I got it into my head this year that I wanted to take Mary Kate on a little mother-daughter outing to see the Nutcracker performed by Ballet West. I thought it would be a fun way to celebrate Christmas while exposing Mary Kate to the Arts; but mostly I just like hanging out with my MK. I remember going with my mom to see the Nutcracker when I was about Mary Kate’s age and it’s a happy memory for me. I wanted that same kind of memory for Mary Kate.
We picked the perfect afternoon to get away, just us girls. The twins were on one and totally out of control today! The peace and quiet enjoyed with only my mild mannered daughter by my side was so lovely.
The Ballet was lovely as well. Ballet West’s Nutcracker always gets great reviews and it’s easy to see why. Our favorite dances were the Danish Marzipan Shepherdesses (beautiful costumes), Waltz of the Flowers (beautiful, tiny little Asian ballerina), and of course the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. What little girl doesn’t secretly wish she could be the Sugar Plum Fairy? I know I did.
Aside from the girl constantly digging into her noisy cellophane bag of jelly beans to our right, and the older lady behind us with the oxygen tank that hissed loudly every three seconds causing us to beg the usher for new seats (which were granted thank goodness), it was a perfect performance. A much quieter second half to be sure. (Does anyone agree with me that Utah audiences tend to be a little rude and rowdy? Maybe it was just the matinee performance with lots of kids present, who knows?)
The Nutcracker is so very Christmas. Just hearing the music brings that Christmas spirit flowing in. Like I said though, mostly I just enjoyed spending the day with MK. I hope she now has a good memory to keep forever.
(There was even a giant PUPLE nutcracker right in the lobby. Of course she spotted that one right away)
I love you Mary Kate. Thanks for coming with me!
5 comments:
Aunt Winnie used to take me to some of the Civic Music Concerts at USU, I was always so excited to go with her. We saw ballet, Marian Andersen sing, Swan Lake Ballet and other performances that I really enjoyed. She brought Opera glasses that we shared so that we could see the faces of the performers. I thought about her when I read your post.
We love The Nutcracker Ballet, our girls had various parts when they took ballet in Yuma. Cute picture of Mary Kate by the Nutcracker!
What a perfect girls' night out! Tell Mary Kate she is gorgeous - seriously, so beautiful. Love you gals!
What a perfectly wonderful outing! You both look beautiful, and I'm glad you had a great time!
Couldn't you have waited until next year so I could go too?
Forget the Sugar Plum fairy; I always wanted to be the rat king. Just kidding. Looks like a fantastic event- memories like this are the best gift we can give our kids.
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