seattle_dancer

What are your thoughts on the performances and different casts? I'm curious about opening night? Today I saw Karel/Carla at the first Sunday matinee. They work so well together. Karel easily whips out 5 to 7 pirouettes and then sustains his releve. His jumps seemed effortless. Carla was enchanting. Her white swan was so nuanced with small details I don't even have words to describe. Toward the beginning of the Act III pas de deux Karel set her up in an arabesque with her arms in fifth and it seem like she balanced for ten seconds! I was in the front row of the orchestra and saw her managing that balance and subtly fighting for it have when she could stepped out of it and filled the time with some traveling steps. Such a great moment! Also enjoyed Kiyon as Jester, Leta/Price in Neopolitan, and Lindsi Dec in Persian. The music was exquisite - I never tire of listening to it. Bravo!

Osipova fans, I need your help! Does anybody know if she will be dancing in the super short ABT span at City Centre this fall, or in the regular ABT season spring 2013? Or any other shows in the U.S. in the next year? I ask b/c I live in Seattle and bought Mikhailovsky @ Koch tickets to see her, which of course were refunded. Then I tried to catch her in La Bayadere on Memorial Day and Bright Stream two days later but sadly she was ill. I am now considering flying over to see her in Firebird on June 23. Misty Copeland is dancing the matinee so I figured I could see her too. But airfares are horrendously expensive, so if there a good chance I can catch her next year I might wait. I noticed in the program it now says "Principal as of 2012", and she used to be listed "Guest Artist". But with all the changes at Mikhailovsky I'm afraid we can't count on anything. Any insight would be much appreciated. Also I have not seen her since 2010 so if anybody has any observations on how she is evolving, I'd love to read!!!

I forgot to mention the review in the NY Times yesterday. The main photo of Carla at the top of this link took up the whole upper half of the front page of the Arts section! That is such a coup for her and for PNB!! Then inside a big photo of Allen up in the air. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/07/arts/dance/ratmanskys-don-quixote-has-premiere-in-seattle.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=%20don%20quixote&st=cse I have to say the electricity was in the air opening night. Bravo to everybody involved in the production!

Hmmm...after reading abatt's note I check but I do not have a refund yet. I'll keep checking though...

Wow. I'm shocked. It would have been so interesting to see how Duato and the Mik dancers blend in the early days, and then follow them as they progress. I've asked my Russian co-worker to see if she can find any scoop on the Russian websites...

The improvement between rehearsals Wednesday evening , Thursday dress rehearsal, and Friday opening night was amazing. I made this comment to Alexei at the celebration toast and he said it's going to get better and better (as they get some shows under their belts). I'm excited to see a couple shows the second week and see the difference, as well as see Rachel and Seth's premiere in the leads, and Kylee back from her injury. This project was very ambitous, and I'm grateful to all who participated and financed it. The journey from first rehearsals in August, to final studio rehearsal in late January was so incredible to follow. I'll be a little bit sad after the final show Sunday evening. Judging from tickets sales I surmise it will be back fore the rights expire in three years. Fingers crossed!

jamesb - you are lucky they called and informed you . I found out last night on my own, much to my shock. In Dec I was in NY and bought tix to Giselle and All Duato, while considering the ABT schedule so I could see Osipova. I thought I was so smart grabbing great seats and avoiding online fees. Called DHKT today and they said they will not call anymore until the Mik finalizes it's schedule. They did say the Mik is not giving refunds but since I live in Seattle I may qualify. Hope to find out more on this site!