Kilted at the ballet

[Rex_Tremende]

This evening (well, technically last night), I attended a gala performance of "International Ballet Stars." It included eighteen classical and modern pas de deux performed by principal dancers from ten companies from Europe, South- and North America.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was not the only person kilted. As far as I could tell, there was one other kilted person. One of us got thunderous applause...but it was not me.

He was Anton Korsakov of the Kirov Ballet, dancing the role of James in a spectacular pas de deux and diverstissement from La Sylphide.

La Sylphide is a classic story ballet involving love and betrayal, fairies, witches, death - all the usual plot elements. It is notable here in that it is set in Scotland, and, as far as I've been able to discern, the role of James is always performed kilted. This evening it was in front of roughly 1800 people.

I will mention in passing that there were two more MUGs from the costume department last evening: one was a kind of A-line skirt that appeared to be comprised of two giant silver petals (Tristan and Isolde); the other was a miniscule loin cloth (don't remember the dance).

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati

[billmcc]

Rex,

What kind of kilt and jacket did you wear to the ballet?

[David Dalglish]

Sounds like a fun evening

[Rex_Tremende]

What kind of kilt and jacket did you wear to the ballet?

I wore the Douglas modern tank that I purchased recently - the first time that I've worn it in public - and a crisp, navy blue linen shirt. I don't own a kilt-length jacket yet, so I had little choice but to go kilted "business casual."

This is the safe wardrobe choice, since people attend these things any more in anything from jeans-sandals-tee to formal. Business suits were the most formal male attire that I saw last night.

I am planning to buy some sort of jacket as a gift for myself toward the end of the year, likely some sort of argyll.

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati

[Panache]

Sounds like a very enjoyable evening!

Cheers

[michael steinrok]

Something else to add to the list

[morrison]

I need more culture!
No, I don't mean cottage cheese. I have great hope of seeing more tartan and more of all styles of kilts everyday as I go along my way. I'll start with me. People will see a man in his kilt today. When you (or any other man) and I happen along in the community on the same day around the same time those people will see many more kilts than were actually there. The power and perceptions raised by increasing the numbers! Magnificent!!!
Kilts on and off stage raise the numbers in the audience's estimation and imagination!

[Blu (Ontario)]

I should think that where the arts such as theater, ballet, etc. are concerned, the audience would tend to be appreciative of such personal expressions such as wearing a kilt. A no brainer for sure.

I'm not so sure that a comedy club falls into the same artistic catgeory as the ballet... but a test of ones mettle and resolve.

[Blu (Ontario)]

... Kilts on and off stage raise the numbers in the audience's estimation and imagination!

Perhaps...

but until numbers increase greatly, it will just be assumed that there is a special reason for it.

.

[Rex_Tremende]

Perhaps... but until numbers increase greatly, it will just be assumed that there is a special reason for it.

The theater is across the street from Nicholson's pub, where the staff are in kilts and arriving kilted is supposed to get you a pint (I've been there in qualifying attire three times, and they have yet to offer, but last night they asked if I got one on my way out :confused: ).

When I walked in and approached the usher to be admitted, he said, "11:00."

"Huh?"

"You're not with Nicholson's?"

"No."

"Somone from Nicholson's usually comes over to ask what time the show is over," he explained.

"Sorry, I'm just here to see the performance."

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati