2008.12.28. Ballet Raymonda at Opéra Garnier.

Music: Alexandre Glazounov Choregraphy: Rudolf Noureev Set & costume design: Nicholas Georgiadis Lights: Serge Peyrat

Sumptuous set. Group dances were not as synced as I expected. One male dancer had a slip when he landed. Still, very enjoyable. Deep stage allows more action to be laid out. New York Times didn't give a very favorable review.

Opéra de Paris claims to have 62 €5 standing tickets for sale 90 minutes before curtain for any performance. In fact, they sell these as well as unclaimed reservation 45 minutes before. For this 3pm sold-out show, ~200 places were available, and not as many waiting in the line.
When the ballet finished, it was already dark. Place de Vendôme was glistening of blue lights, utterly charming. Place de Concorde was noisy and full of cars and people. Champs-Elysee was lined up with white vending stalls, festival in lieu of the usual grandeur.