Ballet X Dance Happening

Isn't this a great poster? (It features Ballet X star Laura Feig.)

The Ballet X Summer Series is this week at the Wilma Theater on Broad Street.

Classics

Here are some of the classic cars which were on display in Philadelphia on July 4th.

More July Fourth!

Here's another shot of some of the, er, fireworks at the Philadelphia July 4th Tea Party rally. Watch for more photos of other Independence Day happenings, yet to come.

Contention at the Tea Party Rally!

While most of the contention at the July 4th Philadelphia Independence Day rally involved forces within the Tea Party, with organizer Don Adams unsuccessfuly trying to shoo away the many Ron Paul supporters with their ubiquitous signs, there was other action on the fringes of the scene.

Philly Fourth!

Yes, Philadelphia, the home of Liberty and birthplace of the Republic, was a busy place yesterday. I scoped out several of the many events with my camera, and will be posting images right here all week!

Where Are the Bats?

The lack of run support for Philly Phillies' ace pitchers of late is distressing. No moves yet to insert the Phanatic into the line-up-- but I'd swear I've seen the big green guy taking batting practice.

Almost-Total Accuracy

This blog, by the way, was 99% accurate with its information that Patrick Murphy was definitely going to run for Pennsylvania Attorney General, and that his target date was April 18th. He announced on April 20th.

Ballet Crowd Goes Berserk!

The audience at the Pennsylvania Ballet performance at the Merriam Theater Sunday went berserk for retiring prima ballerina Martha Chamberlain. The fifteen minute standing ovation for Martha was the culmination of an electric three-ballet program. It may have been the best performance this ballet company has ever given—at least the most exciting. Stravinsky’s “Agon” was a nice opening. “This Part in Darkness” with choreography by Benjamin Millepied of “Black Swan” fame was three times as fast moving—the audience as well as the dancers left breathless at the end of the piece. With its multi-media presentation this work was a window into the future of ballet, a demonstration that here is one classic art form which is evolving, very swiftly, positioning itself to survive. It was as thrilling a piece of art as you’ll see anyplace.

The excitement from the third ballet, “Who Cares?”— sixteen short dances to a series of Gershwin songs—came from the knowledge that this was Martha Chamberlain’s swan song. I found it interesting to contrast the styles, once they took their turns on stage after much anticipation, of Martha and fellow principal ballerina Arantxa Ochoa. Arantxa is technically the more precise and elegant ballerina, a wonder of beauty—but Martha edges her on exuberance and personality. The corny but romantic Gershwin music was perfect for Martha, who’s a very outgoing, American sort of ballet dancer. Very expressive, playing to the nosebleed seats. She’s always gotten by on sheer drive, grit, and pluck, probably why she’s loved by patrons and dancers alike.

Dance fans showed that exuberance at the conclusion of the final song, “I Got Rhythm.” Shouts, bravos, thrown roses, nonstop applause, not one person leaving their seats.

The applause was for Martha, but the thunderous shouting was also for the thriving ballet company, one day after the Philadelphia Orchestra declared bankruptcy. The applause was for the religion that is ballet, for art itself-- most of all, it was for the city of Philadelphia.

Patrick Murphy Readies to Run

Philly Zeen has received information from a reliable source that former two-term U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy, a Democrat, will be running for the office of Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. His targeted announcement date is April 18. Murphy has spoken to both Ed Rendell and Bob Casey and received their okay. He’s been furiously lining up support including from the African-American community from figures like Chaka Fattah. Murphy was only recently voted out of office—last November—but is eager to return to public service.

You heard it here first!

Waiting for Baseball

I can’t wait.

White Bursts

IF I HAD A CAMERA right now, I’d snap photos of the beautiful snowburst pictures made in the trees of Philadelphia from last night’s snowfall. They’re already melting as I type this. Please imagine them.