liebs

Re: Martins ability to develop ballerinas. If you go back and read criticsm of NYCB in the early 70's after Farrell's departure, you'll find that Balanchine was criticized for failing to develop any ballerinas except Gelsey Kirkland. At that time, McBride waa considered the standard bearer. Kent and Verdy were dancing less often and Hayden was on the verge of retirement. Leland, Mazzo and Von Arnoldigen were considered less than classically and technically perfect. Just about the time Farrell returned, we saw the advent of Ashley and then shortly there after the rise of Nichols and Calegari. Maybe these things are cyclical? The later 80's and early 90's didn't produce many ballerinas any where it seems to me.

Carla Fracci and Eric Bruhn were memorable. She has the true Romantic style and was memorably ethereal. Ferri has some of same qualities. Although she was not considered a great Giselle, I have wonderful memories of Cynthia Gregory's debut in Milwaukee when I was a teenager. She was so fresh and innocent, a lovely debut. I also loved Marianna Tcherkassky's performance. There is a wonderful video called "Portrait of Giselle." Narrated by Anton Dolin, a famous Albrecht in his time, and it shows Olga Spessitva (sp?)in the mad scene. The most extraordinary one, I've ever seen. The tape ends with Dolin coaching Patricia McBride and Helgi Tomasson. Well worth seeing if you can find it.

Some casting news for Edinburgh: Kistler will dance Duo Concertante and 2nd movement of Symphony in C; Van Kipnis is back and cast frequently; Ringer is scheduled to debut in 2nd movement in Western Symphony; Boal and Whelan are scheduled for Tsch. Pas. Should be a good week.