Dear Friends,
I am beyond thrilled to present this week's Stravinsky Apollon Musagete with the Chattanooga Ballet.
We have been patiently waiting for over 2 years to present this since we cancelled in March 2020.
I have always been fascinated with ballet. I have never danced and have no desire to (I can barely walk without tripping over my own feet and my knee hurts), but I have so much respect and admirations for the dancers and their dedication to the art form. It may also stem from the fact that my first professional engagement with a ballet company.
In 2004, as I was finishing up my degree at Arizona State University, my mentor/teacher Dr. Timothy Russell gave me an amazing opportunity to conduct 14 performances of The Nutcracker with The Phoenix Symphony and Ballet Arizona. I studied this score for months, as my first time on the podium was a performance (not a rehearsal). I wanted to do everything I can to present myself, ASU, and Dr. Russell as the best I possibly can.
I don't think I blinked or breathed the entire 2 hours, but I was met with kind and encouraging responses from the musicians and the dancers. The choreographer and the Artistic Director Ib Andersen even gave me a nod, which is as affirming as one can expect to receive.
Over the years, I enjoyed collaborating with the BAZ and Chattanooga Ballet dancers and choreographers, and my fascination with the art form grew more and more. They are disciplined, dedicated, collaborative, patient, and resilient. They make the movements look effortless with grace and beauty, but it takes enormous amount of athleticism and stamina.
Stravinsky's Apollon Musagete is one of my favorite ballet scores, and I am so excited to present this beautiful collaboration with CB with choreography by Artistic Director Brian McSween.
I hope you are able to join us!
Best,
Kayoko
