King Tut (and Extended Family) Visit de Young Museum

Some of the most fascinating treasures of Egyptian pharaohs are currently on display at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. Amazingly well preserved, three thousand years old statues and luxury items reflect an era of prosperity and artistic development. Gold and ivory, granite and alabaster, turquoise and lapis lazuli, colored glass and obsidian are commonly used materials in the artwork of stunning beauty. A golden sarcophagus and precious jars and coffinettes, used to contain the viscera of the most powerful rulers, carried into the Afterlife, fittingly occupy the underground level of the museum building. Elaborate gold figurines and royal adornments from the Tutankhamun’s burial glimmer in the tomb-like low-lit gallery. “Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs,” which opens this Saturday, brings back the many wonders of the ancient civilization after a booming success of the show 30 years ago, visited by 1.3 million people and well remembered by the city dwellers. At the press opening, Diane Wilsey, President of the Board of Trustees, said that she was inspired by the 1979 show to pursue the current presentation. “After so many months of working on this project, I feel that Tut is my third child now, probably, the most successful child, “ said Wilsey, referring to the boy king, who ascended the throne at the age of 10. San Francisco Mayor, Gevin Newsom, present at the opening, shared his childhood memories about “the remarkable display of History” at the previous show, and announced that free admission to the exhibition will be granted to public schools every Monday. He also emphasized that the large chunk of the money collected in conjunction with the exhibition goes back to Egypt to preserve the antiquities. “This summer in our city it’s a Renaissance of sorts,” said Mayor Newsom. “Tut show at the de Young, the Samurai show at the Asian, Chagall and the Jewish theatre at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and O’Keefe/Adams at SFMOMA.” Following the speeches, delivered also by John Buchanan, Director of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of Antiquities, and other exhibition organizers, the Bay Area press entered the galleries… Looking like sci-fi aliens with their elongated skulls and big slanted eyes, the ancients worshiped Sun and Moon, and animal-headed gods. They married their sisters and their enemies’ daughters. It was important to have children and to raise them well. Children were supposed to take care of their parents’ ka and ba, and their well being on the other side. They mummified fetuses and cats. Made Barbie doll-like shabti figurines supposed to perform agricultural duties and other hard labor in the eternity instead of the deceased. They wrote elaborate syllables expressed in birds, waves, and stick figures. “The West has always been fascinated by the world of the pharaohs,” says the introduction to the related tome by the National Geographic Society. “After the Arab invasion of Egypt, the pharaonic past was hidden from most Western eyes for centuries, until Renaissance scholars rediscovered the wonders of the ancient world.” Now, a small part of this ancient world made its way to the westernmost part of the West. The show runs through March 28, 2010 at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park, SF. Visit www.famsf.org for more information. Photography by Yuri Krasov. 1. Diane Wilsey speaks at the opening. 2-5. Objects from the exhibition.

Ask Emma

Question: I recommended a friend of mine who is a designer and an interior decorator to my boss’s wife. He did a great job on their new house. Everybody thinks so, but my boss’s wife. Every time she sees me, she complains and complains about everything he did. The curtains are wrong, the paint is wrong, the floors are wrong, you name it. I believe she expects me to promise that my friend would come and redo the whole thing free of charge for her, but I don’t feel it would be fair. He really did a great job, and I would trade places with her in a second. Too bad I can’t afford what she can.
Answer: You should not take it personally. If your friend did his job according to the customers’ specifications, and consulted with them along the way, he is under no obligation to redo the job. You are even less responsible for that. Your boss’s wife hired the guy because she wanted to, not because you recommended him. She also had an opportunity to change whatever he proposed in the process of decorating her home. If she is not satisfied now, when the job is finished, she still has to deal with the designer, not with you. Let her know that you are not planning to talk to him about it and change the subject every time she starts complaining. Another piece of advice: don't envy her.

