13 replies to this topic

[silvy]

I would like some information on the Grand Pas Classique:  I know that the music is from Auber, but little else In particular; I wud like to know name of choregrapher, where it was premiered, by whom, and if there are filmed or video versions commercially available.

Thanks

Silvy

[Paquita]

There are two Paris Opera Ballet videos by V.I.E.W. called "7 ballets" and "6 ballet". I forget which one has Grand Pas Classique on it, but it is one of those two. The ballerina is Sylvie Guillem, and the choreography has lots of high developes and balances for her to show off her super-flexability! The ballet is choreographed by Victor Gsovsky.

[silvy]

thank you Paquita - I will see if I can gel hold of some of these videos.



silvy

[su-lian]

It was first given at the Théâtre des Champs Elysées on the 12th november 1949 with Yvette Chauviré and Wladimir Skouratoff.

[Manhattnik]

While poking around the NYC Performing Arts Library recently, I found a video from VAI of Great Moments in Russian Ballet (or something like that). For one of these compilation videos, the quality of dancing is amazingly high (glimpses of Maximova in Giselle and Nadezhda Pavlova in Bayadere are both particularly revelatory), but none higher than the early-Seventies video of Komleva and Soloviev doing a somewhat different version of Grand Pas Classique than the Paris Opera one. For me this is some kind of ne plus ultra of bravura technique -- I've never seen anything better (it's filled with jaw-dropping, throwaway technical and stylistidc gems), and doubt I ever shall.

[Marc Haegeman]

Quote

Originally posted by Manhattnik
the quality of dancing is amazingly high (glimpses of Maximova in Giselle and Nadezhda Pavlova in Bayadere are both particularly revelatory), but none higher than the early-Seventies video of Komleva and Soloviev doing a somewhat different version of Grand Pas Classique than the Paris Opera one. For me this is some kind of ne plus ultra of bravura technique -- I've never seen anything better (it's filled with jaw-dropping, throwaway technical and stylistidc gems), and doubt I ever shall.

I'd second that. One of my all-time favorite pieces of dance on film.

[Juliet]

I'll third that.  And drink a toast;)

[silvy]

I am glad that my post created such a response - I only wish I cud see that Russian version. is it commercially available on film or video?

silvy

[Mary J]

Amazon appears to have it for $39.99 on VHS (with a warning that it might not be available) - the title is Russian Ballet, The Glorious Tradition, Vol. 3.

[silvy]

thank you Mary J!!!



silvy

[Mary J]

My pleasure, silvy! I am an Amazon addict, and shop there a lot. And, I think, if you use the banner from Amazon on this web site, good things happen for Ballet Alert!

[Estelle]

"Grand Pas Classique" also was filmed at the Paris Opera about four or five years ago during a homage to Yvette Chauviré, with Agnès Letestu and José Martinez. Unfortunately, as far as I know it's not available commercially- but perhaps some libraries might have it?

[silvy]

thank you Estelle -I guess that danced by Agnes Letestu that ballet shud be a joy to watch!!!

silvy

[dirac]

Yuan Yuan Tan had a big success in it at the most recent SFB gala.  The high point of the evening for this observer.