Ballet and "my first time" - Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: September 7th, 1965

My parents always packed things in boxes as if to preserve them for future generations… That is why, at this point in my life, I am still finding things. Things that not only make me extremely happy but also make me sort of daydream. Memories connected with these Mementos of lovely times. They make me now realise how lucky I am to have had all these opportunities in life - and keep having them. It is nice to be able to say that life has always treated me well - and I am thankful for that.

My Godmother used to live in Mayfair/ London and during one of our visits there I the chance to go for the first time in my life to the Ballet. It was on September 7th, 1965, I was nearly 5 and a half years old and guess what was that evening’s programme? The New York City Ballet at the Royal Opera House/ Covent Garden!

I must be honest and confess that I do not really remember what happened on stage and just have a dark memory of the evening but this was my first time. Not only with the Ballet or at the Royal Opera House but with choreography by Balanchine.

It did not look like “history” at the time but I guess that history never does.

On stage Suzanne Farrell, Jacques D’Amboise, Karin von Aroldingen (who was still in the Corps the Ballet), Melissa Hayden AND Patricia McBride and Carol Sumner (who would in later years of my life become friends and, especially Carol, keep helping me understand the essence of Mr B.’s work. Not like today’s “free interpretations” of it but in the way, Mr B. had intended it to be).

To them, I dedicate these treasured Mementos. And to Mr B’s genius.