23 replies to this topic

[Drew]

Jayne, on 20 May 2012 - 12:44 AM, said:

Batsuchan, on 16 May 2012 - 06:19 PM, said:

Not so for Vasiliev.  FauxPas, I agree with you 100% about Vasiliev (and almost everything else in your post!)  I like that kind of go-for-broke gusto in my figure skaters, but not in my ballet dancers.  A friend of mine thinks he missed his calling as a martial artist.  I agree.

I immediately thought of Elvis Stojko when I read your comments.

Well...yes...but I still recommend people give him a chance in a real (as opposed to gala) performance. I've never seen him in the classics and have no idea what he will be like-- though I hope to find out next week.  And he's obviously no David Hallberg nor is meant to be.  But as Spartacus I have seen him give an emotionally as well as physically powerful -- and controlled -- performance.

As you know, he's very Bolshoi, but I think he's a major talent.  And given how young he is, he may just need some seasoning...

[nysusan]

Drew, on 20 May 2012 - 11:39 AM, said:

Jayne, on 20 May 2012 - 12:44 AM, said:

Batsuchan, on 16 May 2012 - 06:19 PM, said:

Not so for Vasiliev.  FauxPas, I agree with you 100% about Vasiliev (and almost everything else in your post!)  I like that kind of go-for-broke gusto in my figure skaters, but not in my ballet dancers.  A friend of mine thinks he missed his calling as a martial artist.  I agree.

I immediately thought of Elvis Stojko when I read your comments.

Well...yes...but I still recommend people give him a chance in a real (as opposed to gala) performance. I've never seen him in the classics and have no idea what he will be like-- though I hope to find out next week.  And he's obviously no David Hallberg nor is meant to be.  But as Spartacus I have seen him give an emotionally as well as physically powerful -- and controlled -- performance.

As you know, he's very Bolshoi, but I think he's a major talent.  And given how young he is, he may just need some seasoning...

I also thought his Spartacus was riveting, and also loved him with the Bolshoi in Don Q. It will be interesting to see what his Solor is like.

[abatt]

Ditto.  Loved Vasliev in D.C. in Spartacus a few years ago.

[Helene]

I saw Vasiliev's Golden Idol in Berkeley in 2009, and it was terrific.

[Birdsall]

I found a bootleg of his Spartacus and found it jaw dropping. I think it was the DC one.

[Golden Idol]

Puppytreats wrote: "I disagree with Golden Idol about Maxim.  He was one of the most protective and princely Siegfried's I have seen.  He was authoritative, yet deferential, at the same time, a perfect escort for his supermodel wife."

I will happily agree to disagree. Maxim has never been a fave of mine, so you see where I'm coming from. But didn't you think he looked somewhat glassy-eyed? Watching him through my binocs I wondered if he'd had some cosmetic work done on his face and that's why it was so immobile. And I'm not so sure that being an escort to a supermodel wife is what Swan Lake calls for.

[puppytreats]

GI: I am still laughing at your comment.  Perhaps what I wrote came out a bit compressed, combining on- and off-stage observations, in my starstruck awe.  I sat almost in front of Max and Irina at the Guillem show in March. He looked a bit thin and compact, but not glassy-eyed. I could not see his eyes from where I was sitting at the gala, which was all the way to the left.  Irina is so beautiful and glamorous, as discussions about her glittery gown hint at, but I do not think that description applies to her swan portrayal.  I think Max's deferential behavior and love for his wife seeps into his performance, though.  I can understand many interpretations of a prince, including a combination of deference and regal authority, which I believe Max displayed onstage.

[Batsuchan]

Here are more pictures from the gala, including some of the dancers:
http://bfanyc.com/ho...vent/3670?r=370

[balletmor]

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