I was privileged enough yesterday to be given a select viewing of one of Asia's most exciting new ballet companies.

It wasn't easy getting in. This was only rehersals and some of the ballerinas dislike an audience until everything is perfect. However I used my charm and charisma to wangle my way in. I promised to remain absolutely quiet and inconspicuous and held true to my word. Relenting the teacher granted me 30 minutes. And I was amazed by what I saw.

I'm not much of a ballet man. Sure it's impressive but I didn't think it could hold my attention for long before the music would cause me to daydream the performance away. How wrong I was.

Beginning with the flower song before moving on to naughty toes, JC's ballet class was a tour-de-force. Seeing a mess of pink tafetta as a group of 3 and 4 year old princesses stomped around to various classical music "hits" was sublime. I couldn't wipe the smile from my face as the girls did the cooking dance, involving a combination of steps and tippy-toes that culminates in the eating of pretend cake (JC requested strawberry on hers). The grand finale of the "Ariel" dance, who happens to be JC's favourite Disney character of the moment, was astonishing. I felt myself transported to Atlantis itself, feeling Ariel's wonder as she explores the human world before she hurriedly packs away her treasures before they were discovered. For the first time I saw ballet for the art that it is.

I'll try and get you some tickets to the next big performance.