Fans! Spanish flamenco fans fluttering everywhere and the trill and jingle of tambourines – that was my first overwhelming impression as I stepped into the Stage Left wings in the War Memorial Opera House last Saturday afternoon.
It was the first onstage rehearsal for San Francisco Ballet’s new production of Don Quixote, and I was there as a BRAVO volunteer, assisting with the many children in the cast.
The wings were crowded with what appeared to be every dancer in the Company, the upper levels of the School, and student dancers as young as age 10. I stood and absorbed the scene.
Dancers were all over the floor – stretching, chatting and joking. Our contingent of Spanish-speaking men were in high spirits, carrying on a lively conversation in their language; beside them, another Company member sat on a stool, focused on forming characters in his Japanese language workbook. The girls of the corps, wearing their character shoes, were practicing with their fans as they waited; the young men did the same with their tambourines.
I noticed the many props categorized and waiting for use: boxes of knives, baskets of fake foods, a table of wine bottles and pewter drinking mugs. Sancho Panza’s cow horn, a couple of guitars, and even a rolling pin were all laid out.
Onstage, the pianist started playing. It’s the opening scene and Sancho Panza is prepping Don Quixote for his adventures. Behind the curtain backing the Prologue scene, the stage was set for Act I, with corps members and students relaxing and stretching, but ready to spring into their roles the moment before the curtain goes up.
Ballet masters frequently clapped hands to stop the music and action, working with Helgi Tomasson to get every detail and nuance just right.
Then I heard “clomp, clomp” on the wooden floor, and took a free moment to go visit two of the stars of Don Quixote. If you’ve seen the ballet before, you’ll know who I’m referring to! If not, I’ll just tell you that the shaggy one is named “Johnny Appleseed” and the white Arabian is named “Estimation.”
Enjoy the show!
Spring into Fall with Donna Karan!
SF Ballet Auxiliary Fashion Show Chair
May 2, 2012
Grey will be the prominent color but I do not want to give away the surprises. I look forward to the big unveil into the ballroom when the doors are opened for the lunch seating.
We are so lucky that Donna Karan will be joining us for the day. I know she has a huge following. Please be sure to check out our auction lot packages. The New York package includes a one of a kind Donna Karan ball gown that will be modeled on the runway!
In addition, the winner and a friend will join celebrities and socialites from around the world for the September 2012 New York Fashion Week to see Donna Karan’s Spring 2013 Runway Show. They will make an impressive arrival at the show in a new Donna Karan look, purchased with their $2,500 Saks Fifth Avenue shopping spree. The trip includes three nights at the exceptional St. Regis New York hotel and two tickets to the Broadway hit, “Priscilla Queen of the Desert.” Please visit the website for further lot details at http://www.sfballet.org/events/fashion_show .
I look forward to seeing you there!