Kaysta

Thank you for your wonderful reviews, Birdsall. I greatly enjoyed reading them.

Yes, the first picture is Fadeley. We miss her in PA. I have to say, I also don't find Messmer visually compact (I find her quite petite, frame wise in the video), but I haven't seen much of her dancing, so I can't speak for whether she dances like she's bulky or compact.

Appreciate reading the reviews, but I'm still hoping to see this at some point. I know I was not looking forward to Ratmansky's Firebird because of the bad reviews. Then I saw it an loved it. So I'm going to keep and open mind, but I do enjoy reading everyone's opinion. From the W&P video, I liked what I saw.

Here is the link for the YouTube video of the Guggenheim talk:

On the Guggenheim's Works and Process facebook page they have the video of Ratmansky talking and some of the dancers dancing excerpts from A Fairy's Kiss if anyone who can't make it to Miami is interested. I also can't wait to hear feedback from those who attend!

Not to get off topic, but I have seen Misty's Juliet live last year at the Met with Simkin and I thought she did a fine job. I find her much more suited for Juliet than O/O, though.

This is what I would like to see. I agree with Abatt, in that Misty is going to be cast regardless if she can handle all of the technical requirements necessary for a role (O/O, Kitri). I'm ok with that, because even though she is not my preferred dancer, I understand she has a lot of fans and sells out her performances (and I can just choose to see someone else). There is a demand to see her, and with arts funding being what it is, I don't blame ABT for utilizing her popularity to their advantage (though I do disagree with jacking up the price on her performances). And I don't mean to diminish Misty, as I don't hate her as a dancer. I'm still new enough to ballet watching that I pretty much enjoy any performance. My main issue is as stated above--lack of a backup plan. She really did let the air out of what should have been a triumphant moment for Odile. I think most folks who go to the ballet are not nearly as knowledgeable as everyone on this site, and may not even know that something was substituted for the fouettes, if planned for appropriately by Misty.

She got halfway through then did about five pirouettes in fifth (a la Kitri), stumbled out of that, stood there for a few counts, grand jeted to the side of the stage and stood there for a few counts.

Wow, the audience must have been upset, no disrespect to the 2 above. But given Misty's celebrity, I'm sure some come specifically to see her.

Back in Philly. The afternoon performance was just as great as Thursday night (actually, I think it was better, as you could see Devon had less nerves to start). She is officially my favorite O/O. In fact, she may be my favorite ABT dancer at this point, I thought she was that good. Royal made a great Rothbart. He really got into the character, he has great acting skills. Who knew he could do evil so well? I hope this is a stepping stone for meatier roles. Glad to hear others enjoyed Veronika's performance. Hope to hear more reviews if anyone else made the trip to DC?

