WALKING MY WAYS

WALKING MY WAYS. Last year I was nibbling a cookie, outside Sunset Center, during an intermission. And spoke to a gentleman, who turned out to be an impresario. And he told me about Natalia Osipova, who would be coming to Sunset Center. And was one the world’s finest ballerinas. And convinced me to buy a ticket. And last Friday I did see her. And she really was amazing. As was her entourage, of four dancers, including herself, and a superb pianist.

Although each portion was not my favorite, many were. Especially when she danced en pointe, or on her toes. Or flew through the air, like a swan. Or glided across the stage, lithely. Like the super star that she was. At the same time, there were some contemporary pieces, not to my liking. Such as three dancers, 2 men and Natalia, so intertwined, that they looked like four dancers, not three. More arms and legs than you can count. Or so it seemed.

And then I looked at the audience. Which was a sell out crowd. Including many young. But who they were and where they came from, I did not know, as I hardly recognized a soul. Sunset Center is really one of Carmel’s grand havens. Hosting independent events, like Osipova. And The Bach Festival. The Symphony. The Monterey Youth Music Orchestra. The Carmel Music Society. And on.

Some years ago, the auditorium was completely revamped. Beautifully. And today it is a superb theater, with acoustics and seating which is as good as it gets. And it is hard to believe that it used to be Carmel’s primary school, hosting all grades. Including the 4th, which I attended. But now, not only was I privileged to see Osipova, but I also had an additional opportunity, only two days later. When I witnessed another phenomenon. This one only 12 years old. Namely a poised Katherine Lin, her violin, and the Monterey Youth Music Orchestra. Absolutely remarkable. And another reason for feeling blessed. Once again. Finis.