Actually I was feeling quite sad about missing multiple performances (Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Drum Tao, Aaron Kwok etc etc) playing in Singapore and that region. In comparison, Uruguay does not feel like a preferred destination for world-class performances as most acts would perform in nearby Argentina or Brazil. (Though Paul McCartney and Lenny Kravitz are some upcoming concerts in Uruguay.) But after catching this MOMIX production in an undeniably top-notch auditorium, I stand corrected.
First time purchasing tickets for a show in Uruguay, it was quite an experience. It appears that tickets can only be purchased online which actually is advantageous for me as I could slowly Google Translate everything to make sure I am not making mistakes during the process. And thank goodness we already have our local identity cards as that was required! Though I got a little concerned that the online transaction did not include a Two-Factor Authentication (so used to that in Singapore!) or any kind of security measures. And since the postal service here is so unreliable, my only other option is to print the e-ticket myself.
Honestly thought the first show I would catch here would be at the famous Teatro Solis which looked modern enough but this show was held at an unfamiliar auditorium. A quick check of the map reveals that it is located near the Airbnb where we stayed for a month in Montevideo. Based on the condition of the surrounding area, I was not sure what to expect of this auditorium. I wondered if it would be at least comparable with the Drama Centre Theatre of Singapore which is located within a library building. But I overworried. Auditorio Nacional Adela Reta looked really impressive and inviting as we drove through some really run-down roads to arrive at its entrance.
As neither my companion nor I had any idea of the quality of the show or venue, our budget for the tickets was not high. We booked the lowest tier tickets which naturally were not stall seats. The printed tickets were of course in Spanish and we could not really make sense of where to find our seats. I expected to climb stairs but did not expect to be sent upwards so many times; my video of us finding our seats was one of us getting rejected at multiple entrances!
When we finally found our seats, I was actually quite satisfied. Usually, I prefer to have a frontal view of the stage but beggars can't be choosers and I liked the proximity to the stage. We noticed that the hall was quite empty and was concerned that the show would not start on time. It was actually a good thing because when the lights dimmed, all (really all) the other audience who bought the same tickets as us moved to the better front-viewing seats! Of course we followed suit! So we kind of got a free upgrade of seats. Judging from the fact that this happened under the eyes of the usher who brought us to our seats and the way the other audience were all standing around instead of getting comfortable in their allocated seats, this is a common and accepted behavior. Wow..
Although Facebook can really be a time-waster, I am so thankful for it because I would not had discovered MOMIX without it. The production is exceptional. From the very first act, I was captivated. Such grace, ingenuity, and seamless integration of dancers, props, lighting and music. It reminded me of my Synergy days where my idol dance instructor Fan Laoshi created similar productions with not-as-talented student dancers. The more I watched, a little spark in me got reignited. If anyone asked me, "What is your dream?"... my dream is to be a d.a.n.c.e.r. Truly, there is nothing I want more but perhaps that is precisely why it is called a dream. It is feeling further than ever. I miss the days when I was dancing more, from contemporary to pole to silks, when I was known as "the dancer" among my friends. Must find some clases de baile aqui!
There exist such incredible performing groups who deserved to be world famous but would remain unknown in other parts of the world. I would never had heard of MOMIX if I was not here in Uruguay. They got a new fan in me! And if they ever go to a theatre near you, do not miss it!!
#momix #alicebymomix #dreamofbeingadancer
#worldclass #worldclassperformance #worldclassauditorium #auditorionacionaladelareta