I go pirouette-ing in my sleep

If you’re into ballet (note to potential suitors: a working knowledge, or at least appreciation, of the peforming arts is a major plus), do check out tonight’s Great Performances on PBS, Lar Lubovitch’s adaptation of Othello, performed by the San Francisco Ballet.

Speaking of classical dance, another selection for the Rebel Prince “required” (reading, viewing, etc.) list is Matthew Bourne’s reinvention of Swan Lake. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but come on, people. It’s fresh and inventive, and oh yeah, all the swans are played by half-naked men. (I didn’t want to pander, but there it is.) I’m getting tired of raving over it by myself. Find it on video or DVD.

Last weekend I rewatched my recording of the Tony Awards, and man, the scenes from the musicals, especially the “River of Dreams” medley from Movin’ Out, totally made me want to take up dance again. The Twyla Tharp choreography is amazing. The steps, both balletic and modern, have such a muscular energy. They hold their own yet interpret the music so well, to the point where you hear the Billy Joel lyrics, like “in the middle of the night / I go walking in my sleep,” and suddenly a few tour jetés or fouettés seem like the most natural thing to do.