cobweb

Actually the house was packed tonight including the fourth ring. Very appreciative audience for many wonderful performances! The surprise for me was Red Angels. One of the few modern pieces that made sense to me. And if this is Jennie Somogyi's first week back, I'm impressed. She looked wonderful - in form, totally confident, and sassy!

Very welcome news and highly deserved for ALL of them! I'm surprised and gratified by the large number. It was clear that some of these people were on a direct path to the top (Finlay, Lovette, Stanley), and it has seemed recently like they were "auditioning" a number of possible additional soloists. Laracey, Pazcoguin, LeCrone, King, Pollack, and Peck all made outstanding impressions recently, and I was wondering which one or two might be plucked out for promotion, and sad at the idea that any would be left behind. What a great surprise that they just promoted the whole batch!! Megan LeCrone suddenly emerged as a very intriguing dancer in Serenade and Swan Lake. Ashley Laracey in that same solo in Swan Lake was lovely, and her gravity and seriousness of expression as slowly walked onto the stage during the second movement of Symphony in C were very moving. She just looks like a ballerina. Chase Finlay's catlike landings in Mozartiana are one of the indelible impressions I took from the season, along with Taylor Stanley's mesmerizing clarity in everything (esp Symphony in C, but really everything). Adrian Danchig-Waring is one of the most exciting dancers in a company where there is no shortage of terrific men, and Ask La Cour has long struck me as a very interesting dancer. The one dancer who wasn't included that I have to single out is the lovely Gwyneth Muller. I so appreciate her beautiful smile, expressive face, and the sheer graciousness of her dancing.

So bummed that I had to miss yesterday's multiple-debut cast of Nutcracker (Lauren King, Mary Elizabeth Sell, etc), not to mention today with Lauren Lovette. Any reports from those who attended would be very welcome!

Casting is up for the week of December 18. Lauren King and Lauren Lovette debut as the Sugar Plum Fairy. So so bummed I'm going to be out of town!! I hope that I can count on detailed reviews from BTers. Please!

Thank you ksk04 for the names of the dancers in the pas de trois and big swans. I completely agree with your comments, especially about the lovely Asian dancer in the pdt (now I know it was Yuhui Choe) and the very lovely big swan. I also found Yanowsky, who previously I had never heard of, unexpressive and uninteresting. As for the production.... not for me. The drunkenness, the floppy skirts for the swans, von Rothbart with mohawk... yech. I hope never to see a "concept" Swan Lake again.

What an unimaginative, uninteresting season and casting. I'm glad they're bringing Sylvia back, and I'll be curious to see how they manage Symphony in C, but otherwise there's not a whole lot that piques my interest. As for Kristi Boone, I don't know if she's been injured, but I kind of assumed that for whatever unknown reason, she is simply not favored by the artistic staff. Indeed amazing in Prodigal Son, she now seems relegated to roles like Bathilde in Giselle. Misty Copeland too would be great in so many things, but time is dragging on and it doesn't seem to be happening.

I so much appreciated Symphony in C tonight. What a great piece! I feel like I could watch it a thousand times and never get tired of it. I'm so aware of time passing while I'm watching it, because I know that every second brings it closer to being over, and I don't want it to end! Especially enjoyed Maria Kowroski and Tyler Angle. She has a special quality that's "star" and very warm both -- that and the amazing wingspan, in which I include the legs. She can take in so much space, and the arabesque penchee is iconic, in the sense that that the image lives on in my mind long after it's over. Tyler Angle conveys a serene confidence as he moves her about, then dazzles when he takes the stage on his own. Also I've enjoyed Andrew Veyette in the first movement (tonight with Megan Fairchild, and a few days ago with Ana Sophia Scheller). I love how he's so intensely focused on his partner, but then when he takes the stage, totally commanding. Sean Suozzi also impressed with razor-sharp precision in the 4th movement tonight and some other recent performance (exactly when escapes me), and also Anthony Huxley. Lauren King unfortunately has struggled with the demands of the choreography all three times I've seen her in the 4th movement. I'm assuming they wouldn't have given the part to her if her technique wasn't up to it, so I don't know -- is it just that she's dancing in every single performance and she's tired? I really miss Ashley Bouder this season, no time more so than the third movement of Symphony in C. She looked in fine, fine form in Justin Peck's piece the other night... so where is she otherwise? Seen quite a number of performances over the past few weeks (thank you Society NYCB!) A few other dancers who come to mind are Lauren Lovette, always drawing the eye; and Ashley Laracey and Faye Arthurs in the 2nd movement of Symphony in C (and Arthurs was wonderful, to go back a season, as Helena last June). Also Troy Schumacher always has a big grin like he's totally enjoying himself. Keep smiling, Troy, I'm enjoying it too!

