16 replies to this topic

[Dale]

The word "study" in regards to ballet performances was the key to me suggesting videos. Of course, you have to see live performances. But a live performance won't allow you to reverse and see a phrase again or immediately compare it to another performance or another interpretation. With a DVD, I might focus on a specific execution of a step. In live performances, I often ignore those things in order to take in the complete performance. I can also read, for example, a review of Croce on The Four Temperaments and then watch nearly the same cast to bring her points home in an immediate way.

That said, if you can take in as many live performances, especially by top companies performing excellent repertoire, do so.

[cubanmiamiboy]

And even if one is pretty used to certain ballets, having seen them many times live, we're still get amazed at some videos that we find here and there.  Just look at the many responses the short clip of Kirkland in Giselle generated.  And BTW, linking the clip to that other thread of which variations does one pay close attention, Gelsey's clip would be an EXCELLENT choice to watch a beautiful Spesivtseva's solo-(sans the diagonal).