Out and About: The Baxter Theatre: Imperial Russian Ballet

Though I normally write the Reviews for my own blog, I decided to give my husband the platform to give his impressions of the Imperial Russian Ballet.  After all, a man's opinion on this ballet might give a different perspective.

The Russian Ballet Delights

A close to full house packed the main hall at the Baxter Theatre in Cape Town last night as my wife and I attended  the premier of the the Imperial Russian Ballet in Cape Town after completing performances in Bloemfontein, Durban, East London and Port Elizabeth.  We were privileged to meet the man behind the company, Edouard Miasnikov - a wonderfully entertaining and warm individual who professed to be a real lover of Durban. Apparently this is his favourite spot in South Africa, mostly due to the warm waters he enjoys frequenting while on tour in South Africa.  His love for this country is one of the many reasons he continues to return our shores with groups like The Bolshoi Ballet, The Ice Revue from Moscow - Kaleidoscope, The Moscow State Classical Ballet and so many more.

 

From the onset Act I, Carmina Burana was unlike anything I've seen before.  There were hints of raw passion, humour and emotion.  Dancers in a mystical folklorish setting, dancing across the stage in dazzling costumes (by Andrey Zlobin) left my wife and I speechless.  The Russian Ballet is unlike any other style of ballet (according to Edouard Miasnikov) - and I had to agree having watched my sister perform for 20 years in South African ballets in schools and shows. This powerful piece was like watching ballet for the first time; leaving one feeling astounded, amazed and impressed, all at the same time.

We were seated amongst other members of the press and media and judging by their ooh's and aah's and bravos after various scenes, we were not the only ones who were impressed. The ballet dancers are notably professional,  with years of grooming evident in their poise and capabilities.  Under the superb directorship of Gediminas Taranda, the first act proved to be a surprising and intriguing start to the Russian Imperial Ballet. 

After what seemed like just a moment, the first act was over and  it was time to grab a drink and some snacks from the well catered services at the Baxter Theatre and mingle with a real assortment of moms, dads, some children and the young crowd out to enjoy an evening out on town.  Ballet seems to be popular among such a varied group of people and is something I think everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.  Watching the ballet conjures up emotions and feelings unlike any other that one would experience, watching a rugby game or some other form of entertainment that South Africans may be more accustomed to.

 

The second act , Walpurgis Night followed by various pieces from the original classic performances such as Swan Lake, Don Quixote and Sleeping Beauty was a spectacular delight.

For me, the highlight of the ballet were two individual pieces.

The first being Anna Pashkova, who performed barefooted to the haunting music of Don’t Leave Me by Zhak Brell .  Anna commanded the stage with her ability and interpretation of the music leaving the audience spellbound.

The other individual piece, was that of  the dying swan of "Swan Lake" performed by Oxana Sharova. I forgot for a moment that I was part of the audience.  The combination of music, on stage mist and an exquisite performance - make this scene come alive for me.

Though I have focused on 2 individual pieces, it would be unfair not to mention that all the principle dancers:  Anna Pashkova, Elena Colesnicenco, Ekaterina Tikanova, Duminica-Radamaria Nazarenco, Nariman Bekzhanov, Igor Subbotin, Aleksandr Volkov and Arcadie Nazrenco delivered outstanding performances. Each of these talented dancers delivered performances that were worthy of a world class ballet company - one of the world's best.

For other men out there, you may be uncomfortable about seeing other men "jumping around" in tights but after one gets past the initial surprise and discomfort, you start to appreciate the choreography and the set.    The overall beauty of the performance and and the superb way in which it all comes together in one explosive expression of creativity, will have you waiting in anticipation for the rest of the performance to unfold.

I spent a wonderful evening with my wife, at a highly recommended and enjoyable ballet performance!  Make every effort to book a seat, your wife will love you for it and you will discover that ballet is meant to be enjoyed by all, not just by our wives!

Special thanks to the Baxter and Linette de Kock for inviting us to review this performance; to Edouard Miasnikov for entertaining us with his ballet company escapades and to each of the dancers, who gave us yet again a memory moment!

Sean Grant

Out and About: The Artscape Theatre: Make Way for Noddy

Saturday morning arrived, and the sky was grey with an occasional downpour.  However we were headed for a morning of entertainment. We were on our way to the Artscape Theatre to watch Make Way for Noddy.  After having attended a previous show, it was time to take the whole family for some holiday entertainment. And though we homeschool and run with a fairly flexible schedule, we generally have holidays when everyone else does because of all the great things there are to do in and around Cape Town.

Make Way for Noddy - was our first significant holiday activity.  As an Enid Blyton fan, this was one production I was looking forward to, having read endless stories about Noddy as a child.  And I wasn't to be disappointed.

