stuben
-
Posts
331 -
Joined
-
Last visited
Content Type
Forums
Events
Blogs
Store
Posts posted by stuben
-
-
19 hours ago, Helene said:
There are two circles described in the article:
- “Kevin said, ‘The last time your mom sat here was to tell me that she was pregnant with you,’” she says. He then offered her an apprenticeship with the main company. “
- “Every time I go home I always take class with the company," (Orlando Ballet)
Interesting article and seems the first circle is a final gift from KM to her mother. Don't get me wrong and only IMHO it is just interesting how so many in the past have had to pay their dues to be given soloist roles or even moved up, for example in recent years with Williams. Yet the two newly minted corps without any rep experience, but one or two, were decided upon? In business this is known mostly as "do it and let's see what sticks" by the execs. So I guess time will tell especially when Misseldine and Park both have very little rep to proof their skills, other than competitions. I don't know about others but IMO technique isn't everything, this is after all a "theatre" and will need the emotions in many of the reps.
I also took a look at the corps bios and can found these two, Cooker and Waski, and found interesting they have been overlooked all these years:
https://www.abt.org/people/zimmi-coker/?type=performer
https://www.abt.org/people/paulina-waski/?type=performer
-
Very curious about SunMi Park's promotion seeing her bio as for less rep than most promoted? Happy for Roman to be finally recognized, guess the saying goes better late than never?! Same with Misseldine although she seems to have won quite a few awards? I can't see having one good season to be the judge so it should be interesting once the new AD starts.
-
On 7/5/2022 at 9:14 AM, MRR said:
I couldn't get into Christine's O/O at all. Her Odette never came to trust much less fall in love with Siegfried, nor did it seem human, employing wild, over the top undulations of her spine despite having a rather stiff back in arabesque or attitude. Her Odile went for an icy Noir glamour, which could have been effective but for the extremely harsh port de bras, abrupt stops of position, and the lack of any star quality that projected to the back of the theatre. Her dancing was often indulgent, lagging behind the music, while somehow never grasping the authority of the dual role. While she has plenty of capabilities of a principal, the overall impact of the afternoon was that of a soloist.
I guess it is up to individual opinions here as I and my family felt otherwise, and actually was pleasantly surprised to see so many attend this performance thinking most will be with families and parties on the 4th. We thought Christine and Calvin had great chemistry in their dancing, I have to admit I am not a fan for "tricks" as many seem to look for, it isn't the YAGP. I always look to see how a dancer shows emotion even afar and thought they both did wonderfully at that, the audience gave them a very long standing ovation! Again this isn't a reflection of MRR's in-depth opinion. In addition, I felt both Zhong and Waski did wonderfully as I had an opportunity to see them in Pas de Trois as well, they seem to be a good pairing this season, and MRR's comment can be due to the fact that Waski seems to have just come right off the Boston Ballet season per her IG that my daughter reminded me of: https://www.instagram.com/p/CecTiONsexs/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=
From this it looks like she went from one company season to another without any breaks? Plus based on her IG it looks like she has been filling in for so many missing dancers this ABT season?
-
On 6/13/2022 at 9:37 AM, ABT Fan said:
So, Paulina Waski has returned to the company from Boston and will be dancing Flower girls this week:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CepUbqxM5uA/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Just checked ABT dancers and indeed she is listed! So I assume she is back? We had bought tickets to her Myrtha before Covid but she was replaced 😳 Always loved her dancing and looks like she kept up her physique in Boston. Can't wait to see more of Waski this season and hopefully next!? Thanks for this share and hope she will post more of what is coming up.
-
Boston Ballet seems to have been able to film their entire company during lock down with this Gift for the holidays. Looks like fun - The Gift as "a jazzy twist" with the one and only Duke Ellington's music, the insert image from URL isn't working for me but here is the link: <https://www.bostonballet.org/Home/Tickets-Performances/Performances/The-Gift.aspx> Good to see so many companies doing what they can to entertain audiences everywhere. 😃
-
Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite with a twist and glad to see company dancers given the chance to choreograph for their colleague. Happy to see how they are ALL adhering to safety measures of masking (still looking good) while dancing! I especially love clips of each piece on the website:
https://www.bostonballet.org/Home/Tickets-Performances/Performances/The-Gift.aspx
IMHO, seems they are doing more than what some of the NYC companies have done and with care to safety for the dancers. And pricing is reasonable 😍
-
Agree with most comments here about the promotions and time will tell. I do agree with a comment upthread about promoting dancers who haven't proven themselves in multiple principal roles, other than Forster who is one of my favorites with both his emotional presence and his technique.
