Last year at this time I wrote about the Yerba Buena Center for the Performing Arts, and Neil’s sister Julie and the Paul Taylor Dancers. This year we changed tactics and instead of doing the San Francisco night life, we took in the family matinee. Again we met Renee, Neil and this time the new granddaughter, Georgia Ann. Grandson, Patrick also got to go along. We watched the whole troupe do “Prometheus Fire.” During intermission the troupe manager came out and fielded questions. Glen was too shy, and didn’t get his question answeredÂ…”Why can’t the dancers afford shoes?”
After intermission we watched the “Book of Beasts.” In this dance Julie is totally incognito. I recognized her in the “Ribbon Monster” but the others had to remind me that she was the “Rock Monster” also. There are some fine photographs of the troupe on the web, and if you will click this link, it will take you directly to the “Prometheus Fire” page. I would have been escorted out if I had started firing off the camera flash you can be sure, and these photos are very much better.
After the performance we once again all went back stage and visited with the whole troupe. You can guess that little Georgia Ann was a big hit with the ladies of the troupe, and I have pictures to prove it below.
By and by the theater was totally empty and the dancers were called to a practice performance of “Roses.” We were invited to sit-in and watch. Only a couple of the principle dancers were in costume, but it was a real treat to get to see the inner workings of the troupe and how they perfect their performances.
Your intrepid reporter interviewed first time modern dance audience member, Patrick Dinsmore. He enjoyed the performance and would quickly go again. His favorite dance was the practice performance of “Roses,” because he was able to watch Julie’s performance closer. He also enjoyed the back-stage visit with the ladies of the troupe.
Georgia Ann has now passed her six month milestone, and she is a real charmer. She has a charming smile and likes to “mug” for the camera. She is such a trouper too. Never a complaint as we packed her and all the luggage in the SUV for the trip to the San Jose Airport.
Good bye now from Gilroy California.
Gary and Judy Dinsmore
