A Final Fond Farewell

So thanks to my wonderful, wonderful mom who went to check one last time if tickets were available, my sister and I were able to go to Damian Woetzel's farewell performance with the New York City Ballet last night. We had the worst two seats in the house (up in the fifth ring right up to the stage - you have to lean out over the edge to catch a bird's eye view) but they were in the house which was certainly a step in the right direction. A collection of big wigs were there to see the star make his last appearance - I saw Philip Glass, Frances de la Tour and Michael Eisner in the lobby (a much taller man than I expected!).

I was there in part for the dancing of course but also for the opportunity to see him properly feted - the crowd roaring in applause at the end of each number made him feel loved and appreciated I'm sure. I'm also a sucker for the end of the farewell performance when the leading ladies and other colleagues come out one by one to present him with roses and, in Christopher Wheeldon's case, a laurel crown. Then the confetti and rose petals fall while the entire company fills the stage with applause. His final piece for the evening was Prodigal Son so he accepted all the flowing attention in a costume of rags which made him seem humble in his repeated bows. Prodigal Son is certainly not my favorite ballet (what is up with that woman in the cape?) but I was very glad to be there.

I do have to note that during the Prodigal Son (where he is nearly naked) from the fifth ringm I could see each one of his ribs sticking out from his chest. Here's hoping that when he retires he can enjoy a few decent meals!