Fraildove

What do you all consider short/ tall? For me any dancer under 5'5" is petite... anyone else have a cut off? Rachel

Hi all, I have been hesitant to post this, not knowing exactly where this should go, so i decided here. Please move if anyone can think of another place that it might get more replys (or any for that matter). Here is the situation: My husband and i will be moving to Kiev around march or april. I would like to audition for this company, but have not been able to find out any information on who to contact or how to go about doing this. I danced in a small theatre in Dniepropetrovsk, but have lost contact with them. I am appealing to anyone out there who has knowledge of this company as far as their dancers, auditions, well anything really! I know that we have several people from the former USSR, perhaps they can offer insight. Also does anyone know how difficult it is to get on with this company? Thanks in advance, and trust me there is not any information too small At a loss, Rachel

I too would like to see her as myrtha. Giselle, however nice it would be to see a young Wiles, will give us something to look forward to. Hopefully in the near future. I like the fact that ABT is letting her develop into a ballerina, not forcing her. Her future is bright and i can't wait to see the dancer she will surely become.

I just checked the casting at abt and michele is cast in her first Giselle in July! i cant wait to see her in this role (although i probably wont be able to make the performance)

Kirov- La Bayadere, Swan Lake as much for the principals as the corps. Rachel

I was thinking about this tonight and decided to get everyone elses opinion or suggestions. With all the beautiful, strange and different music out there, even music that has already been used etc, if you could chose a piece for a pas de deux what would it be? And if you could put any two dancers in the world together, past or present, who would you choose? Here is my vote: Rachmaninov Piano Con. 2 (yes i know it was in Center Stage but...) Margot Fonteyne/ Rudolf Nureev or Gelsey Kirkland/ Anthony Dowell Flower Duet (Delibes) Makhalina/ Peter Martins (strictly for the contrast!) Yes i know these are pretty strange choices, but these are dancers i cannot see in person, except for Makhalina in the coming years. I look forward to everyone's contribution. Get creative!

I don't know if this is appropriate or not so feel free to deleate. We all need to be in prayer for Mme. Sizova as she has suffered a loss in recent weeks. I hope that will work out and she will return to her teaching very soon.

Not only is she an inspiring teacher, but all the more intimidating because she is still techniqually amazing! Her turn out was better than anyone in our class at Kirov (UBA now). She is such an inspiration to watch and a very demanding teacher. I learned from her more than from any other teacher what true grace and artistry is. She is remarkable. Rachel

I was fortunate to come across a copy of "To Dance" by Valerie Panov. Very interesting read. Can be a bit slow in parts, but gives an unusual perspective of what dancing in the former USSR was like. If you find a copy, read it.

I am not exactly sure where this should go so please feel free to move it. I have just descovered a site that has quite a few ballet related items on it. Here is the link: overstock Just search for ballet or dance. Happy shopping! Rachel

I know that there was a discussion on this some time ago, and i am still not aware of any commercially released video, but does anyone have a copy of Balanchine's Serenade? I would very much like a copy. Also, I recieved a video of a ballet from a fellow balletalerter, but it will not play clearly in my recorder. I am in the US and this person is in England. Any idea how to convert this tape into one playable in the US? Or is it my player? Thanks for the input! Rachel

Did anyone see Wiles' debut?

:offtopic: (Sort of) Just a sad, sad note. My wonderful husband accidently recorded over my tape of Spartacus with nothing but ..... the SUPER BOWL!!! Sad but true Good luck finding a copy. Mine was recorded of tv. All the best Rachel

Couldn't have said it better myself! Rachel

I have been interested in her since I saw her when I was at Kirov. I feel that she is a beautiful dancer, but she still needs to come into her own. Her athleticism is wonderful, but her artistry needs a bit maturity. As for her wearing Gaynor's, I am not sure about that. I know that Gillian Murphy does, but I don't recal any dancer at the kirov wearing them. Did she recenty switch? That would strike me as very interesting. There is one thing I would like to say, Universal Ballet Academy (formally Kirov) is a very good school. But saying it is the best is like saying every other prepro school is not up to their caliber. Harid, SAB Washington school of ballet, SFB... all sould be metioned as "the best" IMO Rachel

there was a post about this several months ago. As of then, there was no known copy. Someone on this board has a home video thaat was not released commercially that has excerpts from it.

If your are talking about the Shades there is a CD recording from the Sofia national opera that has both Paquita and La Bayadere on it. Paquita is not dance worthy, but I actually used the Pas de trois for teaching. Not too fast or too slow. Rachel

Thanks! just placed an order via Amazon. What would I do without this board?!

I am looking for another version of paquita on video. I have the ABT one at the met, but it is not a complete version. Do any exist. I keep hearing about the Makhalina/ Zaglensky but is that only the PDD or does it it include everything? (6 solos and pas de trois?) Thanks! Rachel

This is probably going to be a bit confusing, and i don't even know if it should be posted here, but here goes anyway. I know that they used to make tape/ CD players that could adjust the speed of the music playing. But for the life of me I can't find one to purchase. (Maybe because i don't know what they are called.) I am sure i am not the only one who has seen theese, so any advice on where to find one, or what model to buy, or even what they are called would be much appreciated . Thanks in advance, Rachel

I am still not able to view the trailer. Any ideas why?

Did anyone see Kirkland in her post-recovery SB with Dowell? I never saw her perform live, but from the videos I have seen suggests a vulnerability that I feel she might have devoloped. Would have loved to have seen these performances.

Hi all, Just wondering if anyone knows what company Rasta Thomas has joined. On his website it says he has jpined for the fall season, but doesn't say which one. the site hasn't been updated since august. If this sparks rumors, feel free to delete it. If any of you in the know do have information, it would be much appriciated. Thanks :jump:

Hi all, Just wondering if anyone had any information about Ekaterina Chtchelkanova . She played the ballerina in the movie Chicago. I bealieve she danced with ABT for a while (soloist maybe?). Wondered if anyone saw her then, or know if she is dancing with another company. Just curious. Thanks

That would be it. Is is so amazing the information one can get off this wonderful site! Thanks so much. I will try ebay and other used video sources to try and track down a copy. Many thanks!