Delightfully Wicked: Cheri

In Colette’s time, romance novels were actually good lit. Or, it was just that 50 novels written by her during her long and adventurous lifetime were. Her third husband called her “a woman of genius,” and her many lovers often remained her lifelong friends. The new Miramax film, Cheri, is based on Colette’s novel of the same name. Second famous after Gigi, the story rotates around a love affair between a retired courtesan, Lea, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, and a young man, who she nicknamed Cheri (Rupert Friend). A son of her former colleague, Charlotte Peloux (absolutely delightful Kathy Bates), Cheri knows Lea since childhood and has a great affinity for her impeccable style, her strong character, and her pearls, which he covets, being ever so slightly effeminate in his leisurely ways. The affair unfolds in Belle Epoque Paris and on the sun-lit shores of Normandy, until Cheri’s ubiquitous mother decides it’s time for her to indulge in a grandmotherly role. Directed by Stephen Frears (“The Queen”) the film examines all shades of love and all kinds of suffering induced by it, unfolding in spectacular gardens, as if painted by Monet, and grand hotels and mansions furnished in Art Nouveau top to bottom. The film opens on June 16 in select theatres. Images: 1. Michelle Pfeiffer as Léa de Lonval, Rupert Friend as Chéri. Photo credit: Bruno Calvo. 2. Colette during her dancing career in a publicity still. Visit www.cheri-movie.com

Good Things Come in Small Packages, and so does Oola

‘Local, seasonal, and flown daily’ sounds nearly not enough for spoiled San Francisco gourmands, and while it partially explains the overwhelming success of Oola Restaurant & Bar, the definition of this late night European-style bistro is so much broader than that. Executive chef and co-owner Ola Fendert, who jokes that his native Stockholm would be the best city in the world should there always be August, apparently enjoys the foggy and mild character of the City by the Bay. In the last 20 years, he used to lead such reputed establishments as Chez Papa, Plouf, Baraka, and Scala’s, and now places Oola high on a list of worlds’ best restaurants. For his new summer menu, Chef Ola whips up creative combinations of tastes and flavors, like his piquant sole ceviche, marinated in lemon juice and vodka (what not to like?); it’s citric spike grounded by a slice of soft avocado and a warm toast. Delectable foie gras and roasted chicken ravioli (always on the menu, summer or no summer) are bathed in delicate cream and truffle sauce with that prized black fungus shavings adding an unmistakable earthiness. The house specialty baby back ribs, glazed with ginger and soy – every flavor clean and pronounced – fall off the bone, making late-dining ladies lick their fingers in the discreet half-darkness of their booths.
The Pullman-style dining room with high-back beige plush banquettes and dark wood tables along a brick wall on one side, and a bar, lighted in orange neon on the other, invites romantic dates and youthful groups of friends to indulge in Chef Ola’s cuisine, which he calls “San Franciscan.” Hanging nylon panels of brown and purple hues, white orchid pots, and red-glass candleholders with flickering votives soften an industrial feel of the two-story high ceiling with oversized bare light bulbs on long black cords. Oil paintings derived from vintage snapshots by Manny Fabregas adorn the walls. Along with an intimate party garret upstairs, the restaurant seats 45. The value priced summer menu uses local producers, like Wine Forest Mushrooms, Dirty Girl Produce, Knoll Farms, Cow Girl Creamery, Star Route Farms, Snyders Honey and Swanton Berry Farm. An international selection of wines includes dry and refreshing Saint Hilare brut (France) that pairs nicely with those mean half-shells, served with notable mignonette; Kim Crawford pinot noir (New Zealand) a great ribs companion, and Castello Meleto classical Chianti from Tuscany, good for just about anything, but especially enjoyable with a side of parmesan and truffle oil fries. A new addition to the summer menu, some amazingly airy and stiff soufflés are a Monday specialty, so the hardest day of the week now becomes softer for Oola fans. A newly introduced cocktail menu focuses on some of San Francisco’s oldest classic cocktails such as the Gibson, Whiskey Crusta and Pisco Punch, and the full bar is open for a happy hour Monday through Friday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with drink specials and attractively priced hors d’ oeuvres. Oola is open nightly for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM and on Sunday and Monday from 6:00 PM to midnight, and is located at 860 Folsom Street, SF. For reservations call 415- 995-2061, for more information visit www.oola-sf.com. Photography by Yuri Krasov. 1. Dining room at Oola. 2. Chef’s famous ceviche. 3. With Chef Ola Fendert.

