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Batsuchan

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    ABT GALA

    in American Ballet Theatre

    Posted

    Thanks to Mme. Hermine for the photos link!

    Well, it was my first opening night gala (and now my first post! :yahoo: ), and my friend and I were completely blown away! Not just by the fabulous dancing, but also by all the celebrities. (Though I was perhaps most excited to see the lovely Julie Kent sitting just two rows ahead of us!)

    It was definitely exciting to see Michelle Obama speak, but I was actually surprised how lax security was - I was half-expecting to be thoroughly frisked, or at least have to go through metal detectors or something like that.

    As for the performance, it was superb! :clapping: Though I have to agree with Ceeszi and Goldfish17 that the Hancock Piece d'Occasion was a bit of a letdown, and it would have been nice to see Simkin do a little bit more in the finale. I think it might have been better to put the Hancock piece between the "Romeo & Juliet" and "Swan Lake" pieces. I have to admit, I hadn't quite recovered from Vishneva/Gomes' Romeo & Juliet in time to properly enjoy "Swan Lake."

    Act II began with the Balcony Pas de Deux from Romeo and Juliet with Diana Vishneva and Marcelo Gomes. Diana and Marcelo are two of my favorites, but this is the first time that I saw them dance together. I have seen Vishneva partnered by Corella, Carreno. Hallberg, and Stiefel. Of the four, I felt that only Corella was a worthy partner to her. But last night was a beautiful partnership. This was the only dance of the night that made me cry. Diana is such an actress when she dances. I could actually see Juliet’s transformation from young girl to woman when she danced. And Marcelo is the perfect partner. Absolutely beautiful!

    This was certainly the highlight for me!!!

    Though I have to admit, I was quite surprised when Vishneva/Gomes kissed during the curtain call! I'm fairly new to ballet-watching, so I wasn't sure if that was merely a sign of a very close partnership, or if it indicated something about an off-stage romance...? :unsure: The only other couple who shared a kiss during the curtain call were Gillian and Ethan, and I know they are a well-established off-stage couple... (If anyone has any insight, please let me know!)

    All in all, it was a most enjoyable evening, and I definitely plan on attending next year!!

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