bellawood

9 hours ago, cobweb said:

Week 5 casting is up. There is an (almost) all-new cast of Glass Pieces, debuting Ava Sautter and Aaron Sanz. Exciting for her! I just may have to see that...

Also Murphy/Bell as guests doing Other Dances! I used to covet Aran Bell for NYCB before the arrival of Chun Wei Chan. 

10 hours ago, Rock said:

Rubies ends in the air. The last note is the top of the jump. They land in silence.

 

Yes this! It’s amazing. Didn’t totally happen Saturday night but I bet Fairchild/Huxley/Nadon cast nailed it.

@deanofdance I had many of the same feelings. Joe Gordon is too innately elegant for Rubies. He looked wonderful but there’s not enough playfulness. I think he might be able to get there (as this was his debut) thinking of him as Brick Boy in DAAG. Emma looked wonderful. You said everything about Tiler and Roman that needs to be said and the audience ate it up.

Tonight was an excellent opportunity to get a look at the corps. I don’t think there are too many surprises in my list: Domininka A., MT MacKinnon, and Naomi Corti were all standouts, as was David Gabriel dancing in both Rubies and the Garner piece (in the latter in place of Taylor Stanley — though they didn’t announce the substitution at curtain up, just said David “would be dancing as well”). Miriam Miller was terrific as the soloist last week in B-SQ, but I found her flat in the new choreography.

As for the new piece itself, I found that there were moments of beauty, but it suffered from the similar fate that befalls many guest choreographers when they are first presented with this company. I think they all get so excited about how fast everyone can move that they never allow the dancers to stand still. 
The end result is often a frenetic mess of running around and limbs flying. I have to say I don’t understand the massive expense in terms of costuming that went into this production. As many of you know there’s a full costume change in this ballet for no apparent reason. The first costumes, which are black, look like pairs figure skating costumes, particularly on the men who are wearing black slacks and velvet mock neck long sleeve turtlenecks. The women’s very low cut tops were not designed with any mesh, so I saw a few “wardrobe malfunctions” on stage as they raised and lowered their arms! Then, in the last movement, the women show up in diaphanous off-yellow dresses, and the men show up in bedazzled gray hot-pant-length rompers. It’s a tough look if you have any tan lines. Plus there’s some sort of sparkly sculpture hanging from the ceiling that moves throughout. Why? Bells and whistles like this always signal a lack of confidence in the choreography.

Ashley Bouder is making some big accusations on her instagram stories! https://www.instagram.com/stories/ashleybouder/3359421783440503779?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=MTl3ZTFmMjR4djJmOQ==

4 hours ago, Fernie M said:

That sounds wonderful as well! 

Ballet Herald and Sara Mearns announced she would be guesting with the National Ballet of Canada for 3 nights at the end of June. Performing in each of the three segments of Jewels. She did post an IG story the other day, watching Emily Kikta rehearse. “tall girl” with the caption preparing my homework or something like that. Love to see that. 

Did Sara ever dance tall girl at city ballet? If so I have no memory of it!

2 hours ago, Fernie M said:

Yes, I know she has/had been under studying Diamonds. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if she did a show at the Kennedy Center. I think I might try to go for the three shows over the weekend… I’m sure the casting would be worth it.

I’m wondering about Midsummer… I would love to see Nadon as Titania. I know this field is fairly crowded (Phelan, Mearns, Gerrity and Miller), but she is a Principal.

Love this @abatt, I feel the same way.

I actually would love to see Mira in the divertissement, though TItania would be great too--

2 hours ago, abatt said:

Yes, I wondered why Gordon was not in DAAG too. I forget which color he did previously.

I’m pretty sure he debuted with Rust (there’s footage of him dancing with Lauren Lovette as Apricot) and then graduated to Green.

From those who attended, did Mira dance both parts of Green last night or only the solo? 

3 hours ago, cobweb said:

Hi Bellwood, think you had a typo here but curious about what you meant. I also agree overall DAAG looked sloppy. 

Hi Cobweb! I think the Apricot/Rust dance with the flying exit is colloquially known as “the Giggle” — but I defer to Helene and others who may know better!

I was at today’s matinee. It was a more successful (though not blooper-free) performance. I much preferred Gerrity to Phelan as Mauve. Emilie felt more natural, less studied. The men were uniformly excellent, particularly Chan as Purple. They did the catch properly today!

it was a big debut for Olivia MacKinnon as Apricot, and I thought she did well. This is such a youthful role and I think she captured it better than Megan who maybe should leave this role behind — she’s dancing so beautifully in so many other roles. 
 