Lords of the Samurai at Asian Art Opens with Descendant Present

A nine-planet crest of a noble samurai family can be seen everywhere in the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco these days. A grandiose and spectacular show “Lords of the Samurai” jointly organized with the Eisei-Bunko Hosokawa Collection, Tokyo, opened last week honored by the presence of Hosokawa Morihiro, a former Prime-Minister of Japan, Chairman of the Eisei-Bunko Museum, and a descendant of a daimyo [big name] family of the highest-rank samurai. “My family lineage goes back uninterrupted for seven hundred years,” he said in his speech at the opening of the exhibition, “The first eight generations were deputy lords, and became daimyo – feudal lords and military generals.” Hosokawa family portraits, scrolls with poems and paintings, samurai armors, swards, formal attire, tea wear and household items presented at the show, were selected to emphasize the artistic pursuits of the lords. Skilled warriors, the samurai were always prepared to die on a battlefield, and valued every fleeting moment of life with its many gifts offered by art and culture. They adorned their weapons with elaborate designs, collected decorative art objects, learned music, calligraphy and the Way of Tea, and performed plays and dances during their gatherings. In the exhibition, among the 166 various objects, there are simple bamboo tea utensils, which sometimes served as rewards for fearless warriors. Such objects were valued for their natural beauty, perceived through contemplation and discussion during tea ceremonies among high rank samurai. Ceramic tea bowls and vases, created by Hosakawa Morihiro, are also presented in the show, taking their place among the family art treasures, produced and collected by his ancestors. The show was curated by Yoko Woodson, Curator of Japanese Art or the Asian Art Museum. Lords of the Samurai runs through September 20 at 200 Larkin Street, SF. Call 415-581-3500 or visit www.asianart.org. Images: 1. Tosei Gusoku-type armor. Japan, Edo period, 19th century. 2. Sake bottle and food box set in the shape of an eggplant. Japan, Edo period, 17th century.

Virginia is for Lovers, Richmond is for Love. Part 3

A city of monuments and museums, the former capital of the Confederate States of America, Richmond is saturated with History. American Civil War Center and Civil War Battlefield National Park; St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry uttered his “Give me liberty or give me death” call for revolution and independence; Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson; Monument Avenue… and the list goes on, in an embarrassment of riches. Architectural and artistic legacy of the city rivals its historic heritage. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts holds diverse collections, representing 6,000 years of art history, including the largest number of Faberge imperial Easter eggs outside Russia, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Impressionism, post-Impressionism, Contemporary, American, Classical, Byzantine, African, Egyptian, Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan and Indian art. The ambitious expansion project which will provide the public with a new, five-level glass and stone wing, and a sculpture garden, is currently underway, so not all collections are on view at all times, but the addition of more than 165,000 square feet of gallery and amenities space to the existing 380,000 is well worth waiting. The opening of the new facilities is scheduled for May 1, 2010. Virginia Center for Architecture is fittingly located in a 1919 architectural gem of Tudor-Revival style, designed by John Russell Pope (he also designed Jefferson Memorial) and is now home to exhibitions, forums and lectures on architecture, and a welcome center for historic Monument Avenue.


Agecroft Hall, overlooking the James River, is a real Tudor estate built in Lancashire, England in the late 15th century and transported “over the pond” by a clever Richmonder in 1926 – family portraits and all. Surrounded by 23 acres of formal gardens and landscaped grounds, the museum offers guided tours during which one can learn the real meaning of words “chairman of the board” and “cupboard” among other curious facts from the lives of past generations. There is also Maymont House Museum, a Gilded Age estate of railroad magnate James Dooley and his wife Sallie, who inhabited it in 1893-1925. Preserved in its entirety, with furnishings, dishes, clothes, and household items, this historic landmark offers an unprecedented view into Victorian lifestyle, and fascinating guided tours. Of course, no visit to Richmond would be complete without a visit to Edgar Allan Poe Museum, located in the Old Stone House – the oldest building in Richmond. Not only artifacts and memorabilia (Poe’s childhood bed, and a trunk, left after his death – his only possession at the time) but the very air of the house and the pensive garden behind it seemingly carry the invisible presence of the beloved author of Raven, the inventor of detective genre, the master of horror… A never smiling museum curator, Chris Semtner, has a magic power to evoke the spirit of the dark genius during his solemn yet informative tours, and implements multiple programs and events in celebration of Poe’s bicentennial through the end of this year. More information at: www.visitrichmondva.com, www.vmfa.museum, www.virginiaarchitecture.org, www.agecrofthall.org, www.maymont.org, www.poemuseum.org, www.poe200th.com.



