Text and Photography by Nancy Ellison
Rizzoli

Clearly, I need to attend the ballet more often.  When I think of schlepping to a theatre to see the ballet, I think of “The Nutcracker” and tight tights.  This new coffee table book which  has just come out (and, seriously, if you don’t have a long coffee table then you won’t be able to open it; she’s a big girl) features glorious photography from the American Ballet Theatre’s staple productions.  You’ve got your “Romeo & Juliet,” your “The Sleeping Beauty” and of course, your “Swan Lake.”  All the photos are stunning, all the costumes and poses are glorious, all the men’s arms make me feel bad about myself and reminds me check the Equinox class schedule for that abs and booty workshop I’ve had my eye on.  If you’re like me, and not as familiar as you should be with ballet, then you’ll see spreads from shows that will catch your attention and perhaps entice you to purchase over-priced season tickets.  There’s a one-act version of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” just called “The Dream” that intrigues me, as well as “Othello.”  Their new season opens on 19 May, so get ready.  For a peak at last year’s opening night gala, check out this video on The New York Times’ site. Lorne Michaels, Lynda Carter, and old folks (who are SO not ballerinas) getting their groove on at the after-party make it one of those little web treasures that makes me yearn to be back on the streets of Manhattan. Insert sigh here.