Friday, December 10, 2010

Zorba Ballet



Do you remember the 1964 film classic, "Zorba the Greek," adapted from Nikos Kazantzakis' novel of the same title? The film was a role-defining achievement for Anthony Quinn, who played Alexis Zorba, the high-spirited Greek peasant, who teaches a studious young man the dance of life - a.k.a. the film's philosophic anthem for the joy of living - set on the beautiful backdrop of the island of Crete.  Following the film's popularity came the musical and ballet adaptations. Last month I was fortunate to have attended the latter, titled "Zorba."  The Cairo Ballet Dance Company did an excellent job, and I was swept away with the music and the magesty of the performance. While I couldn't take pics at the ballet, I found a film clip of Zorba's famous dance for your viewing pleasure. OPAAA!