Tony’s and Karen’s relationship is analogous to the relationship between mime and dance. The Mime courted the Ballerina and the Ballerina was afraid–at first. It was scary for Karen to venture into Tony’s domain of mime, improvisation, and storytelling. On the other hand, it was challenging for Tony to liberate Karen’s organic impulses from the confines of a bun-head. Tony did this with unflagging patience and sensitivity.

Photo: "Coppelia" with the Portland Ballet
(Photo by C.C. Church)