 |
| Kristopher Wojtera proposing to Erica De La O. Photo – David Toczko. |
By
Kathi E.B. Ellis.
Entire
contents are copyright © 2013 Kathi E.B. Ellis. All rights reserved
At
the Saturday matinee of the Louisville Ballet's season
opener Swan Lake, the
audience, who had already given a standing ovation to the performance, were
privy to a surprise after the curtain call. Artistic Director Bruce Simpson
took to the stage and addressed the audience. He talked about the importance of
both individuality and community as an artist, referencing the main dancers of
the afternoon: Erica De La O (Odette/Odile) and Kristopher Wojtera (Siegfried)
who, he reminded us, have danced with the company for ten years. He invited Mr.
Wotjera to say a few words. As Mr. Simpson handed the microphone to him,
realization began to creep through the Whitney. Holding a small box, Mr.
Wotjera announced to Ms. De La O (and more than two thousand delighted audience
members) his love for her and, kneeling to her, he asked her to be his wife.
Company and audience alike broke into delighted applause, and a surprised Ms. De
La O nodded. In true ballet fashion she executed a graceful curtsey to him
before they embraced each other – a fitting coda to the afternoon's love story.
No comments:
Post a Comment