I'm on a ballet high, y'all. Please, don't kill my vibe. Friday night, I attended a preview of the Atlanta Ballet's newest production: Romeo et Juliette by Jean-Christophe Maillot. I've never sat in on a rehearsal before so I felt pretty privileged to be in the presence of so many amazing dancers. Based on what I saw, truly, this will be an event you do not want to miss. Let me start by saying that if you love the story of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the rendition by the Atlanta Ballet takes on a modern spin. While watching the rehearsals, I kept trying to recall the storyline. And so, I made note of why this particular version of the love story was unfamiliar, yet gladly received. Atlanta Ballet has a way of making their productions memorable. Here's why I love them.

3 Reasons Why I Love the Atlanta Ballet

• ENTERTAINING: This will be my fourth Atlanta Ballet performance; the first being New Choreographic Voices and then The Nutcracker (twice). At both prior shows, I did something I didn't expect I would do at a ballet: laugh. I don't know about you but I've always imagined the ballet being a place where rich people went when they were bored on a Tuesday night. They sipped wine and ate hors d'oeuvres , just like at the opera. But with every Atlanta Ballet production, I've laughed out loud and looked around at other people doing the same. WHO KNEW.
• INTERACTIVE: At these shows, audience participation is encouraged. For real. My friend got called on the stage at the NCV show and actors/dancers had a call and response interaction between them and the audience.
• EMOTIONAL: I remember the choreographer telling the dancers that their job was not only to dance but to act. The role of a dancer is to make the audience feel. Your movements should make the viewer understand your story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QuD1ctoxUPIOn Thursday, February 12, I get to sip on some tasty drinks (like rich people) and view the entire production. And for a reduced price, so can you, girl. Chit chat with me and others before we make our way to the show. Visit http://www.atlantaballet.com/girls and enter the promo code NIGHTOUT for the discounted rate. All fees included. And to make the deal sweeter? All attendees will also have the opportunity to enter to win a Spa Sydell gift certificate! Yeah, I'll see you there.