This year has been a big year for me, culturally! I’ve been able to travel a lot, and see shows that I would have never otherwise seen. I’ve discovered new shows, and remembered older favourites. And I’ve been able to share it all with you, dear readers. I’ve been hearing from many of you on social media when you have gone to the ballet or the theatre, and nothing makes me happier. Culture is far more accessible than people think, and I love knowing that you are enjoying it, too. These are my top 5 cultural posts of 2019!
Culture can be controversial. Culture means something different to everyone. For some people, it is a regular part of their life; for others, it is more of a rarity. In any case, it is important for us to enjoy it and take it in when we can. I am more of a ballet and musical fan, but I’ve been challenging myself to attend more theatre, as well. (2020 will be my year of theatre!) My top 5 culture posts of 2019 range, though, with a think piece making the top 5!
5. Boys in Ballet?
I was a little surprised to see this post in my top 5 but I was thrilled. In August 2019, a Good Morning America anchor mocked Prince George for taking and enjoying ballet class. And the dance world exploded. I think we would all like to believe that in 2019, ballet wouldn’t be seen as taboo for boys, but we have still got work to do. My post looks at the controversy, and what happened exactly. I also highlighted three of my favourite male dancers, and why they are just as impressive as their female counterparts. I love that ballet gives women a platform for art when many art forms are still male-centric, but male dancers are just as important to the craft.
4. RWB’s Spotlight 2019
Spotlight is always a fun production here in Winnipeg. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is a unique situation in the dance world, as the company, professional and recreational divisions of the school all dance in the same building. The RWB Professional School is an internationally renowned training program, and the students are afforded many opportunities. Spotlight is one of those opportunities- it is a show specifically for the students! They perform a variety of classical, contemporary, and modern pieces in the show, and often will have pieces choreographed on them. The 2019 show was a lot of fun to watch, and I’m excited to see where these dancers go in their careers!
3. Royal Opera House Tour
Visiting the Royal Opera House is absolutely one of my favourite days of 2019. When I was getting sorted for my trip, I saw that there were a few spots left on the backstage tour of the ROH. I debated a little bit, but I knew I would always regret not going, and got my ticket. And I wasn’t disappointed!! You get to go into the lighting and costume areas, which are pretty incredible to see. When you are sitting in the theatre, they point out all sorts of things that you would never notice if you were there for a performance. And the crème de la crème? I was able to watch the Royal Ballet take class! Depending on when your tour is, you might see a part of a dress rehearsal instead of a class.
Two notes: You bizarrely can’t take pictures of the theatre on your tour but you can when you are there for a performance. And with your tour ticket, you get 10% off in the gift shop, so do any shopping then!
2. Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz was one of the biggest productions that Winnipeg has had in recent years, and was absolutely incredible! The RWB always does a spectacular job on their shows, but this was a co-production with Kansas City Ballet and Colorado Ballet, and three times the talent shows. Oz is such an iconic story, and has made its mark on several generations on screen, on stage, and on the page. This ballet, created by Septime Weber of Hong Kong Ballet, has the spirit and joy of the original film, but really makes the story its own. And I would be completely remiss if I didn’t mention the puppets. The dancers acting as puppeteers for Toto and the flying monkeys steal the show, and you can’t help but notice how talented they are to quickly master the skill. A brilliant spectacle from start to finish!
1. Six the Musical Review
Is anyone surprised that Six the Musical is my number one culture post of 2019? The musical took the UK theatre world by storm in Autumn 2018, and has only spread its reign. I was lucky enough to see the original West End cast, and it was one of the most entertaining evenings I’ve ever had. Six is everything I love- a pop musical, royal history, and an interactive show. The musical to give a voice to Henry VIII’s six queens, it breathes new life into the subject for audiences everywhere. (Yes, people like me are always going to be interested, but Six reaches a much broader audience.) And I went to see the show twice in Edmonton for its Canadian premiere, including opening night! The North American queens are going to be heading to Broadway quite soon, and the Australian queens will also be making their debut in January 2020. (And the UK tour continues, of course.) For your enjoyment, the Mega-Six from London is below!
And in case you are curious about the history behind the show, I’ve got a post asking if Six the Musical is accurate!
These top 5 cultural posts of 2019 cover quite a range of arts, theatre, and dance- do you have any favourite performances this year?
Cheers,
The Historian
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