Alexandra Posted June 24, 2002 Share Posted June 24, 2002 Now that we're nearly finished with the 10th anniversary and have had a chance to look back on the ballets produced by the Diamond Project, I thought it would be interesting to take an overview. Individual ballets are often pummeled here (and in the press). But some people have liked some of the ballets. Could we reserve this thread for positive comments only? What is good about the Diamond Project? You can take this question as philosophy or more specifically (i.e., I liked this, this and this ballet, or this dancer came to the fore in this ballet, etc.) Link to comment
Calliope Posted June 24, 2002 Share Posted June 24, 2002 One word: Opportunity. For the dancers, the audience, the choreographers and the ballet world in general. Link to comment
KayDenmark Posted June 25, 2002 Share Posted June 25, 2002 Wasn't Wheeldon's "Slavonic Dances" originally a Diamond Project creation? Not only did it launch him, but I still think it's one of the best things he's ever done....before he ran off to the Land of Twee. Lynn Taylor-Corbett's Chiaroscuro brings out the best in Jock Soto - it's a dance about and centered around a fascinating dancer, which makes it fascinating in itself. Haven't seen it in a few years, but I also remember excellent lighting. And I love La Stravaganza - it's challenging, bizarre, thought-provoking and exhilarating. The first time I saw it, all the old people got up and ran out of the theater. Link to comment
Calliope Posted June 25, 2002 Share Posted June 25, 2002 We must be on the same wavelength KayDenmark, all three are my favorite pieces. Haven't seen Slavonic since the season after it was done. It fell off for some reason.... Link to comment
KayDenmark Posted June 25, 2002 Share Posted June 25, 2002 I would also love to see Slavonic Dances again, but I get the impression that Chris, himself, is not a fan of it - he's been quoted as saying the first work he was really satisfied with was "Mercurial Manoeuvres" - so, given his association with the company, I don't think we'll see it back in repertory any time soon. Link to comment
Patricia Posted June 25, 2002 Share Posted June 25, 2002 For as many favorites that I have in the NYBC repertory, I still like taking a chance with the Diamond Project. Other companies that have "ballet festivals" wouldn't be brave enough to program something or someone compeltely untried. Not every ballet that premiered at the Stravinsky, Ravel, Tchaikovsky festivals were masterpieces - some were classics in how not to choreograph a ballet! For every tarnished Diamond there's a PRISM, ANCIENT AIRS AND DANCES, RED ANGELS, MERCURICAL MANUEVERS, and MORPHOSES. There was one ballet I really liked by the choreographer of REUNIONS set to classical Swedish music, but it lasted only a season. Link to comment
rkoretzky Posted June 25, 2002 Share Posted June 25, 2002 Second the motion on Prism (although when I saw it this season, it wasn't well done. Sad, because it was a thing of marvelous beauty in its first season. And I do hope San Fran Ballet will bring it to City Center in October as I would love to see what Helgi's company does with it). Also second the motion for Slavonic Dances, possibly my favorite Wheeldon (so I guess Chris and I don't agree) and the first ballet to bring real attention to Rachel Rutherford. But to get back to the point of my post--my all-time favorite Diamond must be Appalachia Waltz. The sweet music, the on-stage musicians, the poignant moments as well as the touches of humor. IMO it is a master work and I dearly wish it would be revived. Link to comment
AmandaNYC Posted June 25, 2002 Share Posted June 25, 2002 You get to see just how talented these dancers are as they are used differently in many DP ballets. Also, an opportunity to see some dancers in a new light... or just under the spotlight. I enjoyed Circle of Fifths b/c I was fascinated by the dancers and what they could do. -amanda Link to comment
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