The Curtain Is Up On CenterStage

What's my favorite part about Christmas? The Richmond Ballet's performance of the Nutcracker. I danced in the Nutcracker for 6 years growing up and I loved every minute of it. And even though my pointe shoes were hung up long ago, I still can't wait to watch the Nutcracker as least once every holiday season. Last Christmas my sister gave me a DVD of George Balanchine's Nutcracker. For those of you who don't know of the infamous choreographer, this is the original choreography and the New York City Ballet performs it every year. I have yet to see the New York City Ballet perform, but it definitely on my list of things I MUST do in my life.

I was very sad when the Carpenter Center (home of the Richmond Ballet) closed for renovations in 2004. However, this wasn't the first time the theater had closed. Originally called "Loew's Theatre," this magnificent building opened in 1928 as a movie theater. It's first showing? Gone with the Wind. Loew's Theater closed in 1979 and re-opened as the Carpenter Centre for the Performing Arts in 1983 (Cenema Treasures).

After 5 years and $73 million, the theater (and 3 other venues) opened it's doors this weekend with a new name: CenterStage. CenterStage is comprised of three performance venues, a visual arts gallery and an innovative education facility (CenterStage). The Carpenter Theatre will keep it's name. The coolest aspect of the theatre is the twinkling lights on the ceiling (they look like stars!) With the new renovation, these "stars" got new fiber optics to enhance their sparkle!

I can't wait to enjoy the Nutcracker this winter on it's new stage!!!!

For Tickets visit richmondballet.com.

I know your probably thinking it's difficult for me to convince Noah to go to the ballet. All I have to do is remind him of the countless hours of football, baseball, basketball, golf, tennis, etc. I watch with him! If I can do that he can handle a couple of hours at the ballet! The last ballet I took him to was the Richmond Ballet's Cinderella. After three hours and 2 intermissions, I almost lost him! We probably go to 2-3 ballets a year and I go to at least 20 sporting events so he really can't complain :) You have to be fair in order to have a happy marriage!