Photography by Yuri Krasov. 1. Russian collection at VMFA. 2. Dogwood blossom, window at Virginia Center for Architecture. 3. A little angel in the Center garden. 4. Agecroft Estate. 5. A terrace table at Maymont. 6. Poe memorial. 7. Poe museum courtyard. 8. At Poe museum with Curator Chris Semtner and Mrs. Richmond Erin Bagnell.

Virginia is for Lovers, Richmond is for Love. Part 2

The population of Richmond Region (four counties and the City of Richmond) comes to 1.2 million, served by a healthy number of 900 restaurants in the area. Speaking of numbers, the one that holds an AAA Four Diamond Award for four years in a row starts with a number One. It’s 1 North Belmont Restaurant, modestly named after its street address. However, behind the unpretentious door marked by a tongue-in-cheek crowned frog, a lavish French feast, served in the equally lavishly decorated dining room, is whipped up by a chef-proprietor (pardonne moi, Proprietaire) Frits Huntjens. Of Dutch descent, raised in his parents’ French restaurant in the Netherlands and educated in Belgium, chef Huntjens accomplished quite a lot in Great Britain and mid-America as an outstanding hotelier before he settled down in Richmond, Virginia. Now, in his own restaurant, opened in 2004, the chef extraordinaire is pampering his guests with friendly service, well-selected European wines, and painstakingly prepared food. Just hear him talk about the preparation of sweetbreads served with gin and juniper berry sauce with a side of fried green tomatoes (ah, South). Soaked in milk overnight, tender morsels of the veal thymus are handled with so much care to remove the membranes, preserve the texture, and sear them just to the right doneness… and how about those scallops sautéed in butter, water and juices to come out as perfect coquilles Saint-Jacques, over saffron risotto with a hint of ginger. All the usual suspects of the French gastronomy are, of course, on the menu – foie gras, escargots, confit de canard, fromages (oh, France). Monsieur Huntjens has a strong family backing. His wife, Andrea, is an “Event Goddess” with her own “Sophisticated Soirees” company, and daughter Kim is putting together les desserts in her Dad’s kitchen. So, how about that mousse au chocolat? (aah, Richmond!) To learn more about this destination restaurant, visit www.1northbelmont.com or: One North Belmont Ave., Richmond, VA 23221; 1-804-358-0050. Photography by Yuri Krasov.

Virginia is for Lovers, Richmond is for Love. Part 1

The Fortieth anniversary of the official state tourism slogan, Virginia is for Lovers, seemed a good enough reason to visit the Cavalier State. Choosing Richmond for a short but sweet encounter was easy with all it had to offer – dogwood blossoms, the largest collection of Faberge outside Russia at VMFA, and Poe bicentennial celebrated by his museum. A closer look at the 400-year-old state capital revealed so much more... The Jefferson Hotel in the heart of the city is a destination on its own. Built in 1895, lovingly restored and renovated over a century, it is full of stately splendor, modern conveniences, and that legendary Southern hospitality we were lucky to experience first hand. Walking trough the two-story atrium leading to the grand staircase, and framed by massive marbleized columns under the Tiffany dome, it was easy to imagine the Belle Époque crowd that used to stay here on the way from Washington to Miami. Where silk-and-lace clad ladies used to make their way to a tea parlor, while gentlemen smoked their cigars in the Palm Court and the Rotunda, only slight foot impressions are now left on the marble floor in front of the former registration desk… A fun fact hotel staff loves to bring up – on their way back from Florida to the North, posh visitors, sometimes burdened by their newly acquired pet alligators, dumped poor animals in the Palm Court pool. The hospitable hotel kept them until the last one died of natural causes in 1948. The pool was removed since, perhaps, to avoid temptation, but a few years ago a luxurious swimming pool was opened, along with an outdoor sundeck and a fully equipped health club, adding to the list of complimentary services, like in-room Wi-Fi and downtown transportation for all hotel guests. A member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts Worldwide and Historic Hotels of America, The Jefferson is a Mobil Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond hotel, named “Best in America” by Forbes (all for a good reason). Privatly owned, it offers a wide range of rates and packages to accommodate grand weddings and elegant rehearsal dinners, sizeable business meetings (26,000 square feet of function space) and intmate romantic getaways. It’s Presidential Suite used to host a dozen of American Presidents, including Barak Obama. On the hundred-something-strong list of hote’s famous guests are Madeline Albright, Tony Blair, Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev; Bernard Shaw, Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein; a constellation of rock and movie stars; Andrew Lloyd Webber and Jerry Seinfeld… and you can, too. With 262 rooms, 36 suites, and newly renovated award-winning restaurants on premises, The Jefferson has a place to stay and things to do for all kinds of travelers. (For information and reservations visit www.jeffersonhotel.com).
Photography by Yuri Krasov. 1. Carrara marble statue of Thomas Jefferson in the hotel atrium. 2. Amber hues awash visitors at the entrance. 3. Grand Ballroom chandeliers. 4. With Rick Butts of The Jefferson Hotel. (His similarity to a certain Founding Father is uncanny, ain't it?)