As much as all the others have the technique and what I call tricks, I just don't feel they carry the emotional part as some of the great past primas IMHO Marcelo, Roberto, David, Julie, Xiomara and of course Sarah. I too am happy they finally promoted Gabe and glad his outspoken social media has helped him, but I do wonder if he will be another Craig Salstein (another loss) sitting in soloist rank till the end of time 😏
-
1 hour ago, Lena C. said:
I am so devastated about Sarah Lane. I can't even be happy about the other promotions. I was worried that she'd be pushed out like Veronika Part, but I never imagined this...I thought she'd at least get a farewell performance...the fact that this has happened again to an underappreciated dancer well before their retirement time, only confirms my great disgust for ABT management.
Completely agree 😞 Still recall her amazing Manon and as the Rose! Beyond sad about this. Hopefully she will grace the stages in the US so maybe we can still get to see her without traveling too far.
43 minutes ago, FauxPas said:All of the principal promotions (and one soloist promotion) are richly deserved. Sarah Lane has also not updated her Facebook page which states that she is an ABT principal and company member since 2002. She has a bunch of online master classes scheduled. I wish Sarah the best wherever she goes next. San Francisco Ballet has a repertory that would suit Sarah well. So does Pacific Northwest Ballet.
I do see that with all these promotions to principal, the soloist roster is rather scanty. Arron Scott and Alexandre Hammoudi have both retired this past season without an actual farewell performance. Shall we discuss who among the ABT corps is worthy of some soloist assignments whenever performances resume? Keeping an eye on the next generation of ABT leading dancers?
Eric Tamm I always felt was principal material and was on that path until he decided to move away from ballet. His friend and former business partner Luis Ribagorda is a talented dancer (also Sarah Lane's husband). Marshall Whiteley I think could be a danseur noble with his height and good looks. He also is interested in acting and has potential as Prince Siegfried, Albrecht and Romeo. Luigi Crispino, Cameron McCune, Jonathan Klein, Patrick Frenette, Carlos Gonzalez and Tyler Maloney have potential to do more. Among the corps ladies: Scout Forsythe, Zimmi Coker, Erica Lall and Betsy McBride are good bets.
Not sure about the corps IMHO, especially after COVID to be ready and fit for any quick promotions? It is unfortunate they lost the likes of Waski after being sidelined due to injury when she was casted for a much anticipated Myrtha. Saw a few clips from her Boston Ballet debut before this virus. Maybe this might change her mind of a return? 🤞
-
15 minutes ago, theo said:
I don't see Stella Abrera listed as principal. They may be updating the site? Also, Sarah Lane is no longer on the roster.
I just thought the same about Sarah?!!! No word for retirement or anything 😩 After all the wonderful years she gave so many of us and not a word from McKenzie? Wow!
-
3 hours ago, JuliaJ said:
Omg for real... the "debut deferred" series just sounds so depressing. Why would anybody other than maybe die-hard fans of those particular dancers want to watch that? I haven't watched, and I don't plan to watch, any of ABT's online offerings. Whatever the reason for ABT not streaming past performances, they're missing out on valuable opportunities to show the world what we're actually missing in their absence.
I admire NYCB's fundraising strategy of showing videos that elicit joy and appreciation -- not pity -- from audiences and donors.
1 hour ago, sz said:I have not seen any mention of Sarah Lane's Juliet that was to be her ABT debut on May 28....
I concur with both, where is Lane and Forster? As a fan of both, I feel that they have worked so hard all these years and deserve a bit more effort on the company's part vs to be "forgotten" for the sake of the up and comings, I am sure they will have their day in the sun. Back to NYCB admiration here!
-
Thank you ksk04 for this in-depth review and wonderful to read about Shevchenko and Forster, IMHO I feel Forster is a long awaited principal and it would be a travesty if they move Bell up before him, then again sadly nothing surprises me about this company anymore 😟 I would love to see Shevchenko and Forster if there is every a chance of Onegin making a come back too!
-
6 hours ago, Emma said:
Hurlin does have an extensive presence in traditional dance media: she's had multiple covers in Pointe Magazine (one solo, one with Aran Bell) and was recently featured in a NY Times piece. Her mother was also a Paul Taylor dancer and runs Dancers Responding to AIDS. Not that that should detract from how outstanding a dancer she is! But she is connected.
