16 replies to this topic

[Manhattnik]

Ah, I remember Martine's Lilac Fairy. That was back in my balletomane days, when I'd actually indulge in boquet-tossing. One of my prize bits of ballet memorabilia is a photo a friend took of Martine's curtain call as Lilac, holding a boquet I'd tossed her, which she later autographed for me. I remember that performance well; no flowers for Baryshnikov or Makarova, just Martine! Another prized possession is a pair of her toe shes, autographed, but that's another story.

I believe it was in describing Martine in this Messel production that Arlene Croce came up with her great line about how all the Lilac Fairy needs is a wand and some space to bourree...

[Francis Timlin]

Martine Van Hamel was still performing with Netherlands Dance Theatre 3 as recently as last year.  I saw here in several works here in Seattle and she was radiant, strong and attention-riveting.  The same qualities she always brought to bear on her "state occasion" Myrthe performances at ABT and on the Makarova/Baryshnikov video.  NDT 3 should be on the list of anyone interested in what can be accomplished by dancers in their 50s and 60s.