vipa

Just back from tonight's show. Had a wonderful time. I enjoyed Bouree Fantasque more on this, my second viewing, than I did last season on my first. It has something of a 1940's musical sensibility in terms of the costumes, color scheme and overall look. This time as I watched I was taken with the formations and the way large groups of people were moved around. I wouldn't go out of my way to see it a third time, but I wouldn't avoid it if it was on a strong program. Steadfast Tin Soldier was done by Pereira and Huxley. IMO it doesn't matter much who does it. There's not much to it. Errante is a great vehicle for Mira Nadon. She knows how to hold the stage and create an atmosphere. Aaron Sanz was fine, but lacked the weight and substance in his movements that Peter Martins brought to the role. If you've ever seen the video, Martins was a match for Farrell. Sanz was no where near a match for Nadon. I think this piece is worth keeping in the rep, now that it's been brought back. Symphony in C is pure joy. Mearns and Angle were wonderful in the second movement, and Tyler Angle's solo dancing was the best I've seen from him in a while. Fairchild and Gordon were crisp and joyful in the first movement and Emma Von Enck and Mejia sailed through the third. In the fourth movement Alston Macgill looked like she was having the time of her life. Great dancing all around. If I had to guess I'd say Macgill was a strong candidate for promotion to soloist and Emma VE for principal What a great company!

I've seen that footage too, and it's great. However I will rely on everyone's reports on the performances of that ballet. I know I'm in the minority but I find Dances at a Gathering way too long. I love the opening, it's filled with wonder and promise but after about 20 minuts or so, I've had it. I enjoy excerpts way more that I enjoy the ballet. I look forward to all your reviews on individual performances

I don't have an answer as to why NYCB hasn't been doing Sylvia pdd, but it was in the ABT rep for a while. Patrick Bissell and Martine Van Hamel on youtube.

I very much agree cobweb. To my way of thinking the coming year, overall, is the best programing done by the current leadership. Add to that the announcement that all evening shows will start at 7:30, and whenever possible intermissions will be kept to just one, I'm a happy camper!

Would love to hear more opinions about the ballet and choreography.

A silly statement, IMO. One can't compare the importance of the two men. Sounds like press release.

ABT needs to. keep developing rep that uses outstanding talents. It seems that there are many weeks that don't have a lot of roles to go around.

Sounds like I'll be taking a trip to Boston in the fall. Thanks for mentioning this, @its the mom

Thank you. Great information.

This sounds great. I'd love to see Seasons' Canon, but it seems it's subscription only for digital.

Yes, the experience of standing inside his words was/is amazing. The Dia space in Beacon NY really fit his hugeness. So glad to have his works.

I went to see the musical Illinoise at the Armory. Directed and Choreographed by Justin Peck. Music Sufjan Stevens (Illinois). I'll start by saying I'm not a fan of the Peck ballets to Sufjan Stevens music, and in general I'm lukewarm to his choreography. I hear the word, "community" a lot when his works or approach are described but I never saw or felt it in what I was viewing. I always found the choreography too busy and almost willfully inorganic. This is different. I loved it. It is a musical, but there is no spoken word, all music, songs and dance. The musicians and singers are visible, above and to the sides of the stage. The main conceit is a gathering around a campfire, in which individuals step out eagerly, or reluctantly to tell their story. The dancers are wonderful. The movement musical, organic, and revealing of character. It is a heart-on-your-sleeve work that is ultimately joyful. I could quibble about this or that, but the piece makes me not want to do that.

I was just thinking about the NYCB roster and possible promotions. Did Megan LeCrone dance at all during the winter season? I know from social media Britany Pollack is out with a pregnancy. I know Ashley Bouder didn't perform. Did Daniel Applebaum or Troy Schumacher? I know NYCB typically does not force dancers out (well there was that one time soon after Martins took over the company, but that's another story). I'm just wondering if there is going to be any movement in the ranks, anytime soon. Alexa Maxwell, Emma VonEnck and David Gabriel all got some nice opportunities this season, and delivered. There were others too. The talent within the company is amazing.

Thank you for this review @cobweb, I can't make it to this program, unfortunately so am eager to hear about it. I am a bit surprised that Phelan has been cast in Tchai Pas. Perhaps I shouldn't be, because management seems to cast her in everything. I feel that roles done for Violette Verdy fair best with dancers who have notable musicality and imagination - perfume, as they say. To me Phelan's dancing has seemed kind of bland of late.

Thanks so much for doing this. It is quite an interesting overview. David Gabriel would be my prediction for the next promotion.