Arts & Events

Over the past several years I've attended many outstanding art exhibits at the deYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park. But none have been as exhilarating as the current show, "Rudolph Nureyev: A Life in Dance." Beautifully staged by Brad Rosenstein, the Museum's curator, walking through the exhibit is an absolute, if exhausting, joy! 

On entering the exhibit, the walls on either side are illustrated with striking images of the dancer in his various, unforgettable roles -- "Romeo and Juliet", "Don Quixote", "Swan Lake" and, of all things, an episode of the Muppet Show. The most thrilling part of the exhibit is a huge photo blow-up of Nureyev dancing in a bare rehearsal hall, taking elaborate, leaping steps over and over. Those of us attending the exhibit were loath to move on. On the other hand, there were room after room with gorgeous costumes in rich velvet and delicate designs by Cecil Beaton to be seen -- exquisite tutus with charming floral touches. 

After all of these inspiring events, we were in need of nourishment -- something admirably solved in the Museum's Cafe. Sitting outdoors was heavenly -- we hated to leave, but the doors were about to close. Here's a reminder: "Life in Dance" ends on February 17, 2013. So there's no excuse for anyone to miss this splendid exhibit!