Team7,
Thanks for messaging me to remind me about this one. I just finished it myself and was surprised how much it drew me in. The story isn't terribly complicated but there are depths of meaning that probably went over my head the same way the meaning of the Ballet goes over the head of the main character. I admit I was a little confused by the ending. I thought at first I understood what the statue was but now I'm not sure.
Definitely one to try reading again later and see if I pick up things I missed the first time through.
Now on to reading
Time Ablaze which is also a free download and also on the preliminary ballot for the Nebula Award.
Perhaps this or another thread can be the "official" one for discussing these stories. Kudos to Fictionwise for offering these as free downloads.