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Absolutely! She will certainly be missed. In all of the NYCB videos, she seemed like such a likable and down to earth person. Beautiful feet and legs, too! I wish her much happiness and success in her next chapter.

Just rewatched some videos of Smirnova as Giselle in the Ratmansky version and I'm impressed by her acting ability. In my opinion, innately she exudes a womanly sensuality and maturity. She did an excellent job with her characterization of the youthful peasant girl. I agree with you @Buddy about that youthful charm. Plus, her face is just beautiful. My favorite Giselle of all time is Alessandra Ferri. But it is glorious to be able to see any ballerinas share their interpretations of this iconic role.

I should have said I was thinking more along the lines of Stepanova, Obratzova, and Kovalyova.

It is a wonderful thing to have these two major Russian ballet companies to compare and contrast. I love them both for their differences of style, but I believe that the current crop of Vaganova-trained dancers at the Bolshoi have brought something special with them. Yes, they have adopted some of the grand bravura Bolshoi style while maintaining their Mariinsky lines and elegance. Both companies have deep pools of talent at each level- both male and female.

Oh how I loved that Sendak version that I would enjoy watching every year on PBS. The performances were so memorable. Patricia Barker with her gorgeous legs, feet, and extensions was my favorite. I loved the way it was filmed - many closeups for maximum dramatics. Hugh Bigney made a very sensual Drosselmeyer. It seemed to me as though there was some jealousy or possessiveness on his part toward the adult Clara. Lucinda Hughey was a fabulous Flora.

Happy New Year! I just wanted to thank you for this interesting discussion I've enjoyed reading. I do love discussing and reading about all things ballet - especially Russian Ballet. Let me add my love of Miriam Ould Braham as well!

Kudos to SF Ballet for finding a way to keep from cancelling shows. I imagine the dancers were delighted to be able to continue their performance.

I am so sorry that you were in this situation and I would have done the same exact thing.

Than you for the video @Drew Congratulations to Chrystyn! She is gorgeous!

Thank you @Preston for starting this topic. Anna Nikulina excels in Grigorivich ballets like Spartacus, Legend of Love, and Ivan the Terrible. She's been having quite a busy season. No doubt she'll give a fantastic performance.

Thank you @volcanohunter for keeping us updated on POB. Congratulations to all of these wonderful dancers!

Congratulations to all of these beautiful ladies!!

Thank you MadameP for clarifying. Perhaps it was wishful thinking on my part to have Khiteeva at the level.

There have been some roster changes at the Mariinsky. I'm may have missed a few but here is what I found: Tamara Gimadieva and Camille Mazzi have been promoted to Coryphee. Congratulations to them! However, Alexandra Khiteeva (Khiteyeva) and Anastasia Petushka have been demoted to the Corps de Ballet. Perhaps this is a common practice with the Mariinsky, but can anyone tell me why? Both of the ladies are very fine dancers who have danced many solo roles successfully. There seem to be other dancers in those coryphee and second soloist ranks who barely perform at all.

I couldn't agree more! She is so generous with her time and knowledge and her English is excellent. I wish her a long, healthy, and successful career.

WOW! That is exciting news for Victoria. Thank you for the update. She is beautiful dancer and I wish her much success at the Bolshoi! It looks like she'll be making her debut as one of the Big Swans in Swan Lake.

Sadly, I have not seen Katherine Williams in a featured role but I have taken class with her and she is a beautiful dancer.

Misty does not have anything on the calendar on her website. Hopefully she isn't injured. The only thing I can think of would be that she is pregnant. Of perhaps she is guesting somewhere else.

Yes you are correct! Thank you for pointing that out. Lauren King joined the corps in 2004, Pazcoguin in 2003, and Smith in 2006!

Gretchen Smith has always seemed like a special dancer to me, but she joined so many years ago that a promotion probably isn't in store for her.

Well I must admit that there is a lot of coarseness and language. I assume it is a generational thing. Personally, I found her to be hilarious but I can absolutely see how it would put many people off. In all honesty, I am sad that the book isn't longer. She gives so many details and information about things I've wondered about in the ballet world. I'm looking forward to hearing people's views as well! I imagine some strong reactions.

You sentiments are totally understandable. Before I started reading her book, I formed opinions based on excerpts. But when reading them in their proper context, it takes on an entirely different meaning.

If preordered, one has access to the book before its launch date. As not to give spoilers for those who have not had a chance to start the book yet, I'll keep my initial thoughts brief. Pazcoguin writes in a conversational style and is often humorous. I love the details, the chronology, and the information she gives. I'm really liking this book. What does everyone else think?

Well said Nanushka. It would be impossible to judge her as none of us actually knows what happened. There are also so many factors that would go into this sort of situation. Many people here have listed some possible factors. If she had gone to management, which side would actually be taken? Ramasar outranks her. Gina seems like a smart woman to me and I'm sure she knows she'll be lambasted for not speaking up earlier on this issue. If it is not true, why would she put herself through that? Socialization for ballet dancers who have spent their entire lives insulated in their ballet worlds might not have the emotional tools to set boundaries. Just some things to thing about...

In my opinion, while his ballets are beautiful, the choreography is often too complicated. Yes, it is very impressive that the POB dancers can dance his choreography well, but I find myself concerned about the steps more than the actual storyline.