This is my first time watching an ABT production.
Just some observations:
The corps were lovely, but a little tired and unengaging on stage. It's my first time seeing Zhong Jing Fang on stage, I always wondered why her career stagnated after her prix de lausanne win and I guess this is why: she's very dull on stage. Great technique, but unengaged and a terrible partner.
Marcelo Gomes was wonderful. His technique was amazing but his acting was even better, and his lifts were perfect. Hammoudi had trouble lifting Polina.
Polina was a disappointment. Her Odette was...boring. At no point in Act II did I feel like this was a woman hesitant and falling in love, or telling her life story. Her arms are very expressive, and I liked that her physicalisation of Odette was lyrical and romantic, while Odile was more brusque and firm. But the acting was AWFUL. Poor Marcelo was giving his best in Act II while Polina pranced around and enjoyed showing off her gorgeous technique.
Act III was a lot better. Her Odile really came alive, and PS and MG had great chemistry in that act. You could tell by the way the whole audience came alive after Act II's snoozefest and Marcelo got really emotional at the end of it. I was disappointed that she didn't do the 32 fouettes though.
The theatre was packed, and PS got a huge standing ovation at the end of it, with repeated curtain calls.
