suzkess

ABT's spring season was a huge hit. I hear they actually made money and had more sell out houses this year than since the '80's.. KUDOS My favorite performances mirror quite a few of the other bloggers...but I have a few to add: Yes Herman Cornejo was wonderful in Manon, and he was wonderful with Gillian...That woman is definately a tour de force. Her acting is coming along and her technique, well, I don't need to tell you. But this also shows that Herman can partner taller girls, he doesn't need to wait for that tiny partner to be a prince. I can see him as Sigfried or Albrecht... Julio's Jue de Carte... need I say more. Of course it was just fun to watch Julio regardless. Erica will be sorely missed as a the one soloist with the most comedic talent as well as the largest jumps. I loved Manon, but there were some miscasts, Xiomara Reyes, not exactly a romantic lead, Julie Kent as Cinderella, a little long in the tooth. David Hallberg with Paloma Hererra in Romeo and Juliet, I have to say that David was teriffic, but Paloma just looked scared he would drop her. I have to agree with other bloggers she has not improved as an artist. Her technique is good, but that isn't enough at her level. I was disappointed that Veronica Part only got one leading role. Speaking of beautiful line, elegant form and acting chops. Come on folks, promote her. Vladimir and Diana together in Manon Jose with anyone I agree with others Sasha's acting has come a long way, now the consistancy in his dancing just needs to follow. David Hallberg..it is wonderful to see this talent grow before our eyes. I remember him in the studio company the tall lanky sweet boy the fabulous feet and line. His growth from year to year is amazing and impressive to see. Let's hope it continues and he doesn't start to believe his own press...... The biggest disappointments were Angel Corella, what happened to him, he seems uninspired and out of shape. His acting didn't ring true... Ethan Steifel injured again, Paloma Hererra in general, I think her best role is Kitri... Not enough of Sarah Lane and as I said Veronica....too much Xiomara.... I am a huge fan of the fall season. One because the rep is more interesting and two because we get to see alot of those talented corp kids. This year the rep for fall is very exciting... and I am looking forward to it.

I thought Yuan Yuan Tan was best in contempory pieces. Her line is beautiful, but she has no expresssion. Can anyone tell me why Mark Morris made every guy look gay??? I was sooo disappointed in this particular version of Sylvia. I happen to love the original. I know that quite a few people in the audience near me left after the second act. These were both people who had seen the original and those that have never seen the ballet. Mr. Morris' version was a disappointment for me. I love him and adored Plate' . But this seemed a bit tired, perhaps because this was not his idea to. I heard he was commissioned to create a new version. Maybe that is why his vision is stale.

It isn't change that ballet fans hate, it's lack of talent and vision. I think that the exodus from NYCB is because whatever talent they have has not been utilized and the training and staging has gone down hill so far, I am not sure it can recover. Except for a few principals, there is no grace left at NYCB.