Like so many industries being well connected matters and in this case I am sure it didn't hurt. I did read that NY Times article when it came out and it sounded like her mother was the push behind ABT since she did mention her initial interest in Broadway vs ballet, and had disagreements with her mother but was steered towards ABT. True she has talent but based on that comment I do wonder about the publicity push possibly being bought due to connections. Between connections and financial assistance as Brandt does along with social media, I do feel sad for those without connection or financial factors and just have pure talent to get ahead of the game, many end up waiting till they're in their late 20s/30s to get lead roles or a promotion at ABT. Like in the case of Lane as well even as a principal 😟
-
35 minutes ago, ABT Fan said:
I’m going to assume that the King of Babylon is a purely acting role, as Zhurbin does many of those in the full lengths as does Roberts. Roberts is an exceptional actor so casting him makes sense to me. Hoven is in the same cast as Dionysius, which is a dancing role (based off of Whiteside’s Instagram post in the same role).
Oops good catch I missed that one of Blaine, I stand corrected 😊 and I completely agree about Roman as a wonderful actor as I have enjoyed his performances for so many years! However, it is still unfortunate that no other dancer is able to step in vs a teaching staff, then again, even the wonderful Georgina Parkinson has stepped in for so many years herself wonderfully. Well at least Hoven has something better than nothing.
-
17 minutes ago, ABT Fan said:
Not surprising that Copeland wasn’t cast. She hasn’t been in a Ratmansky piece for some time (was replaced in Whipped Cream the last time it was performed and Brandt replaced her as Columbine before Harlequinade even opened).
Lane is doing the second act in Bayadère in Chicago with Ahn, at least, but missing from the other tours as you mentioned. Disappointing she’s apparently not in Love and Rage (unless she gets a very little part...).
At least Blaine Hoven finally has something to do. He is inexplicably missing from all plum casting on tour and at the Met (after an incredible year last year).
I noticed Keith Roberts in one of the shows as King of Babylon? Isn't he a ballet master for the company? So I do wonder why Blaine couldn't have done this or even an actual company member, since I can't imagine they are short on male dancers who can mime as well as Roman? I would think it is to the advantage to any company to give their dancers opportunities vs a teaching staff.
-
48 minutes ago, abatt said:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/06/arts/skylar-brandt-giselle.html
Great article on how Brandt got her DC debut as Giselle. It sheds a bright light on how McKenzie makes his decisions, and what a dancer has to do to get a lead role over at ABT. I wish I could get to DC to see Brandt, but I doubt I will be able to attend. Here's hoping that at least one NYC ballerina has to cancel her Giselle due to a schedule conflict.
Interesting article and maybe it is just me but this seems to expose McKenzie and his dealings with his company. There is no mention of who is paying for the coaching but if it is her private funding than lucky for her, yet does this mean those who don't have the AD backing and without good funding will be left behind? Sad really that it has to happen like this, feels as if she is saying dancers are housed until they are needed, unless one is a flavor/favor of the season. Must be frustrating for her and others who might feel likewise. Plus I notice she mentioned 3 days to learn a lead last minute plus the lack of coaches? Is this a world class ballet company of local one, and that is not to put any local companies down. Just wondering.
-
Have been out of commission for a bit and just trying to catch up reading the thread, saw the Waterbury IG someone posted up-thread, there's a short video of her protest and she seems laughing as if this was a joke? I might be wrong about her laughter but IMHO this shouldn't be a laughing matter, this is a somber issue for all involved. This should never have happened to begin with, I might seem conservative sounding but this world of social media with young people is crazy, just think of pre-cell phones?! There is a saying even among college administrators, if you don't want anyone to see bad images of you never have them taken! Even college admissions have ways to find them. "Sharing" seems so prevalent in this new age, and sometimes not in a good way.
Then, there is the part if any person wish to show their privates to their partners, that should be between them, since now that her images are out and she is suing I would think it is more mature to let the powers that be, the court system, to address her issues. Her own vendetta should be addressed with her lawyer(s) and to the court. It would be different if all involved have been proven guilty. This action of protest to destroy a person's career while the case seems to be still pending won't do well to help her case, this might even work against her case as it seems borderline harassment towards a possible innocent secondary party. And, if she is focusing on Mr. Ramasar due to his location then even more so, especially since Finley is the direct connection.
Anyway, back to the crazy world of the Senate and our country 😱
-
3 hours ago, canbelto said:
This was discussed in another thread but Lane and Cornejo have deleted each other off social media and are no longer dancing together under any circumstances.
Any news why? Still sad how Lane has repeatedly been given less and less suited roles 😔
-
21 hours ago, ABT Fan said:
They're doing two shows of R&J in A.D. in April.