With a cast made up mostly of children (ranging from 6 to 12 years!), brightly coloured professional costumes and a beautifully created set - this production caught the attention of the children immediately (and their parents).

 

This highly entertaining production, consisted of a number of short stories.  As Noddy tries to be kind and considerate, chaos seems to follow him.  And it seems that the goblins Sly and Gobbo are the centre of all mayhem.  Poor Noddy is intent on doing the right thing, while the goblins are determined to sabotage everything he does.  From fake gifts full of rubbish to recruiting other "would be goblins", their antics will have you in stitches.  And Mr Plod, poor Mr Plod - really seems to be 5 steps behind in his investigative skills.

With the assistance of characters like Mrs Skittle and her little Skittles, Clockwork Mouse, Tubby Bear, Dinah Doll (our very own Fish Hoek Primary's Head Girl), Martha Monkey, Tessie Bear,  Pink Cat, the Ladybirds -the cast encouraged the audience to participate actively by standing up and singing and following their actions. Even the more adventurous moms and dads in the audience could be seen mouthing the words and clapping their hands. 

The director responsible for this production,  Cheryl Abromowitz, had been directing productions like this at the Artscape for 20 years!   And this one is one of her most successful shows.Looks like there are lots of Noddy fans out there (all under cover of course).  On a side note, there were LOTS and LOTS of dads, a real family affair.  In fact a number of them were sitting on the floor with their children as enthralled and delighted as their kids were.

All in all a great way to spend a morning as a family and we would highly recommend this has a wholesome family excursion.

 Useful Facts to know:
*  The show is performed in the Artscape Theatre Foyer, which is simply great for the children who can interact with the cast and get up close to the set.
*  It starts at 10:30 am but get there early otherwise you will find yourself clamouring over children and parents to find a place to sit. 
*  Snacks and cooldrinks (and coffees for moms and dads) are on sale but bring cash, there are no card machines.
*  The show is for an hour. Get your snacks and drinks before the production starts.  The children are allowed to munch and drink throughout, and for those that drink lots and lots - the toilets are right there. 
*  Take your camera, even though you are not allowed to take photos during the show, the characters are all available for photographs afterwards.

*  All my children enjoyed this production, but I would definitely think that this is a show for children 10 or under.  Even really little kiddies will love this, as the bright characters and their winning personalities will keep them engaged.  The older actors definitely appeal to the more adult audience (I had a goofy smile on my face the entire hour!) but I know that my boys were very aware of the fact that they were older than a lot of the younger audience.
*  This production comes to a close on the 7th July 2012.
*  Ticket Price is R50, and bookings can be made online.

Thanks to Linette De Kock and Artscape Theatre for hosting our family at this event.  This was a great family event for all of us!

Out and About: Cape Town: Rococoa the Ultimate Chocolate Experience

Hot and sticky, sweet and spicy, salty or zesty. Chocolate has driven people throughout the world over the edge - brought comfort - been a symbol of love - cause for deceit - and relentless pursuit. 

We went to discover the secrets behind this obsession, to taste the rich flavours from all around the world.  And it all started here....

 Who thought you could use chocolate for face paint?  Just another reason to love chocolate ! 
 And then a passionate chocalatier took us on a journey.

We visited Venezuela and the families who help produce this awesome product!

 Took a trip into a virtual Cacao plantation where cacao grows under the shelter of banana trees

 We got some sound practical advice

Tasted hot melted chocolate and experimented with our own delicious designs

 And there was enough time just to enjoy our surroundings.

Wonderful displays of Chocolate Art - who needs oil pastels and water colours when you can have cacao?  

Chess anyone? Winner eats all!

This was such an educational, sensational experience.  My taste buds are still tingling.

Further details:

Cost:  R30 per child

Length: 2 to 3 hours (depending on how many questions you asked)

Content:  DVD, melted chocolate tasting, walk in virtual cacao forest, tasting roasted beans, time lines in production history, historical industrial methods, tasting chocolates from around the world, individual chocolate molding.

Group Size:  Aim at a group of about 15 (including parents).  The space where the children make their chocolates is quite compact and any bigger and it becomes uncomfortable.

Extras:  

Restaurant and Coffee shop because after all the sweetness you really want a good coffee. 

Parking involves getting a ticket, but when you go to Rococoa, get them to stamp it and then you don't pay.  So don't be afraid to park in their undercover parking.

They will be eating a fair amount of chocolate.  Prepare yourself for some busy children.
How to find them:
The Palms
The Map

How to make it part of further homeschooling activities

These can be done before or after your excursion:

*  Chocolate Word search

*  Combine it with a chocolate unit study or lap book (for little ones)

*  Watch a slide show

*  Watch a short video on how milk chocolate is made

*  Read Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory with your younger children/ Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and all the follow up books from there - of course you could also just get the DVD.  (so not Charlotte Mason!)