Bolshoi Ballet Brings Dreamy La Bayadere to Cal Performances

Visitors from Moscow might complain about the ongoing long term renovation of the Bolshoi Theatre all they want, but lucky SF Bay Area residents had to look no farther than Berkeley to catch the famous grand Russian troupe in La Bayadere. One of the timeless gems of Minkus/Petipa genius collaboration, brought in by Cal Peformances, packed a full house for each show last weekend. On Saturday evening, Svetlana Zakharova’s hands and feet movements seemed beyond human plasticity in the role of Nikiya; Ekaterina Krysanova (Gamzatti) charmed the audience with her endless fouette, and Nikolay Tsiskaridze (Solor) with his weightless grand jete. A small tempest of admiration was created by lightning-like moves of Ivan Vasiliev in the role of Golden Idol. It was hard to fathom how a spectacularly built and rather muscular dancer could visibly hang in the air at the apex of his dazzling jumps. Another tornado of applause was stirred by the high-voltage performance of unstoppable Anna Antropova in the Dance with a Drum. To crown it all, in the all-the-way-through anticipated classic finale, the 32 unearthly apparitions in gauzy white appeared one by one from the abyss of time and space, and crossed the stage in their breathtakingly synchronized serpentine Dance of the Shades. The glorious Russian company once again won the hearts of the Bay Area balletomanes, and left them waiting for another tour, perhaps more probable while the home of the troupe is going through the reconstruction. To find out about Cal Performances programs, and to order tickets or subscription, call 510-642-9988 or visit calperformances.org.

Feeling Regal at Regale Winery

I took a sip of aromatic citrus-toned chardonnay; a bite of warm crostini topped with baked ricotta and orange zest; sat back, and closed my eyes. Bright afternoon sun peeked just enough under the terrace roof to gently warm my face. A cooling sea breeze was streaming from the Monterey Bay far below, intertwined with a faint smell of roses. Bella Chiao was playing in the background. It felt royally good. Italy at your doorstep, said my wine-tasting companion, echoing my thoughts… We were sitting in the open-air tasting bar of Regale Winery – the newest addition to the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation in the hills of Los Gatos. When Larry Schaadt, the proprietor, bought an idle piece of land at the top of the hill, he envisioned a Tuscan-style building with the ambience he came to appreciate while traveling in Europe. Now, thick walls and marble floors keep inner facilities of his winery cool on hot days, and a hand-painted mural replicating Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese, adds to the atmosphere of celebration, be it for a small wedding, a birthday, or just a visit with friends and family. Regale will celebrate the grand opening of its Italianate villa facility later this summer, however, weekend tastings by appointment are already in full swing, and gathering rather enthusiastic crowds. True to its name, which means “to entertain lavishly with food and drink,” Regale offers food and wine pairings – a tried and true concept in Napa, but unique to the Santa Cruz Mountains wine-producing region. Uniformed in burnt orange to look their best in the open air bar colored in rich terracotta hues, chef extraordinaire Faun Skyles and the tasting staff serve delectable combinations of best varietals from every region of California Wine Country and gourmet small plates. Happy to have a grand wood fire oven to her disposal, Faun uses it for nearly every dish on the menu. The 2006 Central Coast Chardonnay, harvested in Hollister, was paired with oven-roasted Marcona almonds, and a glass of velvety 2007 Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley with a serving of duck prosciutto and apple cider gastrique, followed by a flat bread topped with piave vecchi (cheese from Parma), hot olives, rosemary, olive oil, and fleur de sel. Individual pizzas are made to order, with thin crackling crust and house-made marinara. Besides bringing in fruit from the best-known areas that produce particular grapes, like Alexander Valley cab and Dry Creek zin, Regale produces its own estate-grown pinot since 2005. Other crops here – olives and olive oil; heirloom tomatoes (70 plants of those already planted for late summer consumption); zucchini, eggplant, sweet peppers, corn, beans, strawberries, melons – all organic, all grown in the well-kept hillside garden, steps from the kitchen, all merely minutes old when brought to the table – can’t get any fresher than that. On the estate of 10.5 acres, 3.5 are occupied by the vineyard, and the rest by an olive grove, a spiral herb garden, lavender fields, bocce ball court, outdoor fire pit, fruit orchards, and quaint sitting areas for smaller groups. In the building, a formal kitchen is equipped to feed up to a hundred persons a six-course dinner. An upstairs bar has a fireplace for rainy winter days, and dining rooms for indoor and outdoor events. Regale uses green technology – solar panels and water treatment system, and produces 38 hundred cases a year, all of which are sold on premises through the word of mouth. The winery is located at 24040 Summit Road in Los Gatos. To reserve an event or schedule a wine tasting with food pairing, call 408-353-2500 or visit www.regalewine.com
Photography by Yuri Krasov.

