Over the weekend, I had the unique opportunity to take my daughter to see the American Ballet Theatre in their beautiful production of The Sleeping Beauty at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Since the arts aren’t as prevalent in schools, I feel it is important to let my children experience theater, ballet and more. My little one has learned to love the arts and is so excited when Segerstrom Center For The Arts hosts another ballet, musical, or production she would love. It also lights a little fire in my ballerina, especially when she has the opportunity to see one of her friends from her dance academy have the opportunity to dance with the beautiful, talented dancers from the American Ballet Theatre.
On the night we went to the ballet, we started off at Segerstrom with our traditional photo opportunity. I love the fact that Segerstrom creates fun backdrops so guests can take photos as keepsakes of the memorable evening.
Then we discovered a bunch of families mingled together around some tables. Children were coloring and getting into the festivities of the evening: art and The Sleeping Beauty.
My daughter loved having the opportunity to sit down and color with Mom. We chatted about what we were expecting to see, while texting her friend, who was back stage getting ready to perform.
With the opening of The Sleeping Beauty, approximately 60 dancers were selected from Orange County between the ages of 10 to 15 and of a specific height requirement were selected to perform alongside The American Ballet Theatre; my daughter’s friend – Mariana Vargas being one of the chosen few. What an amazing experience for my daughter to see one of the girls she looks up to, have the opportunity to perform alongside the talented professional ballerinas.
We had the opportunity to see Diana Vishnevia of St. Petersburg, Russia perform as Princess Aurora. She was absolutely breathtaking.
We were also super excited to see Misty Copeland in her performance as Princess Florine in Act III, the Wedding.
It was truly a memorable evening, taking in all the dancing, costumes, and the pride of knowing someone onstage (and texting her during the intermissions to have the opportunity to be a part of her experience). As she grows up and her love of the ballet continues
, I hope she will have the same opportunity some day.
To our friend Mariana Vargas, we are so proud of your accomplishments. Continue to shine little lady and reach for the stars!
For more information about Segerstrom Center For The Arts, or to see their upcoming events calendar, visit: Segerstrom Center For The Arts Website.
About the American Ballet:
American Ballet Theatre is one of the great dance companies in the world. Few ballet companies equal ABT for its combination of size, scope and outreach. Recognized as a living national treasure since its founding in 1940, ABT annually tours the United States, performing for more than 400,000 people, and is the only major cultural institution to do so. It has also made more than 30 international tours to 44 countries as perhaps the most representative American ballet company and has been sponsored by the State Department of the United States on many of these engagements.
Over its 75-year history, the Company has appeared in a total of 132 cities in 44 countries. ABT has also appeared in all fifty states of the United States. ABT has recently enjoyed triumphant successes with engagements in Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Hong Kong, Moscow and Tokyo.
On April 27, 2006, by an act of Congress, American Ballet Theatre became America’s National Ballet Company®.
Special thanks to our friends at Segerstrom Center For the Arts, for an amazing evening with my beautiful budding ballerina.
