Forty Years of One Night Stands (and 750 Litres of Liquid Eyeliner)
Posted by Candice on November 2, 2008 at 8:40 pm
It’s easy to spot a retired professional ballet dancer. They either have a cute “pixie” hair cut, or an interestingly dyed old-lady style perm. They wear liquid eyeliner and have their eyebrows plucked in a perfect arch. And they have impeccable posture. Even if they’re crippled.
On Saturday night I was lucky enough to be in the presence of about a zillion of them (or 50, they just have so much presence it feels like a lot more). Through a connection at DCD, I was asked to volunteer for their fundraiser - the Toronto premier of “Forty Years of One Night Stands: The story of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet” at the Betty Oliphant Theatre. In a stylish white shirt and black pants I directed people to their seats. When everybody had settled, I was able to go into the theatre to watch the show. The film started with Evelyn Hart and David Peregrin performing the Belong pas de deux from “What to do Till the Messiah Comes” (the footage was not the same as my link), a piece I have loved since I first saw it, though never knew it’s real importance until last night. So, this started the tears, and they really didn’t stop until the end of the film. The documentary was comedic and quick-witted. I paused the tears to laugh at these parts. But, interestingly the audience laughed much more than me. Many of them had been a part of the film, or were intimately involved with these historical figures of the company. They laughed and sighed in a way that is only possible when you are watching yourself or your best friends on tape. They laughed at the sight of someone, before I even knew the person was funny. They “oh-ed” at the first pictures of people like David Yeddeau and Arnold Sphor, not only because they respect these people, like I do, but because they knew them and loved them. It was a powerful experience. I really want to reflect more on it, to understand what I can learn about myself and the world from experiencing something like this.
After the film I helped lead the VIP audience to the NBS building. It is gorgeous. There we had wine and sushi (which is an appropriate hors d’oeuvre here) and mingled. I met a few people who were/are important movers and shakers in the Canadian dance community, only famous enough for me to be humbled and excited by, but no names that most of you would recognise.
I have vowed to be a fabulous retired ballerina when I grow up . . . even if I never actually have a career to retire from.
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Nov 4, 2008 - 11:11:43How moving and inspiring this must have been for you. I always say you can tell a dancer just by their body language and the way they move(this certainly includes you). Although I miss you alot, I know this is something that you probably wouldn’t get to experience living in a small town in Newfoundland.
i miss em too….stewart…buckled down in buchans……again…and again…..they really are wicked!!!
Dear Candice,
For fun I thought I would google the title of my film to see if there had been anything written that I was not aware of. What a delight to come across your blog and your wonderful comments on the film. I was very touched that you were so moved by this history and our presentation of it. Your comments mean as much to me as any reviewers - so thank you!
Patti Ross Milne
Hi there, I just came across this, and wondered if you could point me in the direction of getting a copy of this movie. I’d love to show my Father-in-law a movie that included his often mentioned Uncle David
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