ABT Fan

Good news, I believe. Simkin just posted an IG story showing Abrera and Stearns rehearsing the he-loves-me-knot scene on the Met stage. So, I'm assuming that's good news for Abrera and those who have tickets for her Giselle Thursday. The clip is very short and shows no real dancing, but she can't be injured, I suppose, if they're rehearsing. Then why was her Myrta and both of her Lead Maiden's recast?

Cate Hurlin has now been cast in both of Abrera's Lead Maiden's, on the 22nd and the 24th. This is on ABT's site; strangely not yet on the Met Opera's site, which is usually updated quicker. I'm happy for Hurlin getting more opportunities, but worried about Abrera. I have a feeling they're still trying to figure out who will replace her in Giselle; I don't think this one is an easy solution. Also, Stearns replaced Gomes in that performance, so I wonder if they'd put in an entirely different couple; Stearns has his original Giselle w/ Murphy on Saturday.

Eagerly awaiting the start of the season tomorrow with Giselle and looking forward to reading everyone's reports. I still don't see any casting updates on Abrera for her Giselle this week. To start things off, here's a video of Simkin getting schooled by the one-and-only Irina Kolpakova:

I wondered that too, about Stewart.

I noticed that too.

I thought he was terrific in Agon a few weeks ago and he carries himself like a seasoned soloist. I imagine he'd be a perfect Romeo.

Apparently, Abrera has also been replaced as Lead Maiden in Firebird on the 22nd by Cate Hurlin, according to Hurlin's IG post. No change on casting sites yet. But, this doesn't bode well for Abrera's Giselle next week since her Myrta was also subbed out.

No sign of Lendorf rehearsing either.

Isadora Loyola posted an IG story about a half hour ago showing Craig Salstein on the floor with her stretching and talking about how today is their last day at ABT's studios before they move into the Met. Salstein is still listed as a company teacher so he may have been warming up before teaching, or could have just been taking class with them before his matinee in Carousel. But, I wonder if he's taking a break from Carousel to return for some performances at the Met. He's not back on the dancer's roster, but when Nicole Graniero comes back for the Met season she doesn't go back on the roster either. I loved Salstein's Hilarion so much last year that I'd be thrilled if I got to see him again.

I wondered if she really meant “side job” instead of “part-time “ for the reasons you say. If they rehearse till 2:30 everyday, that makes working as a waiter, bartender, etc doable as most restaurants want the evening staff on by 4pm. They could work full-time then. But, rehearsing in the middle of the day makes many other jobs unavailable unless they have have their own businesses or teach.

Hopefully, no sub will be needed, but I doubt they'd have Murphy fill in since she is so injury-prone and is already doing one Myrta and one Giselle already. I can't imagine they'd want to have her do 3 principal roles in one week, and the first week of the season, and risk her getting injured and then needing to recast her roles (which is already a risk; remember last year?). Stearns is really tall so I doubt Copeland would sub; same w/ Lane, although Lane/Stearns did Nutcracker last December when Lane subbed in for Seo. I think Boylston would be likely, since she's only doing one Giselle, though it's the day before. But, McKenzie rarely does what I think makes sense. 😉 And, perhaps why they had a Mother's Day sale for Giselle, which I think was a first.

On his Instagram, as a story, not a regular post.

Their joint birthdays?! Wow. Maybe instead of sipping wine in Act I, they can have cake!

Abrera is no longer scheduled for Myrta; Teuscher replaces her on the 15th. The change is not on ABT's site yet, but it's on Met Opera's site and on Teuscher's Instagram. Abrera is still scheduled to do Giselle two days later on the 17th, so if she's injured, hopefully she'll be well enough for Giselle. https://www.metopera.org/Season/2018-abt/Giselle/

Well, that would have been a sight to see! Though, he could have been rushing off to ABT's studios to an early costume fitting. Or to a PT session. Or to get a much-needed cup of coffee.

I missed that! I find it particularly sad that Arpino's work is virtually never seen anymore, it seems.

Similarly, I'm wondering what United Ballet Theatre's long-term prospects will be. Joseph Gatti founded the company last year, but I still don't see any performances listed on their website (maybe they just haven't updated it yet). According to their website, they've hired Rasta Thomas (after his ill-fated ANB directorship) and Matthew Golding as guest artists. Gatti's Instagram mentions other new dancers and currently they have Marcelo Gomes choreographing a new piece for them, but for what? And, this is the only rep that's mentioned. Their Exec. Director has extremely limited experience in running any type of company, according to his bio on their website. He founded his own arts non-profit 2 years ago, but I'm unclear as to what that co. did or how successful they were. He has a BFA in dance but no business or arts management degree. Gatti has no experience running a company either. He does have a lot of high-profile dancer friends who may be of help in terms of raising the company's profile with guesting, etc. Maybe they'll be very successful. But, I'd be weary about joining this company or giving them any money.

I was able to view it: http://www.abt.org/people/agnes-de-mille/?type=archive

Good for Whiteside.

Agree. I'm shocked that he and Osipova are still on the schedule but there's still plenty of time for changes. I also wondered if he was still testing things out to make sure his injury was fully healed.

Yet are clearly not worthy of mentioning by name when Copeland is in the picture.

Agree. Or any de Mille really.

Can't wait to see In the Upper Room!

This is the first time the Kennedy Center has taken such action. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/07/arts/cosby-kennedy-center.html