20 replies to this topic

[pnbdc]

Regarding Maria Tallchief's "Firebird"
About 4 years I ago I recorded the music of Firebird for Maria Tallchief's and Michael Maule's silent film of a performance.   (This was in connection with the Balanchine Foundation, and the Dance Center at Lincoln Center.   I was piano soloist at the NYCB for several years, and worked with Balanchine for about 15 years total.  In rel-creating this performance, I worked with the silent movie - and painstakingly put the music with the movement - recording in the Sony Studios in NYC - with the monitor in my line of vision while recording. )  The choreography done for Maria was very different from the later version done for Karin von Aroldingen and Gelsey Kirkland.   These tapes are in the Lincoln Center Library (Dance Center) of which Madeleine Nichols is Director.   The later version of the dance was less technical - as Karin's costume was more elaborate complete with a long train. Mr. B re-choreographed the entire production at that time.

[cargill]

I certainly agree that Bouder was stupendous in La Source, but that doesn't mean that it is a good idea to  push a talent by throwing her on stage in a leading role.  I didn't see her Firebird, but have heard that it was very good--but it is still not an ideal or even a halfway decent way to groom a potential ballerina.

[stan]

Bouder substituted again for Tracey in Firebird last night.  I saw Tracey earlier in the season in this role and frankly I prefer Bouder's commanding presence.  There were no jitters whatsoever last night and the audience loved it.

[Michael]

I was sorry not to be there last night.

It was Bouder's ability to "hold the stage" that was so striking in the first performance.  

(I think that some of the talent for holding the stage can be taught, but that the majority of it is innate, simply a gift that certain dancers have, though I would be interested in hearing what dancers and teachers say).

I don't blame Martins for casting her in this.  On the contrary, I'm grateful.  And unlike other seasons and other dancers, PM is not overusing anyone this spring season.  There's no "bit push upwards" for Ashley.  She's being used judiciously and she's right for this role.