Margaret BauerWhen I first arrived at Washington University three years ago, I felt certain that this new era of my life would be overflowing with a plethora of culturally enriching experiences; my visions of college were filled with Saturday afternoon trips to local art galleries, museum-hopping and Friday nights out to the ballet. I naturally assumed that a university populated with diverse and motivated undergrads from across the nation would also be a school of cultural education where I would learn everything I ever wanted to know about symphonies and modern art, a place where I could learn to be a chic and sophisticated young 20-something, or at least a “Sex and the City” Charlotte-wannabe.
However, shortly after arriving on campus freshman year, I began to realize that my visions of culturally enriching experiences differed slightly from the traditional college scene, and during my first semester on campus, the most culturally stimulating experience I had was attending a fraternity toga party and catching the occasional a cappella concert with the rest of my freshman floor.
And while I now realize that these experiences have been equally as rewarding-since I now have a greater appreciation for the musical stylings of Nelly and the St. Lunatics and can challenge a room full of guys to a beer pong tournament-I still often long for an evening of cultural bliss. So for those of you who, like me, want to escape the toga party experience for at least one night, here are few suggestions that will be culturally enriching and pleasing to your college student-styled budget as well.
At the ballet
Trips to the ballet can be rare experiences, due partially to a lack of opportunity and partially to the unavoidable strain they place on the pocketbook. Despite these obstacles, the ballet can be an extraordinary treat, and on Feb. 18 and 19, Dance St. Louis will present Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo’s Cinderella at the Fox Theatre, choreographed by Jean-Christophe Maillot. In an interesting interpretation of Prokofiev’s original score, Maillot modernizes the classical storybook ballet. In Maillot’s version, the elaborate sets and costumes have been stripped away and replaced with an aesthetic impression created by an interesting lighting design and an increased focus on the movement itself. In addition, Maillot’s version features other more central changes; for example, Cinderella’s mother returns as the fairy godmother, and instead of featuring a glass slipper, Maillot simply spotlights the dancer’s glittered foot. Tickets can be purchased through the Dance St. Louis Web site at www.dancestlouis.org or through Metrotix.
Later this season, Dance St. Louis will bring Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to the stage as they perform classic pieces from Ailey’s spiritually driven repertoire. This company, whose roots are found in modern dance and African-American culture, will perform April 30 through May 2. Tickets will go on sale later this season.
Artistic impressions
Art is everywhere, especially in St. Louis, but if you’re not part of the “artsy” crowd, it can be difficult to find out about the latest gallery openings and events. However, one extremely exciting opening is happening on close to campus; the St. Louis Art Museum will be re-opening its Asian Galleries on Thursday, Feb. 17 with a weekend-long celebration. The eight redesigned galleries feature 150 works from China, Korea, Japan and South Asia, ranging from ancient Chinese bronzes to abstract 20th century Japanese screens. The cost is free, and the galleries will feature many new acquisitions that have not been previously viewed by the public in St. Louis. For more information on gallery openings and events check out the Regional Arts Commission’s Cultural Calendar at www.art-stl.com/calendar.cfm.
Washington University’s Kemper Art Museum will continue to host the exhibition “Inside Out Loud: Visualizing Women’s Health in Contemporary Art” through April 24. Touting itself as the “first significant survey of contemporary American art to explore critical issues related to women’s health,” the exhibit features various media, including paint, photography, video production and audio. For more information, see Flora Lerenman’s review below.
Music to your ears
Since the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra declared a work stoppage on Jan. 3, all of the orchestra’s concerts have been cancelled until the management and the orchestra musicians can reach a financial agreement. Despite this lack of professional local talent, there are still many opportunities to train your classical ear here in St. Louis. On Feb. 12, renowned celloist Maya Beiser will perform a concert entitled “World to Come” at Edison Theater. Incorporating visual elements as well as her own voice into the repertoire, Beiser truly stretches the possibilities of solo performance. Tickets for the concert can be purchased at the Edison Theater Box Office.
In addition, throughout the semester, there will be performances by the Washington University Symphony Orchestra and other University ensembles. Their first performance will be held on Sunday, Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. in Graham Chapel. The cost is free, and the concert will showcase the music of Ravel and Vaughn Williams.