Opening night - overall, a sub-par evening at the ballet. For the most part, I blame the production. Don Q is a difficult full-length ballet to pull off. The Russians certainly know how to go over the top with the exotic plot lines for many of the story ballets, and somehow, this production needed more exotica, heat and fun. I definitely prefer the Bolshoi production which is defintely zany and very exciting.
And I just don't get Vishneva. I've seen her live twice now, and I'm not taken with her, as much as I want to be. She did a nice job and added some fun, however, I thought she was "acting" her way through the role, and not really enjoying it. It was a a very studied, star performance, and I don't quite buy it. Her foutte sequence was painful to watch. I don't think I care for her technique for these turns-- very jarring-- and while it is impressive that she was able to hold one hand up with the fan for many turns, it was not a pretty picture. I'd rather go for less and make it look better.
Her partner didn't help matters. There was no real repoire between them. He is miscast in this ballet. He is tall and has nice lines, and his turns in second were very nice, but I see him much more as a prince type. Not fiery enough. The grand pas partnering made me nervous and that's a bad sign. They almost lost it a couple of times, and it wasn't pretty.
Kondourova was fine, but lacked warmth and any connection to her fellow dancers or the audience. Amour was pleasant.
The stand outs were the third soloist (I don't know who it was), and one of the soloists during the dream sequence. I think it is this new girl, Nikitina?? Wow, she has a bright future-- lush movement, nice physique, strong technique, and a pleasing way with the audience.
I guess what I find so disheartening in the recent performances by the Russians, especially the Kirov, is the lack of spontaneity and joy in the dancing. It all looks a bit too perfect, and it doesn't all add up at the end of the day.