KarenAG

As a soloist, isn't Sarah on the stage alot? Has Hee Seo commanded an 8-week season without problems? In Bayadere, Hee was swallowed up by the stage, in my opinion. In fact, I think she was seriously miscast as Nikiya because she had very little stage presence in that role and definitely did not 'dance big', which I define as being able to reach the audience on many levels. As for the classics, throughout this ABT season, many posters commented that Sarah Lane should have had opportunities to dance Juliet, a very lyrical part for Sarah's strengths. And I think she would have been a lovely Nikiya, as well.

Many congratulations to Stella, Misty and the corps dancers who were promoted to soloists. I'm very happy for both Misty and Stella for different reasons, but I'm sad about Sarah Lane; in my opinion, she should have been promoted rather than Maria Kochetkova. I don't agree that Sarah hasn't proven herself to be principal-ready. I think the same could be applied to Misty, whose dancing yet may not be principal quality but will as a principal, have opportunities to hone her technique and art. I don't think for one minute that Sarah would do otherwise had she been promoted. I think she should cast about for a principal position with another company. Not sure how she would fare at NYCB as dancerboy90210 contemplates, but who knows? I definitely do not like how she's been treated at ABT. She deserves better.

Thank you, Helene. Quickly because I'm getting ready for work, a ballet dancer with acting chops!

I'm so shocked to read this right now. How tragic and so very sad. Albert Evans was one of NYCB'S most brilliant dancers; a great artist and, by all accounts, a gentle and beautiful soul. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and friends and his ballet family at NYCB. Rest in Peace, Mr. Evans.

Hi Kaysta! I'm finally getting to BA to post a few thoughts. Regarding a stint at Pennsylvania Ballet, how great would that be!! I find Xiomara's dancing to be incandescent - that's the word I was searching for when I posted June 5. And yes that pas de trois is lovely. The Cornejo siblings indeed dance beautifully, as well. Sigh.... missing Ms. Reyes very much. So hope she'll guest!!!

Kaysta, I love Xiomara's dancing and I'm so glad to hear you echo my thoughts about her. She is a pure heart! It was apparent to me in the the Swan Lake pas de trois, which is the first time I ever saw her dance (ABT video), in The Moor's Pavane and most significantly, in her farewell Giselle. I'm very sad I won't see Ms. Reyes dance with ABT, but she has expressed that she isn't retiring from dancing and I hope that means her fans will see her again, perhaps guesting with other companies.

Greetings! I called SPAC's administration and spoke to a marketing rep, Laura, who advised me (by a return call on my voice mail; I didn't speak with her directly) that New York City Ballet is indeed contracted to perform at SPAC in 2016. She did not specify the dates; perhaps SPAC won't release that info yet, but it's good news to know they will be there next summer! It's a shame (but not the end of the world) that our company won't grace the stage on July 9, 2016, it's 50th anniversary. It will be wonderful, nevertheless!

I will, rkoretzky! I read this article, too, a few days ago, but when I saw this topic, I completely forgot about the Peck commission. So all is not lost, I hope! For those of us who've derive their significant NYCB experience from SPAC, any news that the company may not summer here is cause for distress.

Or maybe NYCB isn't coming to SPAC at all. If so, those of us who are devoted to NYCB at SPAC, we'll be crushed. This could be a terrible loss for us.

Oh no! It was my understanding (and, as rkorestzky notes), everyone's expectation that the company will perform at Saratoga for two weeks, in 2016. As long as I can remember, they've began their summer residency the Tuesday after July 4. Maybe they are having their residency in June.

Thank you, Neryssa, for this information. Looks like a great DVD! I'm sure to purchase it at some point (just bought some goodies on Amazon through this forum last week .

These are great, Cristian, thank you!

There are many comments in this sub-forum and the other ABT sub-forums about ABT's casting changes and its management and my impression is that people are not incensed as much as they are disappointed. I mentioned this in the La Bayadere sub-forum; it seems the company is in a state of disorganization, disarray, whatever, if it won't cast some of its talent (referring to the Sarah Lane situation), but overcasts others (Hee Seo).

I absolutely second that! I've heard mixed comments about Sarah's dancing in the sub-forums, but the three times I've seen her, most recently Wedneday night's Giselle, she's quite lovely.

I just saw the 'On Stage' interview - Leann and Robbie were indeed very sweet. The Sardi's caricatures are nice, too, and a very lovely honor. Thanks, abatt and meunier fan, for the information.

I looked up Edmund Dulac, too, and his illustrations are gorgeous. Thanks, Laurel, for bringing him up in your post and Bakst's influence on his art. It sounds like, despite mixed feelings and reviews, this production has a lot to offer. Perhaps I can squeeze in another ABT performance and see this SB, after all! Thanks to all for your excellent comments.

Hi Drew, Thank you for your response. I certainly don't blame anyone for dancers having injuries and maybe I didn't articulate well in my post that you commented on. What I mean is that perhaps the decisions being made aren't well thought out. Isn't Hee Seo being cast in all of Semionova's Bayaderes? What if she becomes injured as a result? Perhaps the roles should be spread among more dancers. Also, all the talk on the forum about certain dancers not being cast much, etc. So it seems to me that the company may be in some disarray, that's all.

Hi Choriamb, Thanks for your comment. I'm sure NYCB does have its share of replacements and I don't see the company in NYC more than 3-4 times a year, but I do in Saratoga and it's just not been my experience to have casts change on me.

Thanks, abatt, I'll be sure to watch tonight.

I just posted under the Giselle sub-forum about this, tomorrow. I voted for Ratmansky for the reasons stated by fondoffouettes, but I do like your choice of Alessandra Ferri.

Me, too

Thanks for weighing in, abatt. The box I was in most certainly was partial view, for everyone, even the front row seats. About 1/4 of the stage is not visible, so you miss everything happening and entering from those wings, including half the wilis entering the stage. A disaster is the correct word and to charge $110 or whatever it was! And as I mentioned up thread, there is no room behind those front row seats - you are breathing down someone's neck, straining to see and you may as well sit cross-legged because there's no place for your legs. I should write my complaint letter right now!!!

If you are correct, vipa, that is just so wrong. I know that what I'm questioning may reflect my opinions or may have been discussed in past threads, but doesn't the AD first and foremost have a responsibility and duty to develop, nurture and promote his in-house talent? What kind of identity does this company have if the perceived 'valuable' dancers are ones coming in from the outside, the guests? And what does he have against these home-grown dancers, anyway? All this wonderful talent and he can let them languish? Does the board have any say in how he promotes or shapes the company? Yes, vipa, I would love you to be wrong, too. It is not, in any way, fair, and I would really love to see a change.

From the the coming-in BA reports and news articles, it seems quite lavish. I hope it's a significant work and lasting. I wish them well!

Yes, demi-pointe must be quite a shock. Ballet is, on some levels, all about those exquisite pointes.