Crossing It off the Bucket List

I have always loved the music of The Nutcracker and have a collection of nutcrackers on the shelf in the fireplace room.  While I am not sure how it happened or when, I associate The Nutcracker with my growing up years in Damascus.  I remember hearing the music when we lived in the little brown house on 62.  I remember the nutcracker that Mom always used for decorations then and in the early years in Mt. Vernon.  I am not sure what happened to that, but because Mom never throws away anything, it is probably stashed somewhere in the house on Barnes Drive.

Dad always liked The Nutcracker too, and I think he was able to attend a few performances, maybe with Greta?  I am not sure when or where, but I do recall his talking about it.

When I retired and Elizabeth took my place, somehow the decision was made to see The Nutcracker together.  Ballet is not something that Gary enjoys, and it would be fun to attend a performance with someone who appreciates the dance and music.  After checking online for performances in the area, we decided to visit Clowes Hall at Butler, Elizabeth's alma mater.

I have never been to the Butler campus before. Clowes Hall was beautifully decorated for the holiday season.  Our seats were in the middle of the auditorium, so we had a fantastic view of the stage.  That atmosphere was electric in anticipation of the ballet. 

When the music began, I was captured.   I am not sure how to describe the sets, the costumes, the ballet, the story, the interpretation....all of it was absolutely wonderful.  And to think that the cast and the members of the orchestra were all Butler students was mind-boggling for me. I was totally enveloped by the story, the music, the dance.

Someday I plan to share this experience with Tessa.  Maybe her mother and her aunt would like to tag along with us as well.  I do know that even though this was my first performance, it shouldn't be my last.  I was totally captivated.  It was a dream come true for me.