Saturday May 22, 2021

Good morning everyone, today is Saturday May 22, 2021. The weather prediction today is warm and cloudy maybe 90 degrees. I’m not sure how to comment on that, is it good or bad. I guess we will wait and see and then make the determination. But at least it is Saturday, a fun day.

Yesterday I had to visit one of my doctors, you know I am never away from one of them too long. This one has just moved into a new office, so it was my first time there. As I was sitting in the waiting room I could see the hallway of the examining rooms on the wall was a large poster of Michael Barishnikov and Rudolf Nureyev, I was mesmerized by the poster because I had seen both of these men dance many times at the Met. One at the beginning of his career and one at the end. There have been 3 male dancers to be considered the best in the world and I had seen two the third being Nijinsky who died in 1950. My love of ballet started very early in my life, my sister older than I danced from the time she was two until around 16 or 17. Actually she was quite good and I would love to watch her on stage, once when I was very young I was included in one of her numbers where she twirled me with her feet while lying on her back. Her only drawback was her size she is only 4’ 11’ not really the right hieght for a dancer none the less she did audition for the Rockettes.

For many years Marylou and I were subscribers of the American Ballet Theater, we look forward to the season every year. It made the Springtime very special especially the opening gala at Tavern on the Green. But it also gave us an opportunity to see some of the world’s greatest dancers and ballets. I could never choose a favorite because they were all so beautiful , however my least favorite was Rodeo and we always got stuck with it in our subscription.

I have always been an advocate of the arts. The arts have survived every civilization know to man, I believe because they make you civilized with beauty, culture and refinement. As important as sports are to a child so are the arts and I strongly believe they should be involved in both. When I was the liaison between the NJPAC and school I was allowed to pick two programs a year, one in the fall and one in the spring. I always chose Theater in the fall and Ballet in the Spring. I think Ballet is extremely important for girls growing up, it gives them a sense of grace and discipline like nothing else. On the other hand boys need it just as much for coordination and discipline. Many a football and soccer player has taken ballet lessons.

Both Nuryev and Barishnikov could leap to heights of six feet while in dance which is an actual feat in the world of motion. Both were a pleasure to see, however, the last time I saw Nuryev it was hard to watch, it seemed like basic movements were causing so much pain for him, but he still performed magnificently. He wil always remain one of the best, once him and Dame Margo Fonteyn recieved 89 curtain calls in my book that is the best.

The Arts, music, art , dance, theater, movement, these should never be taken lightly as I said previously they have survived the test of time and the will always survive because we need them to survive, we need the enjoyment and pleasure we derive from them. Without them we are one sided we are not well rounded . Children need them to complete an education they need exposure to everything so they can make intelligent decisions, choices and be able to think critically. These are the minds of the future so the need to be cultivated very carefully. Before I close today I want to share one last thing, I by myself maybe an aide if possible many times walked at least 30 students through downtown Newark, stopped at a restaurant and had lunch and proceeded to the theater to see a performance walked back through Newark and I never had one problem, only acolates from diners in the restaurant. My old adage when you expect nothing but the best that’s what you get the best.

Well my room is really bright today so I will wish you Vasvidania, for Nuryev and Barishnikov for today. I hope you use the day to make you happy, no matter what you do find some enjoyment, talk soon Til Tomorrow!