ABT Fan

Bell is replacing Whiteside in tonight's opening night performance w/ Boylston. https://www.abt.org/performances/master-calendar/

Hard to believe this is the final week of the season. Looking forward to seeing Lane/Cornejo as well as the slew of soloist roles this ballet provides.

I saw on Fang's Instagram story curtain calls that showed Sebastian as Purple Von Rothbart last night. Royal replaced Hammoudi on Tuesday, so he's clearly out with something. I agree with what you said about Royal, although I'm uncertain about his principal potential. He definitely needs more refinement, first. I really like how he's developing so far and I was very impressed by his V.R. this time around.

Murphy has done T&V before, many times. They are doing 5 shows of it so all 5 of those ladies could do it if they only get one performance. I’m not advocating that, just saying it’s possible. I’d rather see no more than 3 casts so 2 casts get to do it twice. As for the men, Stearns and Cornejo have performed this (yes I believe Stearns was the one who had to be replaced by Veyette). I wonder if Cornejo still has it in him for this? Otherwise, who would Lane dance with? I feel confident Whiteside would be cast. He did a lot of Balanchine at Boston and may have done this there. He is an excellent technician. He and Shevchenko would be a good pair. And, I could see Bell getting it too.

It's now on the Master Calendar: https://www.abt.org/performances/master-calendar/

Yep. I remember seeing it at Avery Fischer Hall (when they held one Fall season there in 2009) with Maria Riccetto and Jared Matthews.

I think it's highly unlikely too, that Lane would sub w/ Hallberg. I'm pretty sure they've never danced together. I was just saying that IF that were to happen, many of us would be thrilled if we were able to snag a seat. Regarding the height difference, I think Copeland is maybe an inch, if that, taller than Lane.

Yes. I'd prefer her over Boylston and Teuscher in a heartbeat.

Lane has done T&V (with Cornejo) since she was in the corps. I believe it was her first principal role. Shevchenko would be terrific. I'm sure Boylston will be cast as she's done it before. And, Murphy if she's returned and naturally Teuscher.

I'm shocked. I guess ABT got some returns/exchanges or took back some seats they gave away, but as of right this second there are 12 seats available in Orchestra prime for Saturday night. Everything else is sold out. A short while ago when I looked (a week ago?) it was completely sold out. These seats are $250 each but they are terrific seats. I've never noticed this before. Is it common for a show to be sold out and then have some seats just appear? Anyway, if those seats remain available and it's announced by ABT or someone reliable that Lane is stepping in again.....I can hear the Ballet Alert stampede now.

Possibly. Though, I have a feeling Stearns (ugh), Lendorf, Whiteside and Bell (I think he'd be great) and obviously Cornejo will be cast (it's getting 5 performances). Cornejo did this at Vail himself a few years ago. Since this is programmed the night of his 20 yr celebration, can we imagine Lane and Trenary as two of the muses? I have a feeling Boylston will be the third, as she did Apollo w/ Cornejo at Vail. I'm surprised that The Seasons is only getting 3 performances since it was such a hit this season. And, wish Deuce Coupe wasn't getting so many.

I will be mad as h*ll if Cornejo (or Lane) has to withdraw next week from their SB because they have the flu.

Well, she pulled out of WC due to “scheduling conflicts” which I believe is what caused the major backlash (just read the comments in her post). When she had to withdraw last fall from her Nutcracker pas due to a death in her family (and Lane covered her then too), many people understood. A “scheduling conflict” is avoidable, especially when announced two days before she’s due to perform.

Lendorf? That’s a puzzle.

Yes! I'm eager to hear how they did as well, esp Bell.

True, Lane could be paired w/ Simkin as well. Personally, I'd prefer her w/ Cornejo. Teuscher is the new AD favorite, ever since she was promoted. With the exception of Juliet, she's been given two of everything and has been cast in virtually everything. I like her in some things, but I find her a very incomplete and frustrating artist. Perhaps she'll grow into a more expressive dancer, but for now I find her boring and cannot understand McKenzie's obvious preference for her. Here is a photo showing the bows from last night on ABT's Instagram. I'm glad Lane was brought out for bows (of course she should have, but I was afraid we'd hear otherwise...). Lastly, I can put this on another/new thread, but I don't know if anyone else has noticed their upcoming tours for next year. These ballets are guaranteed to show up at the Met next season. So, we can expect to see Lane as Giselle and Nikiya again (but, will McKenzie give her only one show of each like last time?). And, yes, give her a SL, darnnit! I think the AD's issue is he doesn't like petite ballerinas as O/O (with the big exception being Copeland, of course.) Lane has more than proved her mettle - she's not just a Princess Praline kind of dancer. McKenzie needs to get over it. https://www.abt.org/performances/abt-on-tour/ February: DC - Giselle March: CA - Ratmansky world premier (we already knew about this one...) March: Chicago - Bayadere March: N.C. - Giselle April: Detroit - SL

Also agree. So now we’ll all be waiting to see what happens Saturday night. It sounds like Copeland is dealing with a possible injury. If that is the case, and although I don’t want this to happen again after this week, I’d understand them doing the same thing again since this is last minute and her fans would be crushed if she withdrew now. I can’t picture Lane doing Odile with Hallberg though. Boylston would be the obvious choice to me since they’ve danced together several times in other ballets. Separately, I’m utterly thrilled to hear that Lane knocked it out of the park! McKenzie, wake up and cast her already! Next year let Lane/Cornejo have a show and Copeland/Hallberg one show.

Thank you! I think it’s safe to say that quite a few of us are waiting with bated breath! Appreciate all of your reports on tonight.

Connor Holloway, who is a corps dancer, manages ABT’s Instagram account. https://instagram.com/conholl?igshid=qb6i9bsx9te7 I wonder if we’ll find out what led to this decision tonight, though I think it will be unlikely.

Hopefully. But, she was given what 2 hours notice?!?! I know that happens for when a replacement is needed for an entire ballet, but it’s not as if she’s cast for this ballet and is fully rehearsed already.

I really can’t imagine what that would be. Odile has more forceful or “dynamic” choreography (fouettés!) but neither role is easy. I believe this is a first, though, with separating the roles, albeit at the last minute. (It was originally performed that way, but no longer.)

That is so strange. I wonder why? Misty can’t be injured then?

I think she only hashtaged blackswan to go with the picture. I seriously doubt she’s only doing the third act.

I hope Lane can tune it out, but you know there will be very loud groans and what not when they make the announcement. I understand that they’re expecting to see their idol, especially for the young kids. But, as for the adults I’ve always found their vocal and negative reactions to these things (for whoever is replaced, not just speaking about Copeland) to be so rude to the dancer who is replacing them.