Because I was near Fort Worden on a non-rainy day yesterday, I dropped into the fort’s Wheeler Theatre, where the Port Townsend Ballet was staging Alice in Wonderland. I expected to see young folks displaying to parents and friends their ballet skills, and that I would be relaxing in that positivity—and there was that, but I was surprised to enjoy great dancing, modern and ballet, expressive and artistic, by young adults and youth,
            “Men in Black,” “Another One Bites the Dust”—these tunes at the beginning, danced to by talented dancers, told me that this show wasn’t going to be your average nutcracker. A comical three-sailor scene, a beautiful synchronous duo dance, a pyramid arrangement hinting at a circus center ring, all to wonderful modern melodies—these started the evening of art and athleticism. And then there was Alice.
     Classical ballet and modern dance (including tap dance) entertained the audience during the Looking Glass, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Queen of Heart scenes, such as when Alice and the Cheshire Cat, in their crenelated costumes, twirled synchronously around the dance floor to an Arabic melody. And more, which you’ve got to see.
     I’ve walked by the little metal building that houses the Port Townsend Ballet, which is near Discovery Bay brewing, not knowing the training, dedication, and talent residing behind those walls. My hearts, spades, clubs, diamonds embellished hat is tipped to the choreographers and dancers there. If my kids weren’t grown and gone, I’d consider enrolling them, for quality comes out of that metal building.
     Beautiful. Treat yourself to nice evening of live dance done well. Port Townsend Ballet’s Alice in Wonderland will repeat on Saturday, May 13 and Sunday, May 14, both at 1:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.porttownsendballet.com/, or you can buy them at the Wheeler Theatre door. MRM