Copeland/Cornejo and Trenary/Royal are the casts. (I'm wondering if the pairings are mixed up by mistake, since Copeland/Royal and Trenary/Cornejo are listed for the Met.)
It seems this isn't a mix up as Trenary just put up on her social media that says she will be with Cornejo on May 23 matinee! I maybe in the minority but what a slap in the face for Lane 🙁 After all these years of wonderful pairing with Cornejo she is now paired with IMO a less than sufficient partner and one show to say the least! I am sorry but I cannot see Trenary in the role, she is wonderful don't get me wrong but she is good at what I call the cute, flirtatious roles as she has been cast with, but Lane is Juliet especially after her Manon with Cornejo. It is so clear that the powers that be have their eyes to put Trenary on fast track and have Lane one foot out the door 😤 Yet another great dancer kick to the curb after all these years. Neither of these pairings are desirable as IMHO sadly the golden days of the company are gone. Plus why the Middle East when we know what is going on over there?
-
Saw this on Miss Waski's social media and thrilled she is noticed for her debut as Myrtha, just wish she had performed this while at ABT 😔 , we had bought tickets then but sadly she was injured, a loss for us but will plan a trip north one of these days. Hope to hear more of her progress from those watching her and maybe a trip for Nutcracker if casting looks interesting.
I am not sure how to show the post but here is her Twitter link with the same Facebook post she had put up, if interested I think you can cut and paste this link to view: <https://twitter.com/PaulinaWaski/status/1189534406001790977>
-
7 minutes ago, nanushka said:
Yes that’s correct — but from all appearances KMcK does not seem to think as highly of her as you and I and many others do. It’s not as if he wouldn’t have gotten away with not promoting her even after that performance. So I’m curious why he did, only to use her so little. We’ll likely never know, though.
Just saw this and if I recall there was a lot of chatter here and possibly other fans in other blogs that might have helped Lane, and who knows, maybe they got calls too, just saying and I might be all wrong, but I do recall there were quite a few posts calling for her promotion back then.
-
1 hour ago, nanushka said:
Got it, yes, I see your meaning. Thanks for clarifying. And yes, the sidelining is sadly reminiscent. One wonders why Lane was promoted if her talents were going to be made so little use of.
You say it much better 😊 "reminiscent" indeed. I wonder likewise with others being "housed".
-
8 minutes ago, nanushka said:
I'm not sure if you mean to imply that Part quit, but I don't believe that was the case. She said publicly that her contract was not renewed.
I guess I should have been clearer and thanks for adding to this. I didn't mean that she quit, I recall of her feeling about her leaving, however, I recall how she was treated similarly at the time. With so much unknown about how 'bias" and "vendettas" work within, I do wonder how many others left for similar reasons (not sure principals or soloists). We will never know.
-
25 minutes ago, Lena C. said:
... it all speaks volumes of McKenzie's bias against Lane. Lane has more than proved her worthiness. ... Anyone who saw their magnificent Manon performances last Spring can attest to the brilliance of their partnership. What is there left to blame besides McKenzie and his vendetta against Lane? She can actually dance the steps/doesn't dumb down the choreography, she has amazing chemistry with Cornejo, she has many loyal fans here who all come to her performances. What else is there?
My thoughts exactly! I saw that performance and left with such emotions, something I will never forget, at that moment Lane WAS Manon! Only thing I can add to this is recalling what happened to Part, she was quite forthcoming, if my memory serves me well, about her displeasure of why she was departing. Seems like KM or the powers that be can make someone they feel bad enough so that they quit, and if this is the case it would be most unfortunate, as in the case of Part.
-
16 hours ago, ABT Fan said:
That's correct. It's as if McKenzie sees a great thing, but decides, Nah!, for inexplicable reasons.
Hurlin and Bell do need time to grow for sure. But, McKenzie is now sacrificing the dancers in their prime, though he's clearly never been a fan of Lane (I'm not against Hurlin or Bell getting opportunities, quite the opposite.)
Hoven's absence is perplexing. He's been dancing exceptionally well. Paris, is really a solid soloist; she's never been on the principal track IMO. I'm not surprised she wasn't given any lead roles. Her debut as Princess Praline last year was only because Copeland was pulled. Otherwise, she's never had a major lead.
Well I hope all these decisions serves him (KM) well, but the season is looking like I can yet again save some $$$ in 2020.
ABT 2022 Summer promotions
in American Ballet Theatre
Posted
Thank you for this info and have now read the article.