Off to the ballet this cold and frosty evening with friends! It's a performance by our local Youth Ballet Corps and should showcase some budding Fonteyns! Speaking of Giselle, I have seen several productions of that tragic story over the years but one stands out in my mind - that wonderful movie production of Giselle which featured the partnership of Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev made in 1962. I remember viewing it at the Monte Carlo Cinema in Cape Town when I was a teenager. The electricity between the 42 year old ballerina and the youthful Nureyev (aged 22) was tangible and so romantic! Who remembers it? Margot (1919-1991) was over 60 when she retired from ballet and she and Nureyev had a lifelong friendship. Margot was born Peggy Hookham to an English mother and Irish father in Surrey, England. Her stage name is much more exciting, isn't it? Nureyev defected to the West in 1961 and was a huge asset to Western ballet.
Then, tomorrow I am off to Bloemfontein to spend the weekend with my daughter and two little granddaughters. Now I guess not all of you have done a drive by through Bloemfontein recently!! Except perhaps for Denise Truesdale who spent some of her growing up in the landlocked little Kingdom of Lesotho, some distance from Bloem. Bloemfontein is about 450 km from Pretoria and the capital city of the Free State. It has the reputation of being South Africa's Hicksville. But that is only to those who do not know its charm, hidden assets (Art Museum and historical buildings, to name a few) and its warm, hospitable people. So more of Bloemfontein next week. And I think I should post a map of South Africa too so you can all orientate yourselves! Have fun this weekend!
18 comments:
Hello, dear Eleanore ~ Sounds like you are having a lovely time. I met a man last weekend at the pool who was from S.Africa, but I did not think to ask him from which town. Regardless, he and his wife are on their way to China next month to teach middle school. He was very kind and is always sweet to Maggie when he sees us out running or walking. Baking...heavy sigh....I know. I've been indulging in the new dark chocolate reeses peanut butter cups. Well, actually they are in the shape of bats; I guess to promote a new batman movie...I'm not sure, but they sure taste divine. :)
Hugs ~
Alexandra
Have a wonderful weekend, it sounds like you are really going to have a great time. Karen
Have a wonderful, beautiful...I just love ballet! Happy weekend ahead ((HUGS)) Stop by my place if you get a chance, I'm having a little gift giveaway! :o)
I am totally green with envy of your evening at the ballet! :)
I'll be very much looking forward to hearing more about Bloemfontein. Yes, do post a map, as I am somewhat unfamiliar with your country. Enjoy that wonderful art and history!
Hi Eleanor, sounds like fun . You have a great time with the granddaughters. And yes please show us a map. HUGS
Dear Silver Bell,
The dark chocolate goodies sound great and with all that jogging with Mags, you'll be fine. I am after your own baking, of course! Hint! Hint! Just rustle up some of those great pastries that I can drool over at my computer when I open the 'work' emails at 7h00 in the morning. Love, Eleanor
Dear Willow
I will certainly think of you at the ballet this evening. I must go and dress now. So nice to have an occasion to really dress up too. The ballet warrants elegant outfits! Have a wonderful weekend and the map is coming up next week. Love Eleanor
To everyone who is so kind as to visit - thank you all. I do try to get to visit all my callers but it takes me a while. Thatching is nearly done! Love Eleanor
Hi Eleanor
Hope you have a great time. Stop by my blog when you have a chance. I've tagged you.
Hugs, Rhondi
I've been directed to your blog by Karen Harvey and I'm looking forward to browsing through your past posts. Your current one caught my attention because I had a post on the Blackglama Mink ads and featured the one that pictured Margot, Nureyev and Martha Graham. It's a classic. You sound like a charming lady. Hope you have a great week. Judy
In front of me on the wall above the PC, is dh's huge World Map stuck with pins marking all the places he's visited (he having traveled much more than I). I see Bloemfontein, not too far from Kimberley. Have a safe journey to visit your girls - enjoy every minute of the weekend.
Hope the ballet is lovely as most ballets always are. I love to dress for the theatre and am always amazed when some people attend wearing shorts or jeans over here. A cultural event means elegance and sophistication - plenty of time for going casual!
Glad the new thatch is moving along - look forward to more photos Eleanor.
A first visit to you, over from Rhondi's place.
I was fortunate to see Margot Fonteyn in my youth, and will never forget her exquisite lightness and her passion for ballet.
Oh how lovely to be off to the ballet Eleanor...I too will be watching ballet this weekend, not quite the quality of yours.... My little granddaughter Lily, 5 years old, has a recital. She informed me this would be her last of ballet for a while...she wants to play the Cello. So, I will present her with flowers and take lots of photos...I do look forward to seeing the map of your beautiful country....Best wishes...Dee Dee
Have fun at the ballet (belatedly)! The map would be a wonderful idea, I would appreciate that.
I have read extensively about Margot Fonteyn....a fascinating ballerina with a fascinating and varied life.
What a wonderful time!! Have a blessed weekend!
Happy Father's Day!
blessings,
kari & kijsa
hello you have a lovely home and it is nice to see a blog from africa! my son lives in a thatched house too but it does not look anything like yours......
http://wlasenko.blogspot.com/
Ooooh, my lovely sweet lady, I just dropped by and was mesmerized by your blog and just kept reading and reading and reading!!!!! We once stayed at a thatched cottage in Ireland (which I loved, btw!) and it was truly a memorable experience. I adore, ADORE, aDorE your blog. Please come and visit with me, pleeeeeease!!! I'm adding you to my Google Reader and my blog. I'm not even sure how I found you - probably from a post on someone's blog, but am I ever glad I FOUND you!!!
Smoochies from Idaho,
Connie
Hi Eleanore!
I am hear by way of Janet over at House Peepers blog. When I heard you have a home with a thatched roof, I just had to check you out! Your home is lovely and how lucky you are to live in such a beautiful place!!
Come visit some time!
Linda
Post a Comment