Baryshnikov watches the final performance

Today we met Mikhail Baryshnikov. He is the most beautiful 62 year old I have ever seen, with amazing blue eyes. He was gracious, complimentary and when he asked little Rae Rae a question about the piece, I thought she would melt into the floor.

The piece was well received with the audience inquisitive about the music, the design and interpretation of the performance and the concept.

Raewyn answering his questions
and explaining the process of creating work

The dancers did a group shot imitating one that is hanging on the wall in the studio before the performance

Maggie and Al came along with Dan - Al was kind enough to film it for Dance North. Of course I have no idea what Brad is talking to them about but as per usual..
he takes the floor
Raewyn and Dan

NY nights

Tonight I had dinner with Marc and Kailah. Carol was also allowed out for the night whilst Mick babysat.

In usual tradition Marc and Kailah had chosen a new restaurant for me to try - not hard in NYC but they always take me to places that are outstanding.

I am still dreaming of the polenta, mozzarella and prosciutto starter that was placed in front of me.

kailah and marc
Marc being deadly and dangerous between kailah and carol.
three fun blondes :)

Juilliard, Manhattan and the apple store

Today was the Juilliard Performance and we all had to be at Juilliard by 330pm in order to all be accepted through security and to get through the maze of the Building.

I didn't photograph the performance however I did snap some images before and after.

Dance Division.. yippee!

The performance hall

The students leaving the performance after Q& A time
Another Townsvillian (John Maguire) who travelled all the way to NY to support Dance North.
Jess, feeling better and excited to be out of her hotel room for the first time in 7 days.

The performance was unbelievable, better than yesterday and the students were interested in the whole creative process, inclusive of where Townsville was, how the work was created, where the music came from (created by Micah in Barcelona specifically for Dance North).

The performance was well received and I found it interesting sitting amongst the students, listening to them babble on and roll out the history of Bradley Chatfield and Raewyn Hill.. wow they really are superstars and not just in Australia. The godfather of dance and director of Juilliard was also in attendance, another huge feat for the Company.

I spent the morning with Kailah finally doing our NY thing, wandering the streets of Manhattan soaking up the vibe. I love this city, I love being back in a place with an underground, attitude and abnormal smells.. it's crazy, I didn't think I would feel so at home and comfortable as I do right now.

I also went to the apple store. We all know I love apple / mac but I was also interested as my dearest cousin JBK constructed the one in Sydney and is shortly making a trip to San Francisco to check out another store. The glass in this building is amazing.

outside looking in

the glass ceiling (the apple geeks are the ones in blue).
Inside the store looking out.

Things I love about the apple store: free internet and wifi. super chargers. super helpful geeky staff. its always packed. you don't have to buy, you can just drool.

Things I dont... nothing.. zero.. nada. I named my dog mac for pete's sake.

BAC dress rehearsal

Today was the dress rehearsal, the day before the juilliard performance, two days before the final performance in front of greatness and the guys were good.

Luke's awesome leap

perfect timing









Personally I think they are ready. They are all a tad nervous and poor Jess is still absent, although feeling much better.

Baryshnikov is in the building

I am not sure if it was the sight of MB or just the plain fact that it was another gorgeous NY day, but the dancers were awesome today.

The piece is coming together beautifully, and I cant wait for the performance at Juilliard on Thursday.

I love that even dancers step on each others feet sometimes :)