Zumanity was written and directed by Dominic Champagne and Rene Cry, two accomplished theater directors from Quebec. Explaining their vision in program, they write, "Since dawn of time, joining of bodies, that thirst for each other, has always been highest rapture, most joyous mystery, and greatest revolutionary force. Eroticism is a cry for ecstasy, for freedom, and we have chosen to celebrate it joyfully, naturally, with splendour and humanity. With pleasure we offer you a bead of sweat, a seductive wink, a torrid kiss, a racing pulse, a flushed face, a curious hand, and feather-soft fingertips - a love letter from us to you. May you thrill with desire, may your eyes be filled with wonder, may your hair stand on end, and may you tingle in every pore until you quiver with delight - that is what we wish for you".

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Rob LaGrone and Linda Lane, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

The toymaker then attempts a spell to transfer life force from sleeping Franz into his beloved Coppélia. Swanilda fools him by pretending to come to life. She dances mechanically and, to our great amusement, frequently "accidentally" bumps and slaps him as she moves. Okay, we men aren't looking too smart in this story. The act ends hilariously after Franz awakes: Coppélius learns he has been tricked, is completely overwhelmed, and faints comically as curtain closes. Swanilda also has great fun revealing truth about doll to poor Franz, who is forgiven in end. (It's a small village; maybe Swanilda figures he's best she can do.) Given that Shanghai Ballet is on tour and can't drag an orchestra along, music is recorded - and perhaps a bit too soft - but score is spunky and complements action perfectly here.

The Shanghai Ballet has many principal dancers who can play different roles as needed in their performances. Tonight Swanilda was played by Fan Xiaofeng, and with her playful facial expressions, she seemed perfect for role. Franz was portrayed by Ke Da, who normally plays another fiancé soloist as part of a group of couples to be married in story. He exuded an earnest innocence that contrasted Swanilda's coquettishness wonderfully.

The story largely ends there. Act III consists of some terrific celebratory dances by corps de ballet and pairs of fiancé soloists. In this act there were no props on stage - not even a backdrop, which seemed odd. Oh, well - it was dancing that counted. Different groups performed dances named "Hours of Day", "Dawn", "Hours of Night", and "Spinners". When male fiancé soloists lifted their partners, it appeared to require all their strength, whereas Nureyev and Baryshnikov could have played "catch" across stage with one of those ballerinas. That's probably just genetics, though. The best dance of all was graceful, romantic wedding dance by Franz and Swanilda.

The entire act, and indeed whole ballet, was great fun; individuals and

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Rob LaGrone, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com