AG

I really enjoyed those Fun Factoids—thanks, @Helene!  I hope PNB has a successful run, onstage and in the bank!

Rehearsal excerpts from all three sections of Jewels were posted this afternoon as IG stories by NYCB:  https://instagram.com/nycballet?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

Following up on others’ press reports here about the NYCB musicians’ strike authorization, this Playbill article includes a statement from NYCB:

https://playbill.com/article/new-york-city-ballet-orchestra-passes-strike-authorization?utm_source=The+Dance+Edit&utm_campaign=718c1a7734-TheDanceEdit20201119_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71d672be74-718c1a7734-69953786

2 hours ago, abatt said:

McKenzie created the Rothbart role because at the time it was created ABT had so many incredible men that he wanted to include an additional lead role for a male, according to interviews I recall reading.  It was created on Vladimir Malakhov, not a sex symbol but certainly a great dancer. 

The most incredible Rothbart was Gomes, and the most brilliant use of the role was in Nina Ananiashvill's farewell.  McKenzie allowed a modification, and I recall Gomes literally tossing Nina to Angel Corella, who was playing Seigfreid.  The audience went wild.  I wonder if there is any youtube footage.

4 minutes ago, California said:

The Gold Standard for Purple VR: Marcelo Gomes. (This video is strangely distorted, but you'll get the idea!) (I couldn't find a clip of Nina's retirement with Gomes and Corella, except for the bows.)

 

Is this perhaps what you had in mind?

My guess would be Etudes (which would be fantastic news!).

Thank you so much for the link to that interview, dirac—it was absolutely well worth the read, with many fascinating insights.

I just found it:  https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/24/arts/dance/the-nutcracker-gives-young-dancers-a-spotlight-role.html?ref=dance:

“There are 13 places that are very precarious, that can conceivably go very wrong to the visible eye of the layperson, not just us,” Mr. Martins said. “So whenever I watch it, I’m like: 10 more to go, seven to go, four to go, O.K., only two left.”

He paused. “Maybe that’s not a good thing to write because people will be watching for it.”

Edited to add a link to the original BA! thread including the NYT article:

It looks to me like the SFB World Ballet Day 2022 video expires today at 5pm Pacific (wish we had through the weekend, though!).

A Michigan-based newsletter I receive included an advert for performances of Swan Lake by the "World Ballet Series" (https://www.worldballetseries.com).  I searched Ballet Alert! and nothing turned up, thought it might be of interest (or curiosity) to some.  From their website:

World Ballet Series is a unique concept combining the world’s beloved ballets performed live on the most celebrated stages across the nation.

Gathered to bring the breathtaking beauty of classical dance to the audiences, a multinational cast of 50 professional ballet dancers represents 10 countries united by the passion for enriching classical ballet traditions through brilliant and critically acclaimed new productions of the world classics.

World Ballet Series is a family-friendly experience accompanied by the timeless score, over 150 hand-sewn costumes, hand-crafted sets, and the most talented dancers for you to enjoy the four iconic ballets: Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Cinderella, and Romeo and Juliet. 

Produced by Gorskaya-Hartwick Productions, a US-based company.

I have received an email from Kennedy Center regarding my ballet subscription: 

We’re reaching out to inform you that National Ballet of China will no longer be able to travel to the Kennedy Center for their February 1–5, 2023 engagement of Chinese New Year (A Ballet in Two Acts), and have been replaced by the United Ukrainian Ballet performing Alexei Ratmansky’s Giselle.

The KC website has been updated already:  https://www.kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-by-genre/ballet/2022-2023/united-ukrainian-ballet.

The school said it had hired counselors to aid in the transition, and its artistic director, Joan Boada, who joined the academy in September, will take several students with him when he moves to Boston Ballet in June. The Rock School, San Francisco Ballet and the Washington Ballet are among the dance organizations that have invited Kirov students to audition.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/08/arts/dance/kirov-academy-ballet-school-closing.html

https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-daughter-tikhonova-zelensky/31860464.html

Like YouOverThere, I too was at Thursday night’s performance and had trouble accessing the program.  I understand the reasons for digital programs, but at a minimum the cast should be posted on a board (one can at least take a picture of that) and the program should be available online afterwards.  Thankfully, I see TWB has done the latter:  https://www.washingtonballet.org/events/opening-performance-celebration.  Hope this is helpful!

Per an email sent to Kennedy Center ballet subscribers yesterday:  

We’re disappointed to share that the January 26–30, 2022 engagement of National Ballet of China in the Kennedy Center Opera House has been canceled.

Due to COVID-19, the company is holding on international touring until global conditions improve. The Kennedy Center and National Ballet of China are looking at rescheduling the 2022 engagement for a future season.

John Clifford recently posted this lovely rehearsal video of that 1945 version pas de deux (including the now-Symphony in C second movement ending) as taught by Franklin to Julie Kent and Nikolaj Hübbe.

Where's the common sense? Crinkly wrappers are bad enough, but the other night in the Kennedy Center's Opera House I was dismayed to see the woman next to me open and proceed to sip from a bottle of Diet Coke during the performance. Not only was there a risk she might somehow spill it, it was very distracting and obstructed the view of the people seated behind her. I don't begrudge someone discreetly stowing bottled water or soda in their purse while they are in the auditorium, but as well as theater policy it's a matter of respecting the performers as well as your fellow audience. (Beverages are sold in the Grand Foyer before performances and at intermissions, but the ushers make it clear those drinks cannot be brought into the house.)

Nicole Graniero's bio is already up on Washington Ballet's website: http://www.washingtonballet.org/sitewide-bios/graniero-nicole

Yes, looks that way--quel dommage!

Here's a press release in English (from Ballet News website):

http://balletnews.co.uk/mikhailovsky-ballets-nacho-duato-to-head-staatsballett-berlin/

Perhaps Max could dance Prince Gremin that evening....

Great news! "A version of the exhibition originated at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in 2010, but the National Gallery’s adaptation will include more than 50 additional pieces on loan from museums around the world, including Dansmuseet in Sweden and the National Gallery of Australia."

http://www.washingto...0eb9_story.html

Bintley's Still Life at the Penguin Cafe--penguins and a Great Auk.

I'm so glad I tried anyway--it's back, and it's wonderful!

Looks like the Wilmington set to me....