I admit, I'm starting to get SL fatigue, and am glad to only have one more performance. I almost though about picking up a last minute NSO ticket for Shostakovich's 8th symphony and skipping the evening SL performance, but I decided to soldier on (mostly because I'm cheap!). The fantastic thing about seeing five back to back performances is that I really get to see the differences in how each dancer tackles the role of O/O. Here are my thoughts on yesterday: I'm going to start with Boylston, who danced O/O last night. Boylston is another interesting dancer to me, who often draws very mixed opinions from serious ballet fans. I've seen her O/O before, and have enjoyed it, but have never found her memorable. I found last night, especially her 3rd act, to be memorable. The thing I've learned watching Boylston after seeing three other O/O's, is that she throws herself into every step, no matter the situation. She is a plucky little fireball of energy, sometimes at detriment to the moment. Because of this energy, she can sometimes come across a bit unrefined, which is more noticeable in the second act lake scene. But it is this energy that serves her Odile so well. Plus, she is the most technically accomplished (maybe Devon is close) of all the O/O's I've seen. She can handle the fouttes and the balances. She is a fantastic turner. She gets excellent height on her supported jumps. And her acting skills are fantastic for Odile. Her Odette is still a work in progress, and I thought she sometimes overdid the movements (an example is when Odette leaves the stage for Act 2, she does the arabesque then moves up stage and turns her back to Siegfried while she bourees off the stage (returning to Swan form). Boylston attacks this area a bit too much, so that her arms become flappy and energetic, and not refined and beautiful. But, despite these moments, I found myself very much appreciating the passion with which she dances with. I am a fan. Veronika Part tackled O/O for the afternoon and she was fantastic in both roles (though, like Misty, she has some technical issues that are most noticeable in the black swan coda). But Veronika has such artistry that I can completely overlook any technical miscues, because she sells both characters so well. I believe I've now seen every current ABT O/O (have seen Gillian, Hee and Kochetkova previously) and outside of Devon, Veronika is the most complete O/O. She, like Devon, has a beautiful port de bras. She lacks some pliancy in her back, but she has such a beautiful upper body, she doesn't need it. I only wish I could have seen her dance with Marcelo (no disrespect intended to Whiteside) because I think he would have brought out even more from her. And not to get on the fouette trip again, but what I appreciate about Veronika is that she only attempted singles and was able to get through them (though she traveled a bit). I think most of the dancers feel the need to rile the crowd up with doubles, but the singles actually fit the music better ( and the crowd was definitely riled up watching Veronika dance). Few more brief thoughts: - Lendorf had his Siegfried debut. After seeing this version 3 times in two days, I could tell he was new as he missed a few minor "acting" cues (ex. he was late going up to the swan corps where they abruptly change position on seeing him with is bow, so they changed positions when he was still across stage). But, overall I enjoyed his performance and think he's a great addition to ABT. He's technically efficient and shows pretty good emotion on stage. While I still prefer Marcelo or Herman, I certainly will not shy away from his performances during the Met seaon (and I enjoy him more than some of ABT's other male principals). - Forster (the Sat evening PR) was a much better Purple Rothbart than Stearns. Stearns drives me crazy. He is so handsome and talented, and I want to love him, but I feel nothing watching him. I feel bad saying that. - Both PdTs were great, and I'm always appreciative when I get the chance to see Sarah Lane dance. She has such purity of movement. I cannot wait to see her Giselle in the spring. - Still immensely enjoying the work of the Swan corps. ABT's short rehearsal time periods can sometimes show up in the movement of the corps (especially when it calls for synchronization) but it is not showing up in this run. The sappy ending has brought tears to my eyes 3/4 times, not because of the lovers in the clouds, but because of the beauty and precision of the Swan corps ladies. (Also the little swans have been ON, all four performances). One last performance to go, Devon/Marcelo part 2, with Calvin Royal's debut of PR. Definitely looking forward to today (also looking forward to going home and sleeping in my own bed tonight!). I thought about skipping this one so I could head home early, but I cannot miss the chance to see Royal's debut, as he is one of my favorite corps dancers. That man needs a promotion. Though tiring, I've enjoyed this run of SL and have learned a lot. I've learned that O/O is truly a very difficult role, and that very few ABT ballerinas currently excel at both parts (though I have enjoyed them all, and respect all of the hard work they put into their craft). As most of them are young, they will hopefully continue to grow and limit their weaknesses. The exciting thing for the future of ABT is that, to me, the most complete O/O (outside of Part) is Devon Teuscher, and it was only her debut. Which means she's only going to get better. If you have a chance, try to see her at the Met, I do not think you will be disappointed. I can't wait to see her tackle other leading roles.

Veronika was fantastic. I'll try to write more later after tonight's performance.

Updating to add Purple Rothbart and pas de trois: Purple Rothbarts so far have been Alban Lendorf and Alexandre Hammoudi. Both have been fantastic. Like Maps, I love the Purple Rothbart sequences. I always giggle when the three princesses are kneeling at him and the other is bourreing towards him. I think Lendorf was the more technically proficient PR, but Hammoudi plays the sinister character so well I find I enjoy him more in the role. I am definitely looking forward to seeing Royal's debut tomorrow afternoon! PdT for the first night was Hurlin, Shevchenko and Hoven, last night was Trenary, Paris and Cirio. The standouts of the PdT so far to me were Trenary, Cirio and Shevchenko. I find Shevchenko an interesting dancer. I fully admit she has not always been my favorite because she sometimes comes across as cold and emotionless to me (but her technique has never been in question). But she was fantastic and joyful in the PdT. Ciro was also a highlight for me. He has beautiful technique (beautiful jumps with great height, good turner) and has a very nice stage presence. I think he would make a fine Siegfried, though I don't know who he normally partners at ABT (is he short?). I didn't write much about either Gomes or Cornejo because they are exactly what you would expect from them. Fantastic as usual. Gomes may be getting older and starting to slow down a bit (though I still love him and am thankful every time I get to see him dance), but he still brings such a nuanced performance to every role he dances and he always brings out the best in his partners. For today, the Saturday cast is Part and Whiteside as our doomed lovers, with Stearns as Purple Rothbart. I'm not really a big Stearns fan, so I'm hoping he can match the artistry of Lendorf and Hammoudi. The PdT is Royal, Katherine Williams and Catherine Hurlin. Tonight is Boylston and Lendorf, with Forster as PR. And an all-star PdT of Lane, Brandt and Gorak.

