Categories: NYC

A Night at the Ballet

This week started out on a major high: Puerto Rico! Fun morning at Uplift!

But it quickly hit a major low when I got bad news on Tuesday. Luckily, I truly have the best friends in the world and we basically just extended our trip another night and got back together on Tuesday night.

Tonight, I had plans to go to the ballet with my parents. My mom had heard that Sleeping Beauty was playing a limited engagement and asked if I wanted to go. Um, yes??

It’s so easy living in NYC to take for granted all the amazing cultural opportunities, but when I do something like go to the ballet, it reminds me why I live in the best city in the world.

While I couldn’t take any photos in the theater, Sleeping Beauty was wonderful. When I was younger, I didn’t really appreciate the ballet (WHERE ARE ALL THE WORDS?), but now I love watching the story unfold through dance and music. (Just a sidenote for NYC people: if you’re into ballet, some friends are members of the American Ballet Theatre’s Junior Council and love it.)

I mean, Lincoln Center is just so ugly.

While a night hanging out with my parents didn’t absolve me of my problems, it helped me forget for just a little while. (See also: a productive session with my therapist and a long walk.)

As we left, we saw a party going on! Turns out it was the Rose Ball, a free masquerade event for young members and $20 for the public. My mom very seriously asked if I wanted to stay. I am ballsy, but rolling up to a masquerade ball alone–where I don’t know anyone–is a bit much for even me.

What’s your favorite way to get all cultured and stuff? And favorite way to forget about your problems?

Theodora Blanchfield

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  • I love the ballet. We're so lucky in NYC to have two major ballet companies and lots of noted visiting companies every year. Lincoln Center is very dated. Avery Fisher Hall is going to be renovated soon.
    Have you ever been to the opera? I haven't, but would like to check it out. I enjoy the philharmonic and Shakespeare in the Park is always fun. As for distracting myself from bad news, running is good for that and a night out helps. I also distress with knitting.
    I hope whatever you're going through works out soon.

    • @Linda: oh! I was being sarcastic! I like Lincoln Center. It is very outdated, but it still holds a special place in my heart.

      I haven't been to the opera yet either, but also want to go sometime!

  • I went to the ballet all the time when I lived in London, I've only been twice here in San Francisco and I miss it. Sorry about your bad news...hang in there,you have lovely friends to support you!

  • Hope things are OK in your world...
    Cultured--lectures, art museum, etc. Lots of opportunities in a college town.
    Taking the dogs out for a walk always helps me disconnect and focus on the good things in life...

  • Hope all is well Theodora! We get cultured around here through trips to the museum. Though I think ballet is beautiful, Anne has a long way to go before she will sit through a show. A LONG way to go

  • The ballet sounds wonderful. My husband and I go to the symphony here fairly regularly. That makes me feel cultured. I also like to go to the broadway musical tours.

  • Whatever you have going on, I hope it all works out in the end.
    Running helps me stay sane especially when things tough

  • I like to hit up PlayhouseSquare, another one of the largest performing arts centers, just here in CLE. Just booked a night at the theatre for next weekend, actually!

    my ways to get away from what's bothering me? yoga. pup walks. random iPhone dance parties.

    sending hugs.

  • Exercise makes me feel better. Endorphins make you happy!

    But honestly, talking to my mom always seems to help when I have issues.

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Theodora Blanchfield

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