Ask Emma

Question: I am a successful businesswoman. My work is my life, I have good friends, and I am perfectly fine being single. Actually, I am divorced, so I know “what I am missing on.” I don’t know why all my friends are trying to set me up with their brothers, cousins and uncles. Most of the time they turn out to be regular losers. After each failed attempt to start dating again, I feel nothing but frustration, and not because the man was not what I expected, but because I wasted a precious free evening (on someone totally unworthy). Some people think I am a snob and “full of myself,” but this is not true. I am who I am, and it is not my fault that I am better than most men I meet, and I refuse to settle for just anybody. What should I do to persuade my well-meaning friends and coworkers that I am not pretending to be happy as it is, but am enjoying my independence and financial freedom?
Answer: Before you can make everyone around you believe you are happy as it is, try to figure out what is the key word in your complain, “set up” or “losers?” Should one of your potential dates be a good-looking successful businessman, would you turn him down? Maybe, your friends get this vibe from you that you are primed for dating, and are trying to help (their relatives as well as you). You must be a good catch if they continue trying despite your rejection of their candidates. When you get really tired of their attempts to set you up, stop accepting invitations to check out another “loser.” As long as you are coming to see who’s out there this time, your friends will continue to set you up.

Mark Morris Dance Group in Magical Sequences of L’Allegro Stuns Cal Performances

Always on the move, moving as one, following every music note with the boldest or the slightest movements of their perfectly trained bodies, 24 Morris’s dancers sweep across the stage leaf-like in his timeless masterpiece, L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato. Set to Handel’s music, the multimedia Baroque piece includes John Milton’s poetry, rearranged by the composer’s librettist Charles Jennens, and is performed in perfect harmony in Zellerbach Hall by Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra (Jane Glover, conductor) and Cal’s own Chamber Chorus and soloists. Since its premiere more than 20 years ago, L’Allegro is considered the most significant achievement not only of the Group, but also of modern dance in general. Morris is notorious for selecting his dancers based on their “musicality” and their ability “to do the job” as part of the group, and for maintaining the amazing level of their technical skill through vigorous daily routines starting with the morning ballet classes. He boasts an impressive number of talented performers who have been with the group since its inception or its very early stages. Recognizable by their devout fans, Morris’s dancers might seem like regular human beings, with their different body types, hairstyles, and individual features, but at the end of an evening-long performance of highly demanding intricate moves that awash a stage with an unstoppable speed and grace of an ocean wave, it’s obvious that we witness a historical event and experience a moment of higher truth… For information on Cal Performances programs and to reserve tickets call 510-642-9988 or visit www.calperformances.org. Image by Ken Friedman.