Swan Lake: Descriptors!

A Clearing: Short Story (Part 3 of 3) Colorful Leaves: Great Significance

Swan Lake: Descriptors!

According to Merriam-Webster Online, a descriptor is ��something (as a word or characteristic feature) that serves to describe especially: a word or phrase (as an index term) used to identify an item a subject document) in an information system.

After recently seeing Swan Lake presented by the Joffrey Ballet Company, I chose to use mere descriptors to share my experience.�� Rather than retelling the story of good versus evil, here is a list of words describing what I felt as I observed this fantastic performance.

Reactions to the Dance Form

elegant

flawless

exquisite

cooperating costumes

twirling skirts

breathless

toe shoes

precision

silent awe

timed choreography

grace

lifts

jumps

high leaps

quality cloths

silks

satins

sequins

colors

perfection

inaudible storytelling

designers

stage props

pointed toes

tiaras

swans

gentlemen

When I think of the orchestra who accompanied the ballet company, I think of Denise Levertov��s poem, Tree Telling of Orpheus.�� Here are a few lines:

��But the music!

The music reached us.��

�� and the way we danced.

The music!”

The music descriptors

conductor

orchestra

mastery

perseverance

specialized solos

bassoon

flute