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I finally got a chance to go to Chicago and see “Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland”
But it almost didn’t happen because of a train accident, which threw off the entire evening.
Nobody was hurt, but service was stopped and it caused a lot of anxiety that caused me to be completely distracted for the last third of the ballet as I had no idea how I was going to get to Union Station (the United States is not great when it comes navigation in cities).
However, I looked absolutely fabulous. I dressed up to the nines, giving a subtle nod to Crowley (specifically the way Colleen Doran draws Crowley).
I even had small stars in my clutch.
My clutch, by the way, was in the shape of a black rose, a recognized symbol of anarchists, the original ANTIFA (who continue to fight against fascists to this very day).
I also wore a teal-colored velvet choker. Teal is the color of sexual assault survivors. I have avoided the Joffrey ballet because one of my abusers sometimes attends performances and I was scared of running into her. But I didn’t want to let her wield power over me. If I was going to run into her, the choker was going to be a subtle fuck you to her. I’m not the one who should be ashamed.
Once I arrived, I was overwhelmed with the grandeur. The Lyric Opera House is a gorgeous building the Joffrey went all out.
I half expected the Red Queen to pop out from behind this giant heart.
The ballet was just as magical in person and I was happier than I have been in some time. I can’t believe I was actually able to see it in person. I wish I could go back and see it again.
Unfortunately, at this point, I was starting to experience a lot of anxiety as I realized I had no idea how to get to the train station to get back home. As someone with ADHD, I hyperfixated on that and couldn’t stop thinking about it.
Eventually, the ballet ended and I wound up calling a Lyft to get to Union Station where I waited for a late night train.
I decided to treat myself to a couple little souvenirs to remember the night I saw my favorite ballet.
(How can you not see “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” without getting a deck of cards)
But I also got a little freebee. Early in the ballet, there are dancers dressed like flowers and “petals” rain down on the audience. It’s a wonderful magical moment that brings you into Wonderland right alongside Alice. I couldn’t help but collect some of the petals from the ground.
My own little piece of Wonderland.
I highly recommend seeing this production if you get a chance. It’s truly a magical experience.
If you enjoy my writing, please consider donating to my fundraiser and help me achieve my dream of seeing one of my favorite dancers perform live: https://ko-fi.com/laurenjankowski/goal?g=4