Helene Posted April 11, 2006 Share Posted April 11, 2006 It concentrates on finding (by having ballet directors present) first-time danced performances of extraordinary merit. The dictionary definition of "extraordinary" is "going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary". On this basis, dancers and choreographers, established or just beginning their careers, are brought forward (nominated) to be considered as prize-worthy.What a worthy goal, especially considering that unlike film, which can be viewed again and again, the vast majority of ballet performances go unrecorded for public viewing. How else, except by the local press and occasionally national or international journals, can we hear about great debuts?Sadly, Ballet Talkers can't see everything and report it here. Link to comment
carbro Posted April 11, 2006 Share Posted April 11, 2006 Sadly, Ballet Talkers can't see everything and report it here.Individually, no we can't. But collectively, it's a worthy -- if ambitious -- goal! Link to comment
Marga Posted April 12, 2006 Share Posted April 12, 2006 Thanks bart, Natalia, and mouse. I always enjoy knowing more about things and doing the necessary research to find accurate info. bart, I've known about the Peter Ustinov "connection" since I first heard of the Benois Prize, and, like you, that meant something to me. I remember seeing Ustinov on some filmed presentation (was it one of the Benois galas??), seated in the balcony, and being identified as to his relative affiliation. I've always admired and respected him. mouse, I know who your prize-winning son is. I've yet to see him dance and eagerly await the opportunity. I hope he gets a Benois nomination one day, too. It seems like a distinct possibility, since he is making waves already at such a young age! carbro, I love your attitude. It is indeed a goal worth pursuing. Who knows where BT will be 5, 10 years from now?! Link to comment
chauffeur Posted April 12, 2006 Share Posted April 12, 2006 Well, I still have my doubts. I've seen some of the nominated dancers perform in the past year and I just have a very hard time believing this is the best of the new best. It seems like connections have a lot to do with the nominations and that makes it suspect in my books. Link to comment
Natalia Posted April 26, 2006 Author Share Posted April 26, 2006 This just in from my sister -- and confirmed on http://www.mariinsky.ru/en/: The Kirov wins BOTH Benois de la Danse trophies for performers: Leonid SARAFANOV for Albrecht in Giselle (lucky DC balletomanes!) Ekaterina KONDAUROVA for Zarema in Fountains of Bakhshiserai Link to comment
Marga Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 Thank you, Natalia! I was wondering about the outcome. Were Kondaurova and Sarafanov there to receive their awards, and do you know if they performed? Link to comment
Natalia Posted April 26, 2006 Author Share Posted April 26, 2006 I don't know, Marga. WAIT, FOLKS! Weirdness continues to reign over this event. In searching the web for news on who won the choreography prize, I found this...a Seoul, Korea, newspaper announces that the Best Female Dancer award went to Kim Ju-Won of So. Korea!!!! Maybe she tied with Kondaurova of the Kirov? http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2006042670478 Link to comment
Natalia Posted April 26, 2006 Author Share Posted April 26, 2006 OK, folks - I think this press-announcement from the Russian-language ITAR-TASS news agency solves the mystery: http://www.itar-tass.com/level2.html?NewsID=7034563 In fact, dancers TIED in both the male and female categories: Best Male: Sarafanov ties with Wan Di, soloist of the Guanchou People's Army Folk Ensemble (China) Best Female: Kondaurova ties with Kim Ju-Won of Korea The communique also names the remaining prizes -- Best Choreographer - Boris Eifman for 'Anna Karenina' "Special Prize" - Mats Ek Link to comment
Alter Ego Posted May 3, 2006 Share Posted May 3, 2006 Hello there. I just wanted to let you know, that Sarafanov won the prize feauturing his role of Albrecht, which he performed in Vienna. At least the austrian website of the Vienna Opera Ballet says so. (www.dasballett.at ) Link to comment
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