Boston Ballet’s Jewels: Three Gems

Both my children appreciate a little “fancy”. Whether it is dressing up for a special occasion, or having just the right accessory, these little things matter. It is the frivolous and unimportant things that are important sometimes.

You don’t have to be a 5 year old girl to appreciate the twirling, dreamy, glittery, playfulness of dressing up. We all have our inner child who floated above the ground at some point feeling on top of the world. In fact, just last night, over cocktails, a friend was talking about a dad who was wearing a new jacket to a party and she commented on how fabulous it was, he delved into the story of how he acquired the jacket and the obvious joy of wearing it was no less exciting than my memories of wearing a twirly skirt. Balanchine’s Jewels awakens that child within.

Gold shoes were a must a for Christmas one year. The black leather "like daddy's work shoes" caused a complete meltdown. I should have known better. — Gold shoes were a must a for Christmas one year. The black leather “like daddy’s work shoes” caused a complete meltdown. I should have known better.

If you do want to bring your little one to Jewels, I think it will capture their attention, perhaps even better than the classic Nutcracker, but be aware that the ballet can be long for little ones so plan accordingly. If you have to leave a bit early, take what you can and savour it and then head out when the time is right.

Isaac Akiba, Dalay Parrondo, Rie Ichikawa in Boston Ballet’s Emeralds ©The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

Sapphires are the romantic, playful, gems, with the cool softness of water. The dancers plays with the music and the movement evokes the twirly skirts (or perhaps capes) of childhood. Rubies on the other hand taunt from the window of a 5th Avenue jewelry store. Drawing you closer until you seemingly stand with your nose pushed up to the window mesmerized. Even Isabelle noticed it, as she whispered to me that “That dancer has attitude because of the music.” and she wasn’t referring to the ballet position. Rubies evokes a little bit of Vaudeville and a little bit of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Kathleen Breen Combes in Boston Ballet’s Diamonds ©The George Balanchine Trust. Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

The sparkle of a diamond takes your breath away and from the moment the curtain goes up and the set and dancers sparkle the audience collectively holds there breath for a second. Diamonds keeps you gazing in the window of the imaginary jewelry shop lost in a daydream until the very last step. For every moment of sarcasm and humour that Pricked had, Jewels has that number of breathtaking moments of beauty.

Jewels is being performed by the Boston Ballet at the Boston Opera House. Tickets are available here.