Just got back from Misty/Herman. I enjoyed it overall, though it won't be a memorable performance for me (unike yesterday, which was a memorable performance). I have mixed feelings over Misty. I think she is talented and beautiful. I appreciate what she does for ballet, in that she brings audiences in to the theater and brings mainstream attention to the art form. And my favorite part is seeing how excited the young kids get (something about little ones all dressed up, pulls at the heart strings). There were many more kids here tonight for her performance than yesterday. She's inspiring the next generation of dancers, and it's lovely to see, and it's something I admire about her. But coming off the pure emotional bomb of yesterday, this was a little flat for me. I think despite her technical shortcomings that have been well documented (and were an issue tonight during the Black Swan coda), her characterization and artistry are better with the Black Swan. She is believable in the role and she has more chemistry with Cornejo. Her white swan (which did not have any major technical issues to my eyes), is what fell flat for me. It was beautiful, but I didn't feel any emotion or chemistry with Cornejo, especially comparing it with yesterday (which maybe isn't a fair comparison, because Marcelo is one the best partners and just oozes emotion and chemistry out of his pores when he dances). It wasn't that it was bad. Honesty, if I had seen Misty's performance five years ago when I was a complete ballet newb, I would have been completely enthralled. Unfortunately, I've gotten pickier and I want it all--artistry and technical ability. One note about the technical fouette issue: While I enjoy the fouettes (I still find it exciting and like the moment) I wish she would just do something else in it's place if she can't do them. I think she has the chops to be a very good Odile, but the stumbling through them kind of sucks the air out of the moment. And if one can't handle the fouettes cleanly, why would you start off doing doubles? Just try to do clean singles first to try to get through it. Last but not least--I want to throw a big Brava to the swan corps ladies. They have been absolutely fantastic both nights. The synchronicity and precision has been breathtaking and beautiful to watch. Brava, swan corps, you ladies are awesome! Looking forward to Veronika tomorrow!

Oh, and Devon and Marcelo received a nice long standing ovation! I think not using guest artists is going to start paying off. Future at ABT is looking bright-With Teuscher, Trenary making stunning debuts in the last year.

Devon was fantastic. Truly breathtaking. It looked like she had a few nerves early in the 2nd act because her arabesques didn't have quite the stretch and bend I'd expect. But by the time the white swan pas came, she was in full luxurious mode. Her port de bras is so expansive with beautiful arms and a supple pliant back. The emotion between Marcelo and her was palpable. Even better was her Odile! She was a great evil seductress who toyed with poor Marcelo's heart! It really was a fantastic debut and I have a feeling her performance on Sunday will be even better. So happy to see ABT develop their homegrown talent! What an exciting night!

Hope you get tickets to other performances. Honestly, the Seo/Stearns cast is the cast I least wanted to see. Stearns comes across as emotionless to me, and Seo is my least favorite Odile (though I've liked her White Swan).

I completely agree with all of this, Snail, including your assessment of Zakharova. I prefer Smirnova over Zakharova in just about any role.

That is what stood out about Smirnova to me--her speed. She did not appear to be one whom slows down the music that much, which I appreciate. And even though I wasn't as blown away as I expected to be, I also didn't know it was only her 2nd or 3rd time dancing Aurora. That changes the performance for me, because I think she has the opportunity to grow into the role. It also explains why (to me) she appeared nervous until after the Rose Adagio. I hope I get the chance to see her in different roles in the coming broadcasts. I am not a fan of Zakharova, so I'm not sure I'll be watching the Swan Lake stream.

Thanks, Drew! I'll have to be on the look out for her.

I'm glad to hear someone say this, because I wasn't as impressed as I expected to be. Smirnova appeared nervous until after the Rose Adagio, which I thought she was better once she got through it (especially her solos). The wedding pas with Chudin was a bit bumpy to me. It was my first time seeing Grigorovich's version, and I hate that they cut out half the mime, especially with Carabosse/Lilac Fairy. Still enjoyed the day though, and happy to see the Bolshoi here in the suburbs of NJ (there were only about 12 of us in the theater, so I hope my theater keeps these going).

I wish they gave a full cast list. Can anyone who went to today's cinema cast who is familiar with the Bolshoi tell me who danced Cinderella? She was absolutely delightful.

I'm really looking forward to this today. I'm quite happy with the casting.

I'm pretty bummed Murphy is out. I'm really excited for Teuscher's debut, but I was loving that I got to see five different casts.

I enjoyed the Romeo and Juliet balcony pas and Le Corsaire with Shkylarov and Shirinkina. While very different from the classical ballet that I'm used to watching, I enjoyed Parting (mostly because of the insane chemistry between Shyklarov and Shirinkina). Everything else was just ok in my opinion. And like others, I'm thankful for the chance to see a company I wouldn't otherwise get to see.