bellawood

On a Conversations on Dance podcast from the beginning of the pandemic, I remember Michael Breeden saying that Mira Nadon was being taught 2nd movement. I would also guess that Miriam Miller is a natural choice to be in the 2nd movement pipeline. I think both these dancers are going to go for several more years. I think Bouder, in particular, has said that she wants to dance into her 40s. I will say she looked rushed in Serenade on Tuesday though the jumps were there. I think Indiana will take over more and more of this rep, though.

Last night's performance is one I won't soon forget. I was so happy to be there. First, logistics: For people going, definitely download the clear app -- it was a snap and the clear/excelsior pass line was very quick. I didn't have any issues getting into the ladies' room right beforehand on the second ring. And you can get a glass of something or a snack, if you are so inclined. The audience was really responsive, as you might imagine. They applauded throughout Serenade (sometimes at strange moments!); my favorite spontaneous applause was for the famous dark angel wing moment. Sterling looked wonderful as the waltz girl; Maria and Ask were so moving in After the Rain, and got absolutely rousing curtain calls. Symphony in C was terrific and surprisingly crisp for coming out of mothballs. As mentioned Joe Gordon was *chefs kiss* in his variation, turning spectacularly. Megan Fairchild seemed a bit reserved at the beginning of the movement but really came out as she danced and had a great 1st movement moment in the 4th movement. Tyler Angle did shave his head! Good for him. I was really impressed by Harrison Ball and Indiana Woodward in 3rd movement. He came out with a huge leap with terrific ballon that got a reaction from the audience. The movement had that terrific forward attack that it needs. And as they say, the crowd went crazy at the end. It felt like a gift to NYC.

There's been a little shuffling on the casting for week one and here's another change that's not listed on the official pdf yet: This is the current casting as listed: RUSSIAN SEASONS: Phelan, Pazcoguin, M. Fairchild, King, Segin, Anderson, *Danchig-Waring, *Sanz, *Grant (replaces Walker), *Alberda, *Villarini-Velez (replaces Coll), *Henson (replaces Hoxha) [Solo Violin: Nikkanen] I

She used to dance it with Robbie Fairchild -- at least, that's the last time I saw her dancing it. So, it's been a minute. I've never seen Lauren Lovette dance it; the last few times it has been either Sterling or Unity Phelan, I think. Also, week 2 casting is up: NEW YORK CITY BALLET PRINCIPAL CASTING FOR SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 3, 2021 TUESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 28, 7:30PM (Conductor: Otranto) SERENADE: Mearns, M. Fairchild, Gerrity, la Cour, Chamblee pause PULCINELLA VARIATIONS: Adams, M. Miller, Phelan, Hod, E. Von Enck, Chan, Applebaum, Garcia, Takahashi pause GLASS PIECES: Nadon, Sanz, LaFreniere, Riccardo, Habony, Chamblee, Reichlen, Janzen WEDNESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 29, 7:30PM (Conductor: Sill) OPUS 19/THE DREAMER: Hyltin, Gordon [Solo Violin: Nikkanen] pause NEW BIGONZETTI: Kowroski, Ramasar [Solo Piano: Baldwin] pause RUSSIAN SEASONS: Phelan, Pazcoguin, M. Fairchild, King, Segin, Anderson, Danchig-Waring, Sanz, Walker, Alberda, Villarini-Velez, Hoxha [Solo Violin: Nikkanen] THURSDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 30, 7:30PM 2021 FALL FASHION GALA GLASS PIECES: Hod, Applebaum, Adams, Walker, Dutton-O’Hara, Alberda, Kowroski, Ramasar [Conductor: Otranto] pause NEW BELL – WORLD PREMIERE: *Reichlen, *M. Fairchild, *Nadon, *LeCrone, *Kikta, *LaFreniere, *Ball, *Huxley, *Walker, *Henson, *Grant, *Takahashi [Conductor: Litton] pause NEW MILLER – WORLD PREMIERE: *Gerrity, *Mearns, *Kretzschmar, *Smith, *Bradley, *Bologna, *Dutton-O’Hara, *Woodward, *Stanley, *Chan, *Riccardo, *Read, *Fahoury, *Villarini-Velez, *Alberda, *Chamblee [Conductor: Litton] FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 1, 8:00PM (Conductor: Litton) NEW MILLER: Gerrity, Mearns, Kretzschmar, Smith, Bradley, Bologna, Dutton-O’Hara, Woodward, Stanley, Chan, Riccardo, Read, Fahoury, Villarini-Velez, Alberda, Chamblee pause NEW BELL: Reichlen, M. Fairchild, Nadon, LeCrone, Kikta, LaFreniere, Ball, Huxley, Walker, Henson, Grant, Takahashi pause WESTERN SYMPHONY: King, la Cour, *Lovette, Ramasar, *Kikta, Veyette SATURDAY MATINEE, OCTOBER 2, 2:00PM (Conductor: Litton) NEW MILLER: Gerrity, Mearns, Kretzschmar, Smith, Bradley, Bologna, Dutton-O’Hara, Woodward, Stanley, Chan, Riccardo, Read, Fahoury, Villarini-Velez, Alberda, Chamblee pause NEW BELL: Reichlen, M. Fairchild, Nadon, LeCrone, Kikta, LaFreniere, Ball, Huxley, Walker, Henson, Grant, Takahashi pause WESTERN SYMPHONY: King, la Cour, Lovette, Ramasar, Kikta, Veyette SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 2, 8:00PM (Conductor: Sill) OPUS 19/THE DREAMER: Lovette, Stanley [Solo Violin: Nikkanen] pause NEW BIGONZETTI: Kowroski, Ramasar [Solo Piano: Baldwin] pause RUSSIAN SEASONS: Hyltin, Mearns, Laracey, Woodward, Maxwell, Habony, Stanley, Veyette, Gordon, Zuniga, Villarini-Velez, Fahoury [Solo Violin: Nikkanen] SUNDAY MATINEE, OCTOBER 3, 3:00PM (Conductor: Litton) NEW MILLER: Gerrity, Mearns, Kretzschmar, Smith, Bradley, Bologna, Dutton-O’Hara, Woodward, Stanley, Chan, Riccardo, Read, Fahoury, Villarini-Velez, Alberda, Chamblee pause NEW BELL: Reichlen, M. Fairchild, Nadon, LeCrone, Kikta, LaFreniere, Ball, Huxley, Walker, Henson, Grant, Takahashi pause WESTERN SYMPHONY: King, la Cour, Lovette, Ramasar, Kikta, Veyette * First Time in Role PROGRAM AND CASTING SUBJECT TO CHANGE (09/15/21)

More casting courtesy of Instagram: That feels like a lot of Western Symphony for Lauren