Fleurfairy

Morgan had said on IG awhile back that she was learning Firebird. I guess that casting didn't pan out.

Agreed. It's almost a sadder ending, both characters having to live with Siegfried's mistake.

I would have preferred to see Trenary as Giselle if the choice were between she and Brandt. I just think she’s a much more well rounded dancer so I hope she doesn’t get left behind. As for Copeland’s Swan Lake understudy, I hope they don’t have the gall to call Lane again. She should settle for nothing less than her own slotted Swan Lake. But I don’t picture Copeland ever being able to do Odile again. Her abilities seem to be spiraling rapidly.

Thanks FoF!

Does anyone know when single ticket sales start?

Wish I could have seen it! I saw their NY debut and it was stunning. Definitely making the trip into the city in June.

Yes and Gelsey was coached by Maggie Black during her later years at NYCB when she refused to take company class and instead did Maggie’s barre separate from the other dancers backstage. Balanchine called her “Black Magic” which was a dig.

I think she saw what has happened to Abrera and Lane — toiling away their “good” years as soloists and then being promoted to principal basically because the audience demanded it, not because McKenzie was a huge supporter. And now Abrera is retiring and Lane’s performances are getting few and far between (through no fault of her abilities). If Brandt is smart, she WILL go elsewhere before it’s too late.

I think we all know how social media can be. I’m sure many of those faceless people out there in the Twitterscape have thrown those words around without regard to truth.

Oh good, that gives me more of an incentive to make the trip down to the city for their performance. Nothing against Gorak, but I'm glad they are giving her a seasoned partner in this ballet.

I’ve never understood the hostility toward the sets and costumes. There are more than enough traditional Swan Lakes around the world with the Baroque or Medieval type sets. This is NYCB, not the Royal or the Bolshoi. The contemporary abstract art fits in my opinion.

It hurts my forearm just watching this lift! 😖 Hoven and Copeland executed it beautifully though. He's one of the best lifters in the company, of course mostly ignored by McKenzie.

Judging by the fact that we already know two of the casts (Hurlin/Bell and Shevchenko/Forster), it doesn’t seem likely. Especially when AD Favorites Boylston and Seo are available as well.

I don't know if someone has already mentioned this, but I noticed that the first portion of the Met Seasons casting is now up. TBAs for The Rose in The Seasons. Lane is only cast in 3 performances of the Met Season as opposed to say Hee Seo who is cast in 14 performances. Something is brewing here...

Not a fan of anyone of any profession tooting their own horn constantly. I know that's what social media if for to an extent, but Brandt goes above and beyond with the endless videos of her own dancing as well as reposts of everyone who comments or posts a story about her. I find it tacky. But I guess this is what gets you promoted at ABT, Home of Misty Copeland.

That's probably wishful thinking on Brandt's part. I'm guessing the TBA will be either Shevchenko (who is already cast as Giselle for the Met Season) or a guest artist.

Agree. He reminds me a lot of Baryshnikov in style and physical appearance. He was always exciting to watch. And has great chemistry with Lane. So I will absolutely be there for their Giselle.

So agree with you laurel. (Couldn’t help but LOL at the Lord Voldemort reference) This is a tragedy and spells disaster for Lane’s prospects in coming seasons. I hope she sees the writing on the wall and starts making plans.

Yes, it is telling and too bad. They were the best partnership in the company. If they refuse to dance together, that could be a factor of why Lane's number of performances have dried up. And with Cirio and Simkin gone, she doesn't have a lot of options (besides Gorak) and McKenzie doesn't seem interested in fostering any new partnerships for her. I hope people in CA report back to us re: her Nutcrackers with Ahn.

I can't give McKenzie the benefit of the doubt here. We've seen how he's treated many beloved dancers over the last few years. I think Cornejo either felt he couldn't speak up or probably did speak up and his request was rejected.

CTballetfan - I cried my eyes out at the Lane/Simkin Giselle. In my opinion, it’s a can’t-miss.

If Lane is smart, she will start lining something up for Plan B. Because the pink slip looks imminent. I don't know how she can suffer through another season of being denied good partners and denied roles that she can dance (unlike other principals). And denied the opportunity to perform in general. Just THREE performances in a whole season? That's insane. I know she's been at ABT her whole life and I know her husband is also employed there, but the humiliation and injustice of it all would be too much for me to take quite frankly. She's at the top of her game and should be dancing everything.

Glad Lane is getting a shot at Juliet. I will plan on being there for that debut! Let's hope Gorak is in the weight room as we speak building that upper body strength. I don't think we need to see Gillian in the role of Giselle again but alas.... Glad also to see Cassie getting roles. I much prefer her dancing over Skylar Brandt's. They absolutely are.

With regard to Hamrick re promotions, she’s been injured quite a lot in the last few years and also was out for maternity leave for awhile. When you’re not dancing, you’re not going to be promoted.

Kudos to her for having the grace to retire while on top.