The highlight of the week came early with a visit to the studio from Maestro Mario Venzago of the ISO. I had invited Mario because I knew that Ravel's "La Valse" is his favorite piece of music, and of course it is the music that Pascal Rioult has used for "Wien." (Which incidentally is the original title of the music.) We showed Mario "Wien," "Afternoon of a Faun" and "Au Moulin Rouge:La Goulue." The dancers really gave a lot, since it meant so much to have Mario there with us. Mario, in turn said that he felt like "King Ludwig II of Bavaria getting a private performance from Wagner!" In any case, I think he had a splendid time, and had many glowing thing to say both to me and the dancers. It is really one of the most exciting things when artists get to perform for each other.

Also this week, we started working on "Seasons." I decided to start on Act 2, the tango section since the partnering is very complicated, and the lifts take time and patience to learn and rehearse. Cynthia is making headway with "Tangled Web," and is putting finishing touches on some of the sections. We are all longing for winter to be over, and it will be soon!