I’m sorry to say that Ashley Bouder’s appearance was shocking. She is quite heavy, and has absolutely no flexibility in her back whatsoever. It was pretty mortifying to see her on stage. The “green girl can’t get a man” moments felt like a cruel joke as she pranced around a bunch of much younger men. I can’t pretend to know what decision-making led to her casting but this is really a sad situation. 
 

B-S was terrific today. Unity survived her debut and seemed to be having fun! She got through her turns. Mira was sublime in the 2nd movement, it was like a different ballet from last night. The burgeoning Nadon/Bolden partnership was in full effect. 

2 hours ago, cobweb said:

Yes, that confused me. I was sure I remembered Maria Kowroski doing that role, and yet I KNEW she could not be one of the "tossed" women who are all on the smaller side. 

I thought I was losing my mind last night! I was concerned that Mira had somehow hurt herself in the Green girl solo appearance. I find it bizarre that they rather she go and only do half the role than have Ashley bouder dance it. 
 

I thought DAAC looked really ragged last night, though Tiler was radiant. Tyler Angle had some stumbles on top of the miscue with the toss. I thought the Giggle looked terrible, mistimed and sloppy. I think the original casting was David  Gabriel as Rust?

I think the adrenaline was pumping last night because there was wonderful energy but sometimes a lack of control. as @matilda mentioned, Lauren Collett fell on her face (to no lasting ill effect) about 8 seconds into Bouree (I found Bouree really adorable and LOVED the "battle of the grand jetes" in the last movement). Then Victor Abreu almost dropped Alexa Maxwell when she jumped into his arms. In Symphony in C Janelle Manzi lost her arabesque in the 2nd movement, and Charlie Klesa did a Risky Business-style slide on his knees in the 3rd movement. I'm chalking it up to the excitement of the new season, the myriad casting changes already posted, and the thrill of having Suzanne Farrell in the house. 

It's too bad about Isabella LaFreniere's injury/illness -- I think she would be much more compelling than Emilie Gerrity in 1st movement Symphony in C and I was looking forward to watching her in Brahms and Dances. Not sure what's going on with Woodward? She was in the background in sneakers watching the Dances rehearsal on Instagram yesterday, but is out of Brahms and the new ballet that's going next week. 

The program was very fun, even though I was moaning and groaning about Steadfast before I watched it, I cackled meanly at the doll's immolation. Errante feels like a fragment of a larger ballet—an absolutely stunning and wild solo that Mira knocked out of the park and then a sort of odd ballet that gets tacked on at the end. I had seen snippets of this on YouTube but never the whole thing, and it's always been the solo.

I thought both Megan and Sara looked excellent in Symphony in C. Sara, in particular, looked "back" in a way she hadn't this fall/winter. Tyler Angle also looks more in form than he has recently. 

2 hours ago, nanushka said:

Phelan in the Brahms-Schoenberg gypsy rondo? Hmmm.

My thoughts exactly! 

Other interesting debuts:

Nadon/Sanz in Errante -- saw photos on Nadon's Instagram of Suzanne Farrell's coaching, seeing this Tuesday

LaFreniere in Symphony in C 1st movement -- would have thought she would be tapped for 2nd movement (of course I'm dying to see Mira dance 2nd movement)

LaFreniere as green girl in Dances

Mejia in Dances, as brown?

Woodward in Dances as pink -- don't know if she can bring Tiler/Sterling levels to this role

Nadon 2nd movement B-SQ: perfect role for her, can't wait, and with Bolden

Just back from the matinee --

Debuts in Opus 19 for Alexa Maxwell and Anthony Huxley. To me, this part belongs to Joseph Gordon right now. He embraces both the classical parts and the weirdness in the choreography. Anthony Huxley came off a little paint-by-numbers in this one. He's going to need a moment to relax into it. Alexa Maxwell was very good in her debut. She gets a bunch of what I would consider "Sterling" rep -- but Sterling's stage persona was quite different than Alexa's. Sterling was IN CONTROL. She was sometimes playful, sometimes imperious, but always at a slight remove. It was impressive to watch if sometimes chilly. Alexa is much more vulnerable on stage. It serves her well in Opus. However, with Huxley's natural reserve, it felt like a casting mismatch. 

Solitude was devastating. I cried. I'll need several viewings for a more academic analysis of this ballet. As usual, Mira stood out. My only quibble is why was Indiana Woodward in this ballet? Sometimes, the talent pool is so big at City Ballet dancers are used because they can. She was a principal in a soloist part, and there were soloists in corps roles. 

