For lovers of ballet

With so many arts companies having to cancel performances, and perhaps, seasons, those of us who love ballet are blessed to be able to watch whole performances online.

I feel so grateful to be able to sit and watch the excellent David McAllister's production of The Sleeping Beauty. The Australian Ballet now has Ballet TV which you can access through their website, and, it's a great website. There are videos of the dancers and even some exercises with David McAllister.

Much as l love ballet l have never studied it myself. Of course l tried the exercises, hanging onto my desk chair. I struggled with the starting position and it was all down hill from there. My plie was pitiful, my leg swings not much better and my port de bras was woeful. I love the grace and strength of ballet dancers and, let me tell you, l would not have made the grade. Despite all this it was fun to try and l had a good laugh at myself gracelessly trying to get my body into positions it did not want to go.

So l will remain a patron and lover of the arts all seen through my tablet at present. It may not be a glass of champers l'm drinking, but, l can have a gin and soda instead.

Check out the Ballet Companies' websites; their a great access point for those of us who love ballet and give the exercises a go too.

www.australianballet.com.au