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And Dale, what about that performance of Odile? WOW!!!!!!!

Great pics! I'm so used to Gerd Larsen as the Queen Mother and those sort of character parts. She looks great in the first picture of this thread. Take her out of that tutu and put her in a black leotard with pink tights and she might be in a position from "Concerto Barocco".

At Joffrey, Calvin Kitten, Maia Wilkins, Willy Shives and Suzanne Lopez are the spine of the company. They work with impeccable taste, projecting the perfect example of Mr. Joffreys vision of what a Joffrey dancer should be. Not only do they approach classes, rehearsals and performances with the highest perfection, they also help new (and old) dancers after class and any time. Watch out for umcoming members of the "Spine of the Company Club" Julianne Kepley and Michael Levine.

Gillian Murphys Odette/Odile, especially Odile.

A lean, sexy dish indeed! I can't get over how good she is, even for today. Her "Whatever Lola Wants" number is on my list of highly recommended dances to view.

Thanks Mel and Mbjerk. Your checks are in the mail.

Is it 'Theatre Street' Hans?

Have you seen the 1957 film "Damn Yankees"? Verdons body is to die for!

My favorite dancer autobiography is 'Dancing in Petersburg' by Kschessinska. Life at the Maryinsky, a close relationship with the Romanovs, and the revolution. Who could ask for anything more?

Did John Taras have anything to do with it?

Probably not that bad, it was just placed in-between two great ballets: "Stars and Stripes" and "Union Jack". I can often leave the theatre and dance passages from a good ballet the next day, after seeing it once. I never had the desire to dance any passages from "Tricolore". Images of Colleen Neary come to mind. But the picture that is seared in my memory is the image of Nina Fedorova (closest thing to the mythological siren), as Madamoiselle Marrianne (a non-dancing role), entering the stage with the Tricolore, draped in a short Grecian robe with bare feet and legs, swan neck and long blonde hair.

I wont even make it to NYC for NYCBs "The Nutcracker" , but if I were there, I would be waiting for Korbes's return. She's really pretty!

Can anyone help me with information regarding Ballet Competitions in the U.S.? I seem to read about them in spring and summer. Do any competitions take place in the winter? Is there a link for information?

I'm with you Farrell Fan! I liked Delia Peters in Green.

I love so many of those favorite moments. Mbjerk, you are so right about 'Concerto Borocco'! That moment is one of the most sublime in ballet. Leigh, do you remember Nicol Hlinka in 'Norwegian Moods'? That was a thrilling performance. PS. I do (or used to) snap my fingers at that 'Agon' moment.

Nice: Merle Park Naughty: Lynn Seymour

I've not seen but have heard of a version by Ruth Page. I also recall seeing a short dance by Ashton with Leslie Collier as Alice. She danced with Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee.

The dancing of Jacque D'Amboise has great ballon and ease. His series of double tours is amazing by todays standards.

The last production of 'Carousel' on broadway was indeed an exquisite one, boasting choreography by Sir Kenneth MacMillan.

Congratulations to Rachel Tess and Haydee Gutierrez (who is a fabulous teacher in my opinion). I've not seen Rachel in many years but I remember her as being quite beautiful, resembling Olivia Hussey in the film 'Romeo and Juliet'.

Ann Barzel, beloved dance historian and critic was honored this evening in celebration of her 97th birthday. Beginning with a tribute from Lois Weisberg, Commissioner , City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and finishing with a Birthday Toast on stage, the evening was filled with spectacular choreography (Ohad Naharin and Gerald Arpino to name two choreographers), dancing (Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago to name three of the companies), and wonderful filmed tributes (Edward Villella, Violette Verdy - who was also in attendance, Arthur Mitchell, and Alicia Alonzo to name a few). The performance was given at the Athenaeum Theatre and also featured Chicago dance companies: River North Chicago Dance Company and Trinity Irish Dance. Other choreographers were Randy Duncan, Frank Chaves, Sherry Zunker. Sean Curran and Harrison McEldowney who choreographed a special tribute to Ann Barzel. Ann Barzel is famous for sneaking her moving picture camera in to many of the greatest performances given in Chicago and other parts of the world for many years, before dance was being filmed. Proceeds earned from the Ann Barzel Birthday Celebration and Dance Tribute will support conservation and accessibilitly to the vast collection of books and film that Ann Barzel has donated to The Chicago Dance Collection At The Newberry Library.

I wonder if new BA member Jan knows anything.

Shall we create a dream cast?

I just had a wonderful idea! Kyra Nichols in 'Onegin'.

Last years new Julia Adam, 'Crossing', for Joffrey was a hit with the dancers. Not only the dancers in the cast, but most of the dancers in the company, if not all. You can always tell a dancers ballet, when people that might have a free hour watch a rehearsal to which they are not called instead of getting out of the building. I'm not sure if it was the ballet itself or just where it was placed on the program, but it was not a big hit with the audience, yet it was a ballet that the company loved.