*  Make some of your own chocolate shapes at home

*  Let your children do some investigating

*  Make a Chocolate Wacky Cake

Happy Tasting!

What to do this weekend? 40 Fun things to do with your kids

Wondering what you should do this weekend?  Run out of ideas or just need some fresh ideas of fun things to do?  Of course its all about what the weather is like so I thought of giving you some options because I am kind in that way;)

Out and About Activities for Children
1.  Zip sliding - enough said, read my post about this

 2. Head to the beach/ river/ dam/ friends pool - anything with water normally appeals to children

3. Go on a picnic - try something different - try a scavenger hunt, I spy, cloud spotting
4. Go to a park/ petting zoo/ farm

5.  Plant some seeds in the garden - find vegetables in your home that can be planted out - like peppers, tomatoes, butternut, squash

6.  Put a sprinkler on outside and while watering the garden, let the children play in the water
7.  Go on a hike, remember not to be too adventurous, don't choose a 2 hour hike with a 3 year old (like we did) as you may have to carry her most of the way (which we did)
8.  Blow bubbles or make your own
9.  Bike Ride - takes a bit of effort on your part but once you get going you won't be sorry
10. Head out to the local market but make sure the children eat before you go, otherwise you will spend a fortune
11.  Ball games on school fields or courts - tennis, cricket, baseball, soccer
12.  Hide and Seek - fun at home but try a different venue or place
13.  Hopscotch - just needs some tar or cement and a bit of chalk
14.  Outdoor cooking - BBQ, Braai, Potjie, Bread on a Stick
15.  Camp out in your garden
16.  Arrange a play date with family or friends in wide open spaces where they can run around and make a noise

17.  Make some mud in the back yard - let the children play with their trucks and cars in the mud
18.  Fruit picking - you get to pick, eat and if there is any left - make some jam too
19.  Go watch a sporting event - cricket, soccer, rugby - this will truly be a memory moment
20.  Eat out in a restaurant in a sunny spot with a view - next to the harbour, overlooking a dam, outside on the pavement, down at the docks


Rainy Weather Things to do
1.  Children have screen time due to them?  Why not let them try Reading Eggs?  You can sign up for 14 days free trial and its a super duper learning tool, they think they're having fun time but they are learning at the same time

2.  Puzzle - and don't go and spend money doing it either, take one out of the library, or borrow one from a friend
3.  Bake - any recipe with anything you have.  Dad might not get involved but I bet he would love to eat anything you make -  why not make some of those yummy jam squares?  And then invite another family to enjoy them with you

4.  Family read aloud - get an old favourite off the shelf and let dad read for a change.  Throw some blankets on the floor - bring out the Lego or the toys.  Try some of the funnies like Roald Dahl, Amelia Bedelia, Michael Maphurgo
5.  Movie Day - from the library or friends OR video store or online purchase
6.  Indoor Excursions -  Aquarium, Play Centres, Planetarium, Art Galleries, Museums, Ten Pin Bowling 
7.  Board Games - Scrabble, Monopoly, 30 Seconds, Charades
8.  Box Construction - give them all your empty cereal boxes, toilet rolls, egg cartons, all that junk you collect in your cupboard or under the sink (or is that just me?) and let them build whatever they want - robots, houses, machines. You will need glue (so best to keep them in a safe space) , scissors and some paint (for the very adventurous).  My eldest is 11 but he still loves this- our children have even created marble tracks, miniature skateboarding parks and cities.
9.  Dress up - little children especially love the chance to dress up in mom and dad's clothes.
10.  Call a friend on Skype - your kids will love this especially when they see themselves on the computer screen.
11. Go to the movies
12.  Make volcanoes with vinegar, bicarb and colouring!

13.  Visit an orphanage or animal shelter and volunteer for the day - remember to phone before you get there otherwise you might be disappointed and be turned away

14.  Head to gym - our gym has child care facilities for up to 2 hours.  Go gym and then have a date with your man in their coffee shop while the children are having fun.
15.  See a show (head to the theatre, watch a matinee)
16.  Go the airport, watch the airplanes land and take off and enjoy breakfast/ snacks/ drinks with a view
17.  Play games

18.  Make paper boats and go outside in the rain (yes that's right - let them play in the rain)  and watch them float down the gutter.  This truly was one of my favourite activities to do as a child.  I even used to add cargo like little stones or small toys.  And if this is just a little adventurous for you , put water in the bath and you can do the same.
19.  Paper aeroplane racing - choose a space where they can throw paper aeroplanes to their heart's content.
20.  Visit local heroes - the police, the fire station, lifeguards, ambulance workers. 


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