Irina Kolpakova in Sleeping Beauty.

[Ballet fan]

So, I'm really curious as to what people think of this DVD. I have Irina's Raymonda and I liked it a lot, but she was 50 in this DVD and Aurora is a really taxing and demanding role that requires perfect technique. However, sometimes dancers can mature their interpretation of a role as they mature themselves. I've seen Margot Fonteyn in Romeo and Juliet and while she was in her 40's she still exuded freshness and youthfulness, so I'm not afraid to see an "older" ballerina. Also, interesting to note is that both Margot and Irina are acclaimed Auroras, so I really want to see them both to compare and contrast. However, on the DVD of Sleeping Beauty that I have with Margot, she's a lot younger than Irina is in this DVD. However, I really want to see this great ballerina in one of her signature roles, but I'm still afraid to make the purchase if the performance doesn't show her at her best. I understand that she's older than her prime, but I just want to know if it's at least a good enough performance so as to show the qualities that made her compelling in that role in the first place.

Thanks a lot in advance, everyone!

[Hans]

I would say yes, it is definitely worth it. Kolpakova's technique is immaculate, and while one can only imagine what she would have been like 20 years earlier, we are fortunate to have her beautiful and charming portrayal captured on film.

[Alexandra]

I think it's worth purchasing. I use it in my classes -- the perfection is still there. Some of the students are shocked to find out how old she is, some say they could tell but were still amazed at how much she could do. She's the exemplar oof Kirov style in that role and, as such, worth watching, I think.