cobweb

I was there on Friday night. Tiler Peck and Robert Fairchild outdid themselves in Who Cares. An exhilarating, passionate, and technically stunning performance. I saw this ballet earlier in the week and felt I was getting sick of it but Friday's performance revitalized my interest. Lauren King and Devin Alberda an especially fresh and charming pair. And Ashly Isaacs again looking terrific. She interacts with her partner and with the audience in a fresh, lively way - seems spontaneous and genuine, not canned. So confident and secure that she takes her time, casting a teasing glance at the audience and letting us know how much she's enjoying herself. Projects authority and ownership of the role. Looks like a seasoned pro, not like a young member of the corps de ballet who's being thrust into principal roles. Also enjoyed Concerto Barocco with Teresa Reichlen, Abi Stafford, and an elegant Russell Janzen. Other Dances - Ashley Bouder softer, less mugging - terrific! Joaquin de Luz amazing. During Neverwhere, I enjoyed a sandwich over at the Atrium.

Any reports on the Copeland- Cornejo Coppelia?

I have to agree about the bizarreness of the LaCour-M. Fairchild casting. It looked odd and awkward, and neither of them seems to have the right presence or personality for this ballet. No one could live up to the Peck-R. Fairchild performances, but at least Hyltin and Ramasar seem more suited to each other, and to the ballet. Reichlen and Ashly Isaacs were both wonderful, however. Also, totally totally agree about Nowhere, or Neverwhere, or whatever. Nevermore!

I was there Friday night and Saturday matinee. Needless to say, I agree with everything said in praise of Teresa Reichlen as the Tall Girl in Rubies. Her grand jetes were spectacular, and that one where she dashes out from the wings and does a huge grand jete in the middle of everything was high, fully stretched out in every direction, and right on the music. I appreciate the energy and sunniness that Savannah Lowery brings to the role, but Reichlen is a hard act to follow. How old is Joaquin de Luz? I found an article from 1999 that said he was 23, which would make him 38 now. I don't know how he continues to dance at this level. In Rubies on Friday night he looked amazing, with far greater height, precision, and charisma than the young guys trotting along after him. I enjoy that section with the men playfully jogging along after their leader. In Diamonds on Friday night, I felt Maria Kowroski was losing steam toward the end, getting sloppy in her form. (Related to her spill on Saturday?) Sara Mearns on Saturday was resplendent. I enjoy Jewels and the multitude of forms and relationships that it expresses. Does anyone have a report on the Jonathan Stafford farewell?

I am not musical enough to answer that with any confidence, but I'd be interested if someone else can answer. What I notice is that she starts her movement earlier than the others, and on top of that she moves so fast that she arrives at the final position very quickly, so by the end of the movement she's even further ahead of the others. You mention Square Dance -- I am glad it's coming back in the fall!

I have been enjoying the season very much. I saw Tiler Peck in her debut in "Green Montgomerie" in Union Jack. She was delightful. I was surprised that I found it refreshing to see her in a non-bravura role. Without the distraction of technical wizardry, she was appealing and genuine (I mean, she always is, but it was easier to notice in the absence of chaines at the speed of light). Ashley Bouder drives me crazy in the RCAF/WRENS role by continually being ahead of her troops... unlike Tiler Peck, who was a team player. The new pony doesn't seem to be working out. He seemed extremely restless and fidgety at one performance, until Amar Ramasar took him firmly in hand, and then on Tuesday night he bolted into the wings way ahead of schedule. I saw several performances of Davidsbundlertanze, which I had never seen before. I love it. There were quite a number of memorable performances, but I particularly enjoyed Russell Janzen and Ashley Laracey. Janzen seems to be growing in leaps and bounds since January, when I saw him looking a little tentative in his debut in Diamonds, and crashing into one of the wings on one of his exits. He now looks commanding and authoritative. As an audience member, it's very gratifying to see that kind of growth! Casting is up for Midsummer Night's Dream. Many debuts to look forward to! It seems to be the season of Ashly Isaacs, Ashley Laracey, Lauren Lovette, and Russell Janzen.

Veyette looked wonderful. His consummate ease and command of partnering really stood out. Isabella Boylston -- there is so much to enjoy about her dancing. She has beautiful feet and legs, and a relaxed, unforced technique. But I find her unrefined, lacking in a sense of grandeur or nobility. She comes across as overly casual in her manners. I could see her developing into someone I would really love seeing, but it's not there yet. Misty Copeland displayed a wonderful softness and expressiveness in Duo Concertant. I didn't find Eric Tamm as interesting as she was.

Thank you! I may be making a "plaza dash" at intermission tomorrow!

Can someone who was there tonight please tell me the order of the program? Is T&V first? I am getting worried about ABT. It would be terrible to see them go the way of City Opera.

Casting changes announced on Twitter: Tomorrow matinee T&V will be Lane and Simkin, rather than Cornejo (this one is also now listed on the casting page). And Gillian Murphy tweeted that she won't be doing the evening T&V -- the one with Andrew Veyette. No word on who's replacing her in that. With Murphy still injured, and now Cornejo out for some unspecified reason, it's just more bad news for ABT!

I attended both performances on Saturday (Davidsbundlertanze and Union Jack at the matinee, Glass Pieces/Opus19 the Dreamer/the Concert in the evening). I enjoyed it all -- a wonderful day at the ballet, really showing the range of the company. Russell Janzen was terrific in Davidsbundlertanze. Teresa Reichlen is a beautiful dancer, but I felt she was a little too cool and didn't bring out the inner life of the role; I preferred Sara Mearns from earlier in the week. I love Union Jack. Sara Mearns was explosive in MacDonald of Sleat. Ashley Bouder -- as when I saw her in this role in the winter season, she is noticeably ahead of her regiment, or they're behind her -- whichever it is, it ruins the unison effect (in both RCAF and WRENS). Megan Fairchild and Amar Ramasar made the Costermonger section more enjoyable than I've usually seen it. Ramasar in particular is a wonderful comedic actor, very engaging with the audience. I enjoy Glass Pieces very much. The final section with the men running around is mesmerizing. In Opus 19/The Dreamer, I find Gonzalo Garcia much improved this season. Seems to have lost weight, seems more energetic and committed. The Concert was delightful, and so funny. My favorite parts are the pas de six that goes so wrong, and the ballerina attempting to do a pas de deux with the man who's scared of her. Oh, and the umbrella section is quietly poetic. Thanks NYCB!

I love Union Jack. From the second that rolling drumbeat starts I am rapt in my seat, and at times -- like when the two women's regiments approach and pass each other backwards, and during MacDonald of Sleat -- I find myself clutching the armrest with tension and excitement. Even the simplest of movements, like watching the regiments walk forward in unison, with arms swinging left to right, and then coming to a halt, feels thrilling. The Royal Navy section by contrast is pure high-energy enjoyment. I enjoyed Davidsbundslrtanze, a new piece to me -- but I really missed Dances at a Gathering, which made a big impression on me when it was paired with Union Jack in the winter season. I feel Davidsbundlertanze will grow on me, though.

I saw a couple of performances over the weekend (Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday matinee). I enjoyed the all Robbins program (Glass Pieces, Opus 19/The Dreamer, and The Concert). Maria Kowroski was delightful in The Concert. I think of her look in the "black and white" ballets as "the implacable Maria Kowroski stare," so it can be surprising when she is so funny and expressive. Rarely have I heard a ballet audience laugh so heartily. In Opus 19/The Dreamer, Tiler Peck danced with explosive force. On the other program (Raymonda variations, Steadfast Tin Soldier, Tombeau de Couperin, and Symphony in C), I could do without Steadfast Tin Soldier. I enjoy the formality and inventiveness of Tombeau de Couperin. In Raymonda Variations, Ashly Isaacs especially stood out. She looks perfectly natural and at ease, unaffected, with a beautiful smile. All this while executing the steps with bravura, including fouettes slowed down enough to time perfectly with the music. Symphony in C. Tiler Peck was a marvel of technique and musicality in the first movement. Sara Mearns was beautiful. Antonio Carmena looked terrific. There is a real wealth of talent at NYCB! I enjoyed both performances very much... and looking forward to tonight! Re Megan LeCrone, I enjoy her in more serious roles like the shortened Swan Lake, and the Dark Angel in Serenade.

Chase Finlay replaced both last night and tonight, announced just before the performance. He was still listed for both on the casting sheet in the lobby. Hoping it's something very minor! More tomorrow, but what a wonderful performance of symphony in c tonight! Sara Mearns, just so so beautiful.

Perhaps this thread should be re-titled "ABT's Talent Development & Retention Problem" -- it's not just male principals. I was so sorry to see Simone Messmer and Maria Riccetto leave, and now Yuriko Kajiya. Stella Abrera... let's not even go down that path. At least we still get to see her dance! As for Kristi Boone, she looked very promising when she was promoted to soloist... 7 years ago. I really don't understand why she has danced so little, but I'm assuming that like the others, her talents were not appreciated. As for casting in Australia, perhaps Sarah Lane will get a Swan Lake with Cornejo...?

Agreeing with balanchinette for pointing out how stellar the male principals were in Symphony in C were last night. Andrew Veyette was completely sharp and a devoted partner. Tyler Angle, another fantastic partner, is a joy to the eyes with his form and elegance. Gonzalo Garcia seemed revitalized by dancing with the debutant. And Adrian Danchig-Waring, wow! Sometimes I just can't believe my eyes, he is so powerful and precise and committed. All in all, so different from another nearby company...

Brief note: A wonderful debut last night by Ashly Isaacs in the 3rd movement of Symphony in C. Totally confident and at ease, making the choreography look like child's play... and with a beautiful smile, looking like she was having the time of her life. Very impressive, and I totally look forward to seeing her more!

Thanks for your comments, Kathleen! That's very helpful. I guess I was looking for a little too much plot, when it's more about pure dance.

I opened the season by seeing two enjoyable performances of "Namouna" (Friday night and Sunday matinee). Robert Fairchild was amazing -- beautiful form, athleticism, and charisma. The cigarette girl is a perfect role for Ashley Bouder, showcasing her dazzling footwork and comic timing. Sara Mearns was her usual explosive self. I find Sterling Hyltin less interesting than Bouder or Mearns, although her technique seems to be up to any challenge. I'm having some trouble completely following the narrative of Namouna, though. Can anyone share their understanding of the plot? I gather that it's Fairchild and three women, and that in the end he winds up with the "right" one, but I don't really understand the obstacles, or what's going on with all the subsidiary characters (Ulbricht and his hench-maidens, the yellow-dress girls and the bathing-cap girls). I'm enjoying Abi Stafford more than I used to. It was interesting seeing her dance side by side with Megan Fairchild. I'd swear Stafford has some way in which her body catches more light than Fairchild does.

Casting up for the second week. I was wondering if there would be any debuts for symphony in c. Tiler Peck in the first movement and Ashly Isaacs in the third. Both to look forward to! Also Jared Angle in the second - it hardly seems possible he hasn't done it before! Also a relief to see Chase Finlay listed again. I was a little worried when he didn't appear in the first week casting. Looking forward to the season!

Wasn't Stearns scheduled with Semiomova for T&V? They've shifted that assignment to Whiteside, leaving Veyette with Gillian Murphy. After seeing numerous stellar performances of T&V at NYCB, and a lackluster ABT version last fall, I didn't plan on attending, but I can't resist the novelty of seeing Veyette at ABT. Can't wait!

Maps - was she a super petite blonde, the shortest person on the stage? If yes, that would be Claire Von Enck.

Thanks for that article. I didn't know about her health problems. That helps me understand her early retirement in a new light. She will be missed.

Ashley Laracey. She is a seasoned professional with artistic maturity. No doubt Lauren Lovette is also on the path to become a principal but she is still so young. I hope they give her another year or two a bit protected before burdening her with the responsibilities of a principal. But I think Laracey is ready now.

I was at the Saturday matinee (Tiler Peck and Andrew Veyette). This isn't my favorite ballet, and definitely not what I go to NYCB to see. I'm I'm glad I saw it once, but I probably wouldn't go again. My favorite part was the Act III soloists... especially Ashly Isaacs. She was luminous and luscious, with a mature quality that I find very appealing. She's not a waif, and I like her physicality. I was sorry to miss her debut as Dewdrop in Nutcracker. If anyone can give a report, however belated, I'd be glad to hear it.