Millie

Yes, it was Deborah Hess who danced the role of Madge. She is a teacher at NBS. That role was also danced other evenings by Sorella Englund and Eva Draw, who are teachers as well. Antonella Martinelli is a student in the post graduate program.

Moderator's Note: I have broken these posts off from the lengthy (and lively) thread on SuzFar Ballet's DonQ's at Kennedy Center. Thought they deserved a place of their own. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I have heard that Suzanne Farrell will be bringing her Don Q to NY city in June 2006. Does anyone know the exact date, and where in NY this will be? Thanks.

I was fortunate also to be at Sleeping Beauty last night and it was the most enjoyable evening at NBS for a long time. Marcelo Gomez was amazing and I was very impressed with the rest of the company too. I think Tigger summed it up very well. There were only 20 rush seats availabe in all. The row they usually reserve for rush had to be released, there was such demand. I was fortunate to be early (lined up at 10 AM !) and got a good seat. The only thing to mar a wondeful evening was the huge crowd of late people. They were held in the back for the first part of ACT I, but for some inconceivable reason, the ushers let them go en masse in a darkened scene during the act. This resulted in upwards of 60 people scrambling all along he aisles, flashlights on, climbing over people who had made the effort to arrive on time. Our view was blocked for a considerable time and the ushers were actually arguing with seated patrons and disturbing all around. The National should enforce their no-seating policy and train the ushers better if they want to retain patrons. I also agree with the comments about next season. I let my subscription lack this year because I was not impressed with the offerings or Kudelka's works. Does anyone know what is going on with the spring season? I heard it was supposed to be The Straw Hat, but Kudelka was having problems with it and cancelled it. It is now to be replaced with Cinderella. Ah well, I didnt like the Hat anyway.

Hello Marga I am back in town and did get tickets for the Sunday afternoon show. We are looking forward to seeing the show and meeting you. Let me know if you will be there for sure and how I will recognize you, other than the cheering for Fritz. My son will be with me. He is quite tall. We are sitting in row N left side.

Marga, It would be delightful to met you. I will try to get tickets next week, as I am now on my way out of town. I do not have enough posts to PM, but perhaps we can communicate here about getting together.

Marga, Thank you for your quick reply explaining the Canadian Ballet Theatre. I did go to the link, and I am very impressed with this school/company. I had no idea that this existed in Toronto. I will certainly try to go to their Nutcracker! I, too, would love to meet you if you are also planning on attending, it is always great to meet the Balletalert parents. My son is a current Harid student and will be home for the holidays at that time, too.

Marga, Could you tell us about the Canadian Ballet Theatre? Is this the comapany that uses young dancers from the Hamilton area? It is different from the Ontario Ballet company, isn't it? I believe it also has former Russian dancers? I saw the latter last year do Nutcracker and was not overly impressed. Would love to learn about the smaller ballet companies in Ontario. Thanks.