an interesting juxtaposition

[rkoretzky]

Just back from a fast trip to NY where I caught back-to back closing performances of NYCB Nut as well as Alvin Ailey. The sprint from Lincoln Center to City Center was my exercise for the day!

Taking advantage of the Fourth Ring Society offer for discounted tickets for the final weekend, I chose to see Jenifer Ringer, Maria Kowroski and get my first peek at Robert Tewsley. It was a tough choice because I was drawn to the 1 PM perf and the chance to see Sofiane Sylve, especially after reading reports here. As it turned out, I would never have made that 1 PM curtain yesterday. And truthfully my decision rested on Aesha Ash and the chance to see her Arabian. NO DISAPPOINTMENT! She was marvelous. My only quibble is that I think all the NYCB conductors take that variation too fast. I would love to see those positions drawn out and h-e-l-d. My consolation for missing Sylve is that I will see her Western Symphony on Saturday. Jenifer Ringer (my favorite among the principal women) was a bit of a disappointment. The Sugar Plum Fairy solo variation was lovely. Delicate and precise--just what is expected, and she began the variation with a beautiful half turn/slight backbend that took my breath away. But she seemed very insecure with Tewsley's partnering, although the shoulder jumps were fine and the last balance was stunning, there were little bobbles along the way that just made me think that she didn't completely trust him. As for him, I was not impressed. He was certainly adequate but nothing more. Of course it isn't much of a part either. Maria Kowroski, such a superb technician, was having an off day. Her footwork was sloppy and she had at least one near-fall. It was a poor showing for a dancer who showed so much promise. I have also seen that she becomes a colder and more remote dancer with each season. She is icy. I see that she is cast as the Dark Angel in Serenade on Saturday and I look forward to that performance because: 1. she has the most gorgeous arabesque in the company and 2. it is an icy part. The contrast between her and Jenifer Ringer, so warm, was startling. Carrie Lee Riggins, as has been said here before, is a beautiful Marzipan and who is the corps girl in Spanish who was stage left, upstage. I could barely take my eyes off her. For the rest of the ballet, the children were charming and didn't seem bored at this, the last of a six week season. The corps did, especially in snow. Notable exception being Elizabeth Walker who does that first entrance so beautifully. I can hardly blame the dancers for being tired of Nutcracker, but much of this perfomance LOOKED tired, and that is not excusable in a professional company of this stature.

Especially when seen in contrast to the Ailey company, coming off a four week City Center engagement. This company has ENERGY! Dancing to recorded music, also two performances that day, and you would think they had just woken up from a long nap and had never danced these pieces before. It was so fresh! How many times have these dancers performed "Revelations"? It was a revelation to see them!

[dirac]

Thank you for the report. You're right, "Nutcracker" may be boring after a bit, but it's not professional to show that to the audience. Although I can't imagine how I'd feel after six weeks of snowflakes……….