My experience tonight is as close to the real ballet as one can have with attending the actual event. As I entered the ballet, I selected my seat and was immediately given a Play Bill, identical to one I would receive if on Broadway in New York. Specific instructions were given to explain how to adjust lighting, proper protocol during the performance (ex. making sure microphones are turned off), and an explanation of the ballet itself.
As I relaxed in my easy chair, I listened to the soothing running water and observed the water lily curtain. The attention to detail and the realism of the event only gives a hint to the amount of time and effort the creators and performers put forth in the ballet itself. For this particular ballet troupe, they have been performing in SL for three years and live onstage for two years. The performers are from all over the world and demonstrate pure grace during the performance.
The start of the performance starts with the crescendo of music and the lifting of the curtain to display a wonderful set. The story unfolds as a young girl comes to life out of a huge lily and begins her dance rejoicing in life. Towards the end of the first act a god befriends her. Act II opens and the story continues as the young girl matures and the relationship between her and the god increases. The bond is evident through the care the god blesses the now older woman until close to the end of this Act when a change is hinted. Act III shows that the god has neglect the woman due to her age. She is starving to death, and eventually dies, but as her life ends, a young girl appears in the middle of the lily, demonstrating the circle of life. Throughout the ballet, a variety of set features are utilized, including ‘icy fog’!
After the play, the dancers are introduced and the audience applauds the performance. Autographs are offered and given to those interested in receiving one. There is a link to be teleported to a café/bar afterward to meet and greet all the performers on an individual basis.
My experience in the SL ballet, The Living Goddess, was very enjoyable, but there were also a few problems. People arriving late and blocking the view of the stage was an annoyance to say the least. Fortunately, there was no talking to be heard, since all microphones were turned off. The ballet started about 15 minutes late, and there were some technical difficulties, but nothing that I felt deterred from the overall experience. Right before the start of the play, someone made (typed) a very inappropriate comment, something that is unfortunately not uncommon in SL.
Educationally, SL offers a wealth of information, experiences that may be prohibitive in real life, educational lands and unlimited social opportunities. I would hesitate to allow any student under 18 in SL without being given specific lands via a link to visit. There is a SL for Teens, but adult are restricted to these lands unless proof (meaning a faxed teaching certificate and evidence of current employment) is submitted. As a teacher, this is good, … as a parent, I would wonder about the conversations my child is having with others.
Overall, a wonderful night at the ballet without ever leaving home… and I learned quite a bit in the process.
References
Second Life - LIVING GODDESS BALLET -http://slurl.com/secondlife/IBM%2010/16/181/26
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