Last Friday, JP and I went to the ballet. Now, if you know JP, you know he is very openly NOT into the ballet or other similar things. So, I never in a million years thought that I would ever say that I went to the ballet with him.
One of my friends I have made in grad school works for a firm that was sponsoring the opening night of George Balanchine’s Nutcracker (which is the original version of the Nutcracker). As a result they were giving free tickets to their clients. My friend offered me some of the tickets. I told him I really wasn't sure but what let him know.
Now, I really had no desire to go to the ballet. However, I did say to JP, "Do you want to go to the Nutcracker? I have free tickets." I really just asked to see how he would respond. I totally expected a disgusted "NO" but I got, "Yeah I'll go." I made sure several times that he was actually ok with going and made it clear that in no way was I forcing him to go.
So, that is how we ended up at the ballet.
We knew JP was not going to love the show. This was my first ballet since my 5 year old ballet recital, and I've decided I'm not a ballet fan either. Don't get me wrong, I am in awe of the things they do and kept thinking 1) I wish I could do that and 2) I wish my legs looked like that. They did a very good job. However, I got somewhat bored during the show, especially during the first act. This is not surprising as I frequently get bored during movies as well. Another thing, I was quite thankful for the written description in our program of what was going on because otherwise there were somethings I don't think I would have gotten. I must say though that I did enjoy hearing the familiar Nutcracker songs.
So, two things we learned from this event.
1. JP got lucky. He has a girl that would much rather sit and watch a baseball, basketball, football, or even curling game than ballet.
2. JP and I both mentioned several times during the show and afterwards that we really hope we don't have children that want to hard core pursue the ballet. Although, I'm sure watching your children would be different.
pictures from here
