Napa day trip

I went on a 'day trip' to Napa to attend a ballet performance with friends Suzanne, Joyce and Kelly. 

The goal was to see Roberto Bolle and Friends performance at Festival Napa. This would be the first paid ballet performance we've all been to. Joining Roberto were Skylar Brandt, Aran Bell (subbing for Osiel Gouneo), Melissa Hamilton, Misa Kuranaga, Angelo Greco. 

I took the day off on Thursday and we all drove up in Suzanne's car early in the morning. We made a few stops along the way, having lunch at Taqueria Jalos just outside Tracy (not bad) and made good time arriving at Hotel Indigo by mid afternoon.

We made reservations for dinner later at CIA at Copia and decided to head downtown to explore. As with many downtowns after 2020, there were empty storefronts, not many people wore masks, and a few interesting little shops. We ended up at Oxbow Public Market which was quiet due to many closed shops. We did find Bar Lucia and I got a froze (slushy rose) and we relaxed on their deck until it was fine to walk over to Copia.

The Copia complex seemed quite large. Not sure what else is in their aside from the restaurant and a store. The kitchen is staffed with Culinary Institute of America graduates. The meal was outstanding! Delicious flavours and beautiful plating. We ate outside under olive trees.

The following day, I had to work so my friends headed out to explore. They got back mid afternoon in time for us to drive the half hour to St Helena for dinner and then to Charles Krug Winery where the performance would he held.

I found Cook St Helena on the Michelin list for Napa Valley. It was a reasonably priced Italian place and close to where we had to go for the performance. We loved the small size, clean decor and delicious food. 

We made it to Charles Krug just in time for the gate opening at 5:30p. The stage was set up on an area of lawn next to the vineyard. Folding chairs were arrayed around the stage but the crowd is very small. We got great seats just to the left of center behind the reserved seats.

The performance was short, lasting just over an hour, but included Don Quixote PDD, Le Corsaire PDD, and some more modern pieces including one by Roberto on his own. The performances were all wonderful and with such a small crowd, it felt very exclusive and special. They did perform to taped music, however and I will very much enjoy seeing dance to live music soon. 

Back at the hotel, we had a nice debrief over snacks before turning in. The next day we got up early to hit the road. With a stop for breakfast in Tracy (mediocre), late lunch at Panda Express (dependable), we made it back to LA by mid-afternoon.

Next weekend, Joyce, Suzanne and I are heading to Vail for their dance festival. I felt like this was a nice taste of what's to come. 

Adult ballet intensive

My ballet studio did an afternoon intensive for adults this past week. It was about 3 hours in the afternoon Monday through Friday, a different teacher each day. The schedule was supposed to be technique class first followed by a specialty workshop (petit allegro, grand allegro, adagio, etc) and then closing with a stretch/cool down. The teachers all sort of interpreted the schedule differently each day. James followed the plan most closely as well as giving us 15 minute breaks. Charlie talked a lot but did focus on pirouettes (he gives great imagery and explanations) and minimal stretch. Chasen basically did his regular class but longer (so everything from petit allegro, grand allegro and adagio). He ended with some of his own choreography but did an amazing stretch/cool down. Johnny focused on turns of all kinds, including traveling, ending with a variation from Giselle but no cool down. Mark, thankfully, took it easy on us by talking a bit at the beginning about a day in the life of a dancer. His technique class included a lot of routines that were taught to him by his own teachers (many of whom were illustrious dancers in their own right). His center work was simpler but very focused and added some character at the end. Finally he showed us his portfolio of his own career photos. 

Allegra and Martine gave us all a t-shirt with 'Adult Intensive 2021' on the back and a goody bag. 

My body was so sore by the end. I'm glad to have done this, because it's likely the last time I will be able to. I learned a lot from each teacher and was able to take class from some who I'm not able to take regularly. 

So grateful for this studio.