By: Marcia Abramson
On my recent visit, I was enthralled by the fantastic Edgar Degas exhibition of 144 paintings and sculptures dedicated to dance. I learned that extensive research over the years by guest curators Kendall and DeVonyar revealed for the first time Degas' exhaustive knowledge and familiarity with ballet technique; his previous unexplored access to rehearsal rooms and backstage areas; his acquaintances with both stars and students; and the links between Degas' works of art and the actual stage productions.It was of particular interest for me to have the theaters and rehearsal rooms the artist depicted identified. This served as a guide for me to understand how Degas used both memory and "artistic license" in his dance portrayals. I was exposed to many facets of the ballerinas' world from their private moments at lessons in the classroom, performances on stage and meetings with admirers at this exhibition. Also highlighted at the museum are a group of late oil paintings and pastels done in the early 1900s at the tail end of Degas' career. The artist referred to the boldness of his composition as works of "orgies of color." Through Mother's Day, May 11, 2003, aficionados of French Ballet will be treated to the on-and off-stage world of the dancers of the Paris opera via the eyes and art works of Degas at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The museum is housed in an exquisite neoclassical building on a nine-acre site above the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. You can contact "http://www.philamuseum.org", www.philamuseum.org for information on hotel packages including overnight stays and VIP tickets to Degas and the Dance. But, Degas is not the only painter intrigued with the colors and forms of ballet. Pennsylvania's own James Wyeth has an exhibition at the Brandywine River Museum inspired by Rudolph Nureyev entitled "James Wyeth Paints the Dancer" until May 18, 2003, "http://www.brandywinemuseum.org", www.brandywinemuseum.org. The exciting new Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the locale for George Balanchine's "Trilogy of Dance Jewels" to be performed by Edward Villella's Miami City Ballet in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Ballet, April 26-27, "http://www.kimmelcenter.org", www.kimmelcenter.org. I also recommend a stroll down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for another viewing of Impressionist-era art at the Rodin Museum. August Rodin was a contemporary of Degas and was also captivated by bodies in motion, www.rodinmuseum.org Another must while in Philadelphia is a visit to one of the world's most extensive private collections of French Impressionism at the Barnes Foundation. The museum's permanent collection includes 175 Renoirs, 66 Cezannes, and 65 Matisses, in addition to works by Degas, Van Gogh and Picasso. For more information about travel to Philadelphia visit "http://www.gophila.com", www.gophila.com or call 877 GO-PHILA. Philly can be a "great escape" by motorcar or AMTRAK. Aside from wonderful French art collections, Philadelphia has a definite "French Connection" going back to the American Revolution. It was Ben Franklin who cemented the cultural and political alliance with France. He was responsible for gaining support for the colonies by France in the 1770s, which he felt, was his greatest achievement. The Marquis de Lafayette was encouraged by Franklin to lend his military assistance to the liberty fighting colonists. French migrs came to America after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo and made their mark in finance and design. Michael Bouvier first gained fame as a cabinetmaker for the wealthy until 150 years later when his great-great granddaughter, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, became the First Lady of the United States. Some historians claim that Philadelphia may well be the most French of all American cities. They point to landmark buildings and public places like the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, a grand boulevard fashioned after Paris' Champs-Elysees. No need to take to the air or sea to France, just take the patriotic highway to Philly.Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail mascribe@aol.com
