This song, and subsequent video, express my thoughts and feelings after a derecho swept through the city of Cedar Rapids, Iowa in the summer of 2020. As a resident of Cedar Rapids, I experienced firsthand the loss of 65% of our tree canopy. The state of Iowa lost over $7 million trees. Watching an incredibly large crane slowly and carefully lift a branch from my neighbor’s damaged roof, it appeared to be much like a delicate ballet.
The concept is to show the tree or branch as a metaphor for a ballerina. How lovely and delicate she is in all her changing beauty throughout the year. The crane is a metaphor for the male dancer. Together they perform a pas de deux.
Link to video:
https://vimeo.com/683601830/3ae9081de7
“Strange Ballet” Lyrics
What is this strange ballet
This pas de deux of branch and crane
This odd and awful
Cirque de Soleil
His muscles, sinew, bones of steel
Lift the lifeless, sweet Giselle
From the shattered footlights
Where she fell
As he lifts her gently through the air
Sequin floating everywhere
From her tattered tutu
Once so fair
CHORUS
She was our prima ballerina
She danced for us with every breeze
In her arms the songbirds sang
The sweetest melodies
She cooled us with her soothing shade
She warmed our hearts with autumn blaze
Her silhouette at end of day
She was our poetry, our fairest lady
Our beauty and our grace
For years and years she slowly grew
‘Til she became our favorite view
Taking center stage
To rave reviews
Every season a costume change
Pink chiffon in gentle rain
Green organza
Golden lace
Suddenly we’re left to mourn
As limb from limb she was torn
By this angry dance
This frightful storm
CHORUS
With all the company she lies in state
On every street they silent wait
For their final, solemn
Resting place
Hear the tolling of the bell
For our beautiful Giselle
Say a final, fond
Fare thee well
Come next spring we’ll set the stage
For curtain calls and rose bouquets
Never to forget
This strange ballet
CHORUS