From July 14-15 the Santa Barbara, California French Festival will be happening and I am writing as we speak from a hotel room on the southern edge of town. Of course, the can-can is always the hottest number, and on this occasion, I will be there all day tomorrow with my camera in hand & a few tricks up my sleeve that will endear me into the hearts of the ladies and their ballet mistress.
Here is the link for anyone who wants to look into it: http://www.frenchfestival.com/
I have waited a long time to see a good can-can with my own eyes, and now my time has come! Besides pictures, I should have an interview with ballet mistress added to the future as well. If I may be granted permission, I would like to say to the teacher that I represent a small, but devoted group of people who consider themselves can-can connoisseurs. I would be quite interested in learning the details of how such a beautiful performance is put together so well year after year.
As I've stated before, I have my own criteria for evaluating a can-can performance. There are, I believe, 5 components that I grade on a scale from 1 to 10.
1. Attention to Detail: How well are the costumes & accessories put together? I always notice details.
2. Authenticity of Costumes: How well are the ladies dressed? Are they well put-together and vintage-inspired?
3. Choreography: How much thought goes into the dance? Is it like the old days? Are there extra flourishes?
4. Length of the Music: How long does the performance last? What soundtrack?
5. Performance Enthusiasm: Are the ladies really into their craft?
I am looking forward to the festival, and will provide as much detail as possible in the very near future. Stay tuned, I have a feeling you will not be disappointed.
Salud!
Antonio