Symphony in 3 was crisper than I think it was earlier in the run. The searchlights looked great. Jules Mabie has been the lucky winner of Jovani Furlan's rep this season and he continues to live up to it, but the clear "who are you?!" sweepstakes winner is David Gabriel. He's made a major impression this season. The women were Isabella LaFreniere, who was terrific in the 3rd principal role, Tiler, who is Tiler Peck, and Erica Pereira, who was fine in this role she's done many times. 

3 minutes ago, cobweb said:

I’m also baffled about the Kikta underuse. It’s a loss to the audience. 
As for soloist retirements, Pereira should head up that list. Also maybe Sara Adams? Not sure what’s up with Brittany Pollack but she hasn’t danced much for a few years now. I don’t think LeCrone has been dancing this season but if she’s in good form, there are still some roles she covers well (Dark Angel for instance) so she may still have value to the company. 

Brittany Pollock is pregnant with her second child after her brief return post-injury per her instagram. LeCrone has not danced this season, I don't think? 

I think the only dancer who is in line for promotion this year is Emma Von Enck. Outside chance for Emily Kikta and Alexa Maxwell to principal (I would be shocked, however) and Alec Knight to soloist. 

Hi! Just saw the matinee today. 

Ballo is a delightful ballet. I know you need the right principal woman for it but it's just so effervescent and fun. Tiler was amazing, as expected. Joe Gordon had a very strong debut except for an entertaining blooper when he entered 8 counts early, realized it, ran off stage, and then reentered 4 seconds later.

The middle ballets were interesting because of the casting. Dominika A. was excellent as the "Wendy" in Albert Evans's duet. Really mesmerizing. Alec Knight handled the exceptionally complicated partnering very well. Hallelujah Junction was punctuated by a performance full of verve by David Gabriel as the solo man. Taylor Stanley looked a little out of shape. Lauren Collett was very good. The problem here is that the Martins' choreography is so overdone that it's hard to let anyone breathe. 

The Concert was, as usual, very entertaining. Mira was very beautiful as the hat girl. Andy Veyette chewed the scenery. If this rumored debut for EVonE happens, I might return to see this program again and leave after Ballo! 

I agree with so many reviews here -- S V-V was sloppy last night -- but he's ALWAYS sloppy. A few days ago, Chun posted an Instagram story about Tiler's new ballet where he joked about her constantly reminding her cast to point their toes. In her interview with Wendy on the podcast, Tiler mentions that Heather Watts, one of her long-time mentors, always talks to her about the feet and foot placement and making deliberate choices. These things feel so integral to ballet but so often forgotten! S V-V 's feet (and arms) are always all over the place. His exit in the deep backbend was marred by scuttling feet and bent knees. 

I have the same reservations about Isabella as many here. She was spectacular in Concerto Barocco this fall; in 4T's, dancing a role she should be perfect for, she was visibly thrown by her stumble (which she semi-saved, by the way!). ADW is an old hand in my favorite section, but my memories of this ballet always begin with Albert Evans' masterful dancing in this role (this gives you a sense of when I first started coming to the ballet!). 

LW: I am decidedly not an expert on this sort of singing, so I will leave it to others here to comment on the quality! I thought it was a lovely, moving evening; I particularly enjoyed watching Tyler and Tiler dance together. Their partnership is so strong and has been overshadowed by the flash of Tiler/Roman. Watching them dance reminded me of how much I love seeing them together in Dances at a Gathering. Mira is a gift; if Peter Walker is one of her default partners, he needs to up his game a little. I've actually seen Roman dance with Unity before -- in an ill-fated Tchaikovsky Suite No. 3 performance where she fell three times! A little treading on the hem seems like small potatoes after that. 

Was at the matinee today --

Rotunda: not worth discussing, really. I had seen it right before the pandemic and had been underwhelmed. It felt like a bargain-basement Cliffs Notes version of Dances at A Gathering in athleisure and pantyhose. That feeling was reinforced today. It is so lazy! The circle motif is so obvious. As for the dancers, if they must bring it back again, why not do it with all baby corps? Unity Phelan in this ballet makes no sense. Sara Mearns looked tired and tentative. I hate the Muhly music which sounds like a soundtrack to a depressing indie movie. An added thumbs down for the extremely performative "everyone gets a bow" sequence at the end. The tepid applause did not warrant that plus two curtain calls. BUT . . . are we in a Daniel Ulbricht renaissance? He was by far the best thing in this and excellent in Odesa, as well.

Tiler's Ballet: I really enjoyed this! It was so interesting to watch other dancers pushed to Tiler-esque daring, She is a witty choreographer! From the moment the curtain went up there was a crackling energy, and all her quirky arm positions and syncopations really worked. Of course, she had the A+ cast; I wonder if it will be as good when say, Miriam Miller dances in place of Mira .  . . and there's no one in the company who can do the male lead except for Roman. The Poulenc was terrific; I love two pianos. The ballet was very well received by the audience.

Odesa: I saw this in 2017, but I think this is the first revival. I was really absorbed by it. The sleazeball polyester 70's shirts on the men really give it a louche quality. The choreography is compelling, particularly for the Fairchild/Ulbricht pairing (I guess originally Hyltin/deLuz?). Why did Sara choose to dance the sub-par Rotunda instead of the role that Ratmansky made on her in this ballet? Unity Phelan danced it instead. 

One beneficiary of injuries has been Alec Knight -- he's gotten a lot of the Sanz roles. Also Huxley is out of 4 Ts but is still doing Ballo?

On Insta Jovani says he's out for the rest of the season.

28 minutes ago, BalanchineFan said:

Third week casting is up. Tiler Peck is alternating with Megan Fairchild in Ballo. Lots of debuts in the soloist roles.

Also, there's only one cast for Liebslieder. I wonder if they'll stay with that for all four performances.

https://res.cloudinary.com/new-york-city-ballet/image/upload/v1706053481/NYCB_Casting_February_6-11_2024_lobby.pdf

 

If Sanz can't go I wonder who will dance second cast Hallelujah Junction at the Saturday Matinee? Gordon is debuting both HJ and Ballo, so can't possibly do both in the same performance?? 

2 minutes ago, BalanchineFan said:

Oh! I was thinking of a duet for two women, Rondo? Olivia McKinnon was in one cast (perhaps with Isabelle LaFreniere) and Mira Nadon was in the other. 

Yes Rondo also! That was Nadon/LaFreniere one cast and OMcK and Indiana Woodward maybe in the other? I forgot about Rondo.

On 1/9/2024 at 8:34 PM, abatt said:

No Mira Nadon listed.  Disappointed.  Hope she is well.

Also notice that LaFreniere is not cast at all in week one.

 

I am surprised she's not dancing Summer -- I hope this means that she has big things coming up later, including the new Ratmansky. I certainly hope it doesn't mean she's sidelined for any reason!

In her Instagram stories last week, she reposted a Kyle Froman gem of Darcy Kistler dancing the Concert and said, "She wished she could throw her hair around like that" (I am paraphrasing) -- so she might be debuting the hat girl?

28 minutes ago, BalanchineFan said:

The Repertory Directors are listed in the programs. It's rare that their rep is publicly posted but Jean-Pierre Frolich is in charge of the Robbins repertory, Rosemary Dunleavy deals with the corps de ballet. Craig Hall works closely with Justin Peck. Christine Redpath staged the Robbins duet that was revived recently ( I've forgotten the name). They all have an area of expertise and particular rep to focus on. It is often mentioned in interviews and on Instagram with dancers thanking specific people who coached them in particular roles. If you read a fair amount of press you'll be able to suss it out.

It was Christine Redpath for the dramatic PPD in Brandenburg -- this time danced by two casts, one Mira/Aaron Sanz and the other Unity/ADW(?)

I think key to this Wendy posting discussion is that we don't really understand the role she plays in the company -- in particular, what are her responsibilities and does Jon Stafford have final say over everything? Is she coaching? Teaching? Casting? Scheduling rep? For instance, I seem to remember that she was the one who reinforced Ratmansky's casting decision not to have Abi Stafford dance her Russian Seasons role except at her retirement. That could be because Jon Stafford recused himself, or it could be that it's her job to liaise between choreographers and dancers. Is she commenting on dancers about whom she has a major say in promoting or minimizing?

As to her posting, I think it gives clues about who is on the rise, which is probably indiscreet -- her post about lending her gig SPF tutu to Emma Von Enck was similar to the India Bradley post in tone. (I don't think it takes a post from WW to understand that EVE will soon be a principal, however!)

14 minutes ago, abatt said:

was disappointed in Huxley's performance.   It was fine, but he doesn't have enough skill as an actor to bring much depth to this role.

Yes, between Prodigal and the poet in La Sonnambula there was a lot of acting this season for Huxley. He is at his best in interior roles like Melancholic, I think.