As far as most people know this video of a ballerina dancing in the background during the performance of two guitar players was an impromptu scene – the kind of thing that “just happens” in a place like New York City.
It wouldn’t be the first time this sort of show took place in Central Park.
The warm-up
The video begins with two men tuning their guitars. Their instrument cases are open in case anyone wants to buy CDs after the live performance.
The musicians are part of the acoustic post-rock trio City of the Sun, consisting of guitarists Avi Snow and John Pita and percussionist Zach Para. The piece they’re playing is titled “Brothers.”
The band’s goal is to “flip the sound” of traditional instrumental music, giving audiences something they don’t expect to hear. According to their website, their sound “has an array of influences including indie rock, American folk, flamenco, and blues.”
It also turns out to be the perfect music for dancing.
But if you really want to talk about the unexpected, consider the ballerina warming up with stretches behind them as they begin their song.
Dancing in the park
Lea McGowan is a performing artist that specializes in ballet, although according to her Facebook page, she’s a “ballerina comedian circus performer actress entrepreneur writer teacher yogi dancer.”
Also known as “the rebel ballerina,” she dances to her own tune in her spare time. She’s been featured on shows such as America’s Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance, and she can also be hired for events as a dancer, acrobat, or emcee.
It’s unclear how she hooked up with the band, but the performance in the park that day was a planned one.
The show goes on
At first, it’s not clear if the musicians know the dancer is there. They go on with their song while she dances at least 10 feet away from them at all times.
In some shots of the dancer, the guitarists aren’t even visible.
But the world is their stage – so why not take up some room?
The performance is so good that it makes people stop in their tracks and smile or walk around them to get the perfect snap.
Take a bow
As the song ends and McGowan takes her bow, she introduces the musicians and says thank you to her viewers, telling them they’re welcome to donate to the arts.
We sure hope the audience loved the show as much as YouTube commenters.
When people weren’t concerned about those pointe shoes on the concrete (and cobblestones at that!) they were dishing out effusive praise.
“The ground must’ve been so hard on her toes, yet she manages to perform with such grace & beauty… stunning to watch & hear, thanks for sharing”
Her Facebook page shows similar photos she had taken in Central Park.
How exciting to get to experience such talent up close.
We agree heartily with the commenter who said the following:
“You know what a great way for all to see beautiful art close up personal and inexpensively basically better than what you have to pay to sit in a seat in a theater. I sure hope the people donate!!!”
Be sure to scroll down below to see the delightful performance for yourself.
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