NinaFan

Thank you for the review and for not giving the ending away as I’m looking forward to seeing the ballet. The fake fire sounds interesting, but then I’m a sucker for special effects anyway. Perhaps he felt it helped to create the mood, especially if the fire was also in the book. But I obviously can’t really comment until I’ve seen the ballet. Would you say the ballet was closer to 2:45 hours or more like 3 hours? I am trying to get all my ducks in a row timewise. Thanks.

I read the LWFC article in the Times, and I can’t understand why anyone would have a problem with Wheeldon’s comments. I certainly do not consider them to be patronizing and nowhere in the article does it say that the target audience is children. I take his comments to mean that he is seeking out the Broadway crowd who may have had limited or no exposure to ballet. He is not saying they are stupid. The article clearly says “The hope is that it will attract new audiences, less familiar with ballet.” I take that to mean that perhaps some theatergoers are willing to try a ballet that is more aligned with a Broadway musical. I didn’t know what ballet was until I started going to the ballet. I do not count the fact that I took ballet briefly as a kid as I didn’t see a “real” ballet for years. I can’t tell you how many times I had to explain to friends what I was going to see. Don Quixote? How can that be a ballet? Stravinsky Violin Concerto? What’s that about? About eight years ago, my cousin asked me if I was going to see the Black and White ballet. As far as I know she has never seen a ballet, so I assume she saw the NYCB ad for the twelve magnificent Balanchine black and white leotard ballets they were performing that season. She thought it was a particular ballet. I set her straight. People who are not familiar with ballet usually know the names Nutcracker and Swan Lake, and often think that every ballet is a tutu ballet. I remember treating a friend to a ballet a number of years ago and the reaction was what I had hoped. It opened up a whole new world for someone who only attended Broadway and opera. And like Mr. Wheeldon, I hope LWFC brings in new audiences. Ballet companies will not survive if the general masses only attend Nutcracker and Swan Lake.

I was just thinking the same thing.....

I too agree. ABT is no longer the company it once was, let alone a world class company. The spring season used to be thrilling week after week with mind boggling casting making it difficult to decide which performances were an absolute must. And in those instances it was not unusual to attend five performances of the same program in a given week. But that has not been the case for years since I’m unable to find the same level of dancing, let alone the gorgeous partnerships they once cultivated. That being said, I still look forward to ABT’s spring season, however I just don’t go as often. Thank goodness NYCB still continues to hold their own with a roster of outstanding dancers from corps to principal. There was a time when the same could be said for ABT. Perhaps we’ll see some changes under Susan Jaffe’s leadership.

I agree! I'd love to see Nadon in Agon. She has been amazing all season, and I think Agon would be a great fit for her.

Wow!

Just a guess, but it’s probably an error on the MET site as I only see Brandt listed as Gertrudis for the entire run of LWFC. But of course she may have learned both roles, so you never know…..

It would be great if Daniil were to come back to ABT! He was still breathtaking when he danced with ABT last spring and fall. I remember seeing Daniil listed as principal guest artist at Staatsballett Berlin for maybe the last year or so. I guess that's what gave him the time to freelance all over the world. Whatever he decides to do, let's hope we get more chances to see him dance.

Excellent news about Ratmansky joining NYCB!

Thank you for posting! I missed the articles and had no idea!

Just saw NYCB e-mail about Ratmansky. Wonderful News! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ratmansky Named Artist in Residence Ratmansky's Pictures at an Exhibition premiered in 2014 and will be on stage this spring. From everyone at New York City Ballet, we hope you are enjoying a happy and safe new year. New York City Ballet is excited to announce the appointment of Alexei Ratmansky as the Company's Artist in Residence, beginning August, 2023. Widely regarded as one of the world's greatest living choreographers, Ratmansky joins the Company's artistic leadership alongside Jonathan Stafford, Wendy Whelan, and Justin Peck. Ratmansky has created six acclaimed works for NYCB: Russian Seasons (2006), Concerto DSCH (2008), Namouna, A Grand Divertissement (2010), Pictures at an Exhibition (2014), Odessa (2017), and Voices (2020). Ratmansky's newest work for NYCB will premiere during the 2024 Winter Season as part of NYCB's 75th Anniversary Season. Please join us in celebrating this historic appointment and we invite you to read more about the announcement in The New York Times here.

I agree with both of your points.

Thank you volcanohunter!

How clever, funny and original! Love it!

Thank you! I'll be sure to start checking around December 16.

Yes, I did mean broadcasts, but I welcome all of the information you provided. I did see some snippets of the Giselle with Osipova/ Camargo and the mixed bill with Sinfonietta when I was searching for R&J, but quickly realized that they were not the complete programs. The opera house looks absolutely gorgeous! Thanks again for all of the information. Hopefully I'll catch a performance soon.

Oh well, at least I saw the ending. ABT Fan - Thanks again for alerting us to the performance. Wish I'd been on my phone or online as I would have seen your reminder! eduardo - does Teatro Colon offer many live ballet performances?

I am absolutely kicking myself. I completely forgot about the time, and missed all but the end of the ballet. Next time I'll have to tape a reminder to my head! Yes, Cornejo is not dancing like a forty something. He was really amazing as Puck last week. At first it looked like I could replay the ballet as I was able to start from beginning, but it has now frozen me out. Maybe they just need time to post it? I'll keep trying...... Glad you both enjoyed it.

Wow, thank you!

Thank you so much for posting! Loved him in the role when they did this ballet at the MET. I already had tickets for one these dates and greedily just bought the other performance date as well.

I received an e-mail from the Koch today which says masks are no longer required effective November 1. See copy and paste below: With the recent changes in CDC guidelines and the availability of vaccines, boosters, and antiviral treatments, as of November 1, mask usage by visitors, when attending performances or events at the David H. Koch Theater or while participating in workshops in the Samuel B. & David Rose Building, is encouraged but no longer required. Koch website has also been updated - see URL below. NYCB Safety Update I take this to mean that masks will be required for ABT's fall performances, and begins with Paul Taylor performances in November.

Whew! That's wonderful news!

I never thought of that. They could be separate things. And yes, very confusing.

Thanks to everyone for the postings on Sterling and Robbie's VW. The reviews are wonderful and it sounds like a very memorable performance. I wish I had been able to make it. At least I got to see Sterling in some other rep this season. She was clearly appreciated by the audience. We are all going to miss her.

If true, I am very sorry to hear that Shayer is leaving ABT and becoming a guest artist. He is still listed as a soloist dancer on ABT’s website so I guess we’ll have to wait until ABT updates their website or Shayer makes some kind of clear announcement. I don’t agree that calling himself principal guest artist makes it sound as though he is a principal dancer at ABT. He is saying principal guest artist, not principal dancer. As far as I know, guest artists are either called guest artists or principal guest artists. I’ve never heard of a guest soloist. The label should be independent of a title previously held at the company.