Tag: ballet

The Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is something that I have only caught glimpses of on tv performances and never really experienced live before. Sometimes I think people living/growing up in bigger cities are spoiled with so many opportunities. Coming from a small town, there was just one dance school in town and the ballet was something we never even thought about. When I was younger I remember a gymnastics’ judge telling my dad I would benefit from ballet classes. Other than that, never really considered this art form.

Fast forward Zoe asked to take ballet lessons when she was older (teen-aged) and had the very best experience. I watched her grow in her grace. Literally to this day she walks and holds herself differently. It’s an art form that I admire. Requiring so much dedication, strength and discipline.

This year I wanted to treat my daughters to an evening out for Christmas, just the three of us. It was my gift to them, and us. All seeing the ballet for the first time together.

The evening prior we went out for a Christmas cocktail at a new Irish Pub called The Leprechaun . They were delicious. I of course ordered The Grinch’.
We festively wore holiday head gear found in the Christmas bin in the basement that we dragged up when decorating the tree. Sedona kept commenting that I was putting my tree up with only 11 days left to Christmas. Better late than never.
Even Namki participated with a clip-on elf hat. He’s such a good sport. I love capturing the way he looks at her.

The next day, the girls and I headed to The Banks to eat at Ruth Chris Steakhouse. I wanted this night to be top notch. I don’t believe the girls have ever eaten at a nice steakhouse and I encouraged them to order whatever they wanted.

Selfie with the Roebling Bridge. Still wondering what Cincinnati is planning to do with the unfinished parking space, but for now, glad nothing is blocking the view.
Twins. So special. 
It was a beautiful night, not too cold. We took an Uber from the river to Music Hall and arrived just in the nick of time to grab a cocktail and find our seats. 
We were in the second row from the front. I loved it. Could see the orchestra and dancers up close. Was so incredible. The entire experience was magical. So much more activity on stage than I imagined. Never a boring moment. The show was incredible.
I wondered what it would be like in the pit. 
Architecture of this place is stunning. I snapped this during the intermission break.

The Ballet Director tells you at the beginning of the show not to post any photos of the actual performance without consent. I wanted to honor that. I only took a photo at the end to remember it by. The sets and costumes were fantastic. I was shocked by all the families in attendance with small children but totally understood how this tradition, if affordable, would be one to continue.

I do wonder though, as children are given so much more than we ever had growing up now, what their futures will look like. Kids these days expect to travel the world, take vacations in Europe, see Broadways shows all before high school. Will it be harder for them to be in amazement and awe of what the world offers? Seeing so much so young and expecting that its easily accessible. Or will exposing them at a young age to all the luxuries be the launching pad for which they are inspired and aspire to do more? 

I consider that I did not grow up with many vacations but was determined to travel the world and find a job that would pay for me to do so. (knowing I could not afford it on my own) Are you born with this drive. Or does lack inspire it?

I know it seems I do a lot, which is mostly because as I age, I know my time is limited. I can appreciate seeing my parents early in life slow deterioration which to this day reminds me to live my life while I still have health and abilities. It doesn’t help that my Instagram reels are filled with beautiful natural places to see and encouragement to live irresponsibly 🙂

Sedona snapped this natural capture of ZoZo and I.

It really was a beautiful time for us to cherish. We very much enjoyed and appreciated our Christmas evening out together.

Zoe and Sedona each bought a nutcracker ornament as a reminder of this night. We took the Connector back down to The Banks. Cincinnati has so much to offer. I love this city. In the 35 years I have been here, its been wonderful seeing the city’s transformation into the magnificent, urban, culturally artistic city that we all knew it deserved to be.