by Olga Barsky

What is it: three new short ballets commissioned by Karen Kain, Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada – In Colour, Emergence and Dextris.

Where: Four Season Centre for the Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West.

When: Wednesday, March 4 – Sunday, March 8, 2009.

In a nutshell: All three shows were truly innovative and entertaining, however my favourite had to be Emergence. Between unusual sound effects (gumball machine, chanting), dramatic lighting and wild choreography – it was a feast for all senses.

Fun fact: a pair of pointe shoes lasts for 8 hours of rehearsal or, in performance conditions, a single act.

Annoying qualities: The National Ballet of Canada should really be a little more selective about who they sell tickets to. The couple in front of me spent the duration of the show with their tongues inside one another’s throats. What is this, public transit?

You make me feel like…cursing at my parents upon walking out of the theatre for allowing me to drop ballet class at the tender age of eight.

You will like this show, if you like: alternative films from the 60’s, kaleidoscopes, getting lost in your own head, witnessing canonized art forms being broken down and rebuilt anew.

Go see this show with: somebody who truly appreciates the ballet. This show is too good to be wasted on a gentleman friend who’s just going for the sole purpose of keeping you company.