Wow, thanks for pointing out that Lauren King is getting a major role. I look forward to it! There has been a rash of injuries and replacements this season. I'm glad to see Ashley Bouder scheduled for next week, I've missed her. It seems Sara Mearns is going to miss the whole season (although they haven't posted the final week of casting yet). I've seen several performances over the past few weeks. Will try to get it together to post some more comments. But I have to note the amazing Adrian Danchig-Waring, who I saw twice in Agon. Just amazing energy and form, every movement articulated to its absolute fullest with crispness and clarity, and jumps so effortless it almost looks like he's not even moving -- an uncanny effect. If this man isn't principal material, I don't know what is!

Casting is up for the first week. No Sara Mearns. Not good!

I did call and ask -- they said no decision had been made, couldn't say whether it would be renewed or not. I wondered if they might just let it die, with no announcement at all, but I'm still hoping for the best! Maybe you're right that renewal was in August. Hope so!

Still no word about Society NYCB!! Not knowing if it will be continued, I don't know whether to buy single tickets or not... ?? I guess it's looking like it's NOT going to be renewed, but I really wish they would announce either way.

On a different note, has anyone heard anything about the continuation, or lack thereof, of "Society NYCB" (former 4th Ring Society)? I was assuming it would be continued, but now I'm wondering...

The soloist I'd really like to see promoted is Simone Messmer, who I find a fascinating and powerful dancer. It doesn't seem like a promotion is in the cards for Maria Riccetto either. Lovely, lyrical, pristine dancing. I sure will miss her this coming year. I hope she returns!

I saw the double bill on Thursday night and Saturday matinee. I also saw Firebird on a mixed bill with Apollo a week ago, so this was the third time I saw Firebird, and I have liked it more each time. I really had to get the Balanchine version out of my mind, and that's still difficult, but I'm warming to it... although I could do without the Elvis suit. Thanks to Drew for elaborating your praise of Herman Cornejo. I am totally in agreement, but I wouldn't have been able to express it as elegantly and precisely as you did. All I knew was that I left those performances more in awe of him than ever, and not just because he's a spectacular dancer. He's so much more than that, and it's been marvelous to see him mature over the past 10 years. Last night I re-watched the DVD that ABT did of The Dream, released in 2002, and not only did Cornejo deliver a more technically astounding performance on Thursday than he did in 2002, it had more weight, more gravitas, as Drew said.

I saw Saturday night's Swan Lake. I liked the sets. The corps was beautifully rehearsed and impressively in sync during Act II, a bit less in Act IV. The corps, male and female, had the best choreography and opportunity to actually dance. Otherwise, I didn't find a whole lot to like in this production. None of the main characters is at all likeable, and they don't develop in any kind of coherent way. Odette seems clueless, then pathetically desperate to get a man who seems to have no redeeming qualities at all. The Baroness is a bitchy, one-note temptress. Siegfried just stands around looking sullen. In Act III we're supposed to believe that somehow Odette is now able to dance with alluring purity (did her stay in the sanatorium cure her?), and Siegfried suddenly falls out of love with the Baroness; now it's her turn to alternately mope around and desperately cling to him. But then, having retrieved her husband, Odette... commits suicide? As for dancing, it was hard to really assess, since the principals are given little to do but lifts and various contorted moves meant (I think) to denote mental anguish. Glad I saw it, but I wouldn't sit through it again!

The season is heading towards the end, and I'm so sorry! I can't wait for fall. I enjoy NYCB so much. Saw Liebslieder Waltzer on Sunday and again tonight. I love this piece. Maria Kowroski was beautiful both performances -- her beauty, her flow, her arabesque penchee, and her solemnity -- all so moving. Tiler Peck on Sunday was perfection in the lift into the horizontal position. Ashley Bouder, in the same role tonight, seemed a little too ready to bounce into a saucy grin and her usual brisk allegro. I'm not sure this is the right role for her, she needs to develop more a quality of inner life. But I loved her all the same. The brothers Angle danced tonight (Jared w/ Wendy Whelan, Tyler w/ Bouder). They are both so terrific -- wonderful partners, wonderful dancers, I love the gentle deference they give the women, while also retaining a manly presence of their own. But did anyone else find the piano a little too quiet? I wish they could move it closer to the front of the stage. Also, since this is the (former) home of (the late) City Opera, and they have the capacity, what about showing the libretto above the stage? It adds a lot to understanding the ballet. Brahms-Schoenberg Quartet tonight, first movement, I kept wondering, who is that soloist? I couldn't place her, but she was wonderful. After the show, I looked at my program: Emily Kitka. Add her to the list for promotion to soloist! Second movement, Tiler Peck makes every second thrilling. Fourth movement, Teresa Reichlen is wonderful and beautiful no matter what she does, but I can't help but feel her talents are better used elsewhere. Isn't this a good role for Ashley Bouder?

But I haven't seen Savannah Lowery in some time!

Taylor Stanley!!! And Lauren King and Lauren Lovette (who was wonderful in her solo in Les Carillons on Sunday).

I thought Hallberg & Osipova were amazing. After previously being blah about seeing yet another Giselle, I was way more engaged than I thought I'd be! Osipova is so good it's almost too much... almost, but not quite. I don't find her circus-y, although she could easily become that. I don't think anyone's yet commented on this, so I'll add that in Act I she didn't wear the usual ABT Giselle costume -- she wore a royal blue dress in what looked like a velvety fabric. It was lovely, and way more pretty than the usual costume, although it totally clashed with the other peasant outfits in color, style, and texture. And I'm surprised they let a peasant wear royal blue! I guess Osipova didn't like the usual Giselle outfit, and probably her contract lets her wear whatever she wants. I'm not sure if the Act II outfit was the usual ABT or not. Thanks to those who reported on Devon Teuscher's Myrtha.

I have been suffering with a bad cold and had to leave at intermission last night. Very disappointed to miss Devon Teuscher's NY debut as Myrtha. Any reports from those who were there? As for the first act, I think I"m just getting a little weary of Giselle. I love Herman Cornejo, and I love Reyes in the right roles, but I was just unmoved (again, probably not their fault but just that I've seen enough Giselles to last me quite awhile). In the peasant pdd, Blaine Hoven didn't strike me as principal material (referring back to the "Male Principal Problem" thread), executing his moves with competence, but coming down heavily from his jumps and no special flair. There's so much to love about Isabella Boylston's dancing, but she has a show-offy quality that I find a little offputting. I am eager to see her and Simkin in Swan Lake, though.

Not that I can't afford $1.99, but I can't believe they're charging for it!

Can anyone comment on "Double Feature"? I've never seen it and would like to know what others think about it, before I buy tickets and invite a friend. Thanks!

Mearns is still out; she was replaced in Symphony in C this afternoon by Maria Kowroski (with Tyler Angle), and Reichlen did Firebird instead of Kowroski. I wish there was some official word on what's wrong. I'm praying for a complete recovery for her! Agree it was a pretty lackluster Concerto Barocco on Friday night... including some uninspired violin playing. Also in agreement about Abi Stafford's lack of energy. She seemed to be struggling just to keep up with the demands of the choreography and stay with the music, both in Concerto Barocco and Symphony in C. Bouder & de Luz were wonderful in Symphony in C. Bouder's elevation, musicality, boundless energy, and the saucy good humor that she radiates, make her a total delight to watch. Adrian Danchig-Waring also looked impressive, definitely looking like principal material!

Wow! If Golding is an example of what an ABT corps guy can do with proper coaching and development and opportunities, I shudder to think of what talent may be languishing in the current corps. When did Golding leave ABT?

I wonder if they are going to shift more of the Nutcracker run to Washington DC. I think I heard that they had a sold-out run there last year, while BAM was far from sold out. I don't see it on the Kennedy Center's website at all, but maybe it's just too early. Or maybe they'll take it on tour to other cities? Very disappointed by the short City Center "season" too.