60 replies to this topic

[Ostrich]

Quote

Four of today’s greatest dancers take center stage for an incomparable display of the power and prowess of the male dancer. American Ballet Theater’s Angel Corella and Ethan Stiefel, Johan Kobborg of The Royal Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet star Nikolay Tsiskaridze will each dance world premiere works by some of today’s most sought-after choreographers, as well as breathtaking solos from beloved classical ballets. Additionally, all four stars join in a brand new work by Christopher Wheeldon.

While I'm dying to see Kings of the Dance, I have serious doubts about whether such a performance will really be good for ballet as an art. Won't it turn into a virtuosity competition? Comparisons between the 4 dancers will be inevitable and the result could be very much the same as the "3 Tenor" situation - lots of technique, but not much art.

[Cygnet]

Ostrich, on Oct 25 2005, 08:28 AM, said:

Quote

Four of today’s greatest dancers take center stage for an incomparable display of the power and prowess of the male dancer. American Ballet Theater’s Angel Corella and Ethan Stiefel, Johan Kobborg of The Royal Ballet and Bolshoi Ballet star Nikolay Tsiskaridze will each dance world premiere works by some of today’s most sought-after choreographers, as well as breathtaking solos from beloved classical ballets. Additionally, all four stars join in a brand new work by Christopher Wheeldon.

While I'm dying to see Kings of the Dance, I have serious doubts about whether such a performance will really be good for ballet as an art. Won't it turn into a virtuosity competition? Comparisons between the 4 dancers will be inevitable and the result could be very much the same as the "3 Tenor" situation - lots of technique, but not much art.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This sounds like it will be the 2005 male version of "Pas de Quatre."

[BalletNut]

Are there details on when and where this will be performed?

[Juliet]

http://www.nycitycen...vent_code=KOD06

I believe it is going to other sites as well.
I think it sounds like a circus, but I am sure I'll go, nevertheless!

[carbro]

City Center, New York, in February 23-26.

It's possible that New York is not this quartet (+1)'s only gig.  I don't have time now, but a web search might yield more details.

[zerbinetta]

According to the dance mailer I  received about a month ago from City Center it is this foursome (+1) on those dates.

It included ABT's current season, Ailey & Paul Taylor for a special discount subscription rate.

[nysusan]

carbro, on Oct 28 2005, 07:09 PM, said:

City Center, New York, in February 23-26.

It's possible that New York is not this quartet (+1)'s only gig.  I don't have time now, but a web search might yield more details.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It will actually premiere 2/16 -19 in Orange County, CA before it plays in New York. Here's the link:

http://www.ocpac.org...entCategoryID=2

The City Center site indicates that Vishneva will join them for Jeune Homme, although I'd seen Lucia Lacarra listed elsewhere. I don't know which info is more current, I think either one of them would be wonderful. Unfortunately tickets in NY are very pricey, which may hold attendance down...

[bart]

$150.00 seats at City Center says something about the expectations of the promoters.  Note the use of "Kings of Dnce" rather than "Ballet."

Is it just me, or does the order of programming seem a bit intriguing?  I like the idea of starting with a new Wheeldon for the 4 men -- and the Jeune Homme (which just happens to include one of the world's greatest female dancers, in New York at least) makes sense.  But I wonder what the the 4 solos at the END of the program will be like?  And how the audience will respond.  Isn't that traditionally the position for the most bravura dancing?

One awful thought:  the copy-cat productions that will be touring the provinces.  Four Irish Kings of Dance?

[pj]

This show is also happening in the OC (at OCPAC) sometime in Feb.  We are planning on going, along with most of the families in our ballet school.

[carbro]

bart, on Oct 29 2005, 10:07 AM, said:

Note the use of "Kings of Dnce" rather than "Ballet."

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Leaves room for Michael Flatley (sp?) to join at some point.  

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But I wonder what the the 4 solos at the END of the program will be like? 

I can't believe that the curtain will fall on the final solo, and that will be that.  I'm  sure they'll devise something  to bring everyone together for a final piece, the way the ice shows do.

[drb]

Johan Kobborg's website gives some interesting details on the performances in Costa Mesa, 16-19 February, and New York, 23-26. Mr. Kobborg will perform in the new Wheeldon ballet, as well as in a new version of "Afternoon of a Faun" choregraphed by T. Rushdon, and a solo of Bournonville.
He will also perform with Vishneva (he does not mention her by name, but for NY the City Center site does) in "Jeune Homme", with DATE to be announced for each city.  The singular date suggests that perhaps the men will alternate performances in "Jeune Homme."
http://www.kobborg.co.uk/calb/cal.html

[nysusan]

drb, on Nov 4 2005, 05:36 PM, said:

The singular date suggests that perhaps the men will alternate performances in "Jeune Homme."

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's what I was hoping!
Susan

[Leigh Witchel]

Which one's Taglioni?

[drb]

Leigh Witchel, on Nov 4 2005, 06:32 PM, said:

Which one's Taglioni?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

At last, the right question!
Kobborg.
Can someone supply the other matches?
(Careers are short, salaries small, fringe benefits and pensions? I hope proceeds from the high ticket prices go mostly to the performers.)

[Leigh Witchel]

I'd say Kobborg was Grahn. It's the Dane thing.

Corella is definitely Cerrito.

Which leaves Steifel and Tsiskaridze to battle it out over who is Grisi and who gets to be Taglioni.

Who gets to be Elssler and refuse to take part?