Works,” which was comprised of three short ballets per performance, showed a range of performances I didn’t even know were possible. From a ballet set to live bluegrass to Sasha Janes, I can honestly say it was one of the most entertaining nights I’ve had since moving back.
Yet, according to the ballet, only about 20 percent of its annual audience is people under the age of 35. Which means just one thing: we are missing it. People my age are missing one of the most exciting things this city has to offer.
Though “Fall Works” has ended, the Charlotte Ballet season has just begun with many more opportunities to catch a performance.
Up next:
– “Soiree,” Nov. 7
– “Nutcracker,” Dec. 10-23
One piece of advice: bring Tylenol. Your hands will be raw from constant clapping.
Photos: Charlotte Ballet
This story was originally published November 2, 2015 at 9:10 PM with the headline "Charlotte Ballet’s season to “see for yourself” has begun."