3 replies to this topic

[dirac]

A review of the cinema broadcast of the Bolshoi Ballet in "La Sylphide" by Robert Johnson in The Star-Ledger.

Quote

The camera does not show these events taking place side-by-side, however; and by zooming in on James and the Sylphide it deletes the thrill from their last-chance encounter. The cinematographer makes poor decisions from the start, giving us a long-shot of Peter Farmer’s drab scenery rather than a close-up of the Sylphide kneeling beside James as he drowses by the fireside. Clueless camerawork undercuts the wondrous revelation of multiple Sylphides in Act II. Still later, a close-up shows the witch, Madge, shoving James’ cousin Gurn (who genuinely loves Effie) toward an invisible goal. Too late the camera pans over to reveal Effie, now bereft and ripe for Gurn’s proposal.

[dirac]

Kingwood Dance Theatre holds a Sugar Plum Tea.

Quote

Kingwood Dance Theatre’s Nutcracker Boutique will be open for early holiday shopping, and a variety of exciting packages geared toward both children and adults will be raffled and auctioned at the tea.

Kingwood Dance Theatre is a classical pre-professional ballet company in the residence at Rowland School of Ballet under the direction of Sheryl Rowland. The nonprofit organization brings professional level productions to the Humble/Kingwood and the Greater Houston area. KDT is pleased to present its 26th annual full-length production of “The Nutcracker Ballet” Dec. 7 and 8 at the Atascocita High School Theater.

[dirac]

A review of Fall for Dance by Carol Pardo for danceviewtimes.

Quote

Those who came to see the dancers familiar from the reality series "Breaking Pointe" were treated to the grand pas classique from "Paquita" clear, clean, sparkling, refreshing as an alpine brook. The staging, by Elena Kunikova, perhaps best known in New York for her settings of the Imperial repertory for the Trocks, was first performed by Ballet West a few months ago. Bits and pieces made it into the TV series. Kunikova and the dancers got two things marvelously right. This "Paquita" is alive and breathing, unburdened by the wet blanketd of reverence and historical import which can render a ballet dutiful and dull. At one moment the corps, in tendu, surrounded the principals, then, on the music and with a delicious snap fell to one knee in a circle around them, transformed from abstract frame to adoring subjects in the space of a beat. Exhilarating.

[dirac]

A review of New York City Ballet by Mary Cargill for danceviewtimes.

Quote

Justin Peck's "Year of the Rabbit" would probably look better on a different program, one with more contrast. Following the Millepied work, it emphasized the similarities, especially the slightly jokey, ice-skating motifs, where the females slide on their point shoes. The music, by Sufjan Stevens, was more varied and interesting than the Muhly score, and the eight sections (named after the various years in the Chinese zodiac, with the inclusion of the "Year of our Lord"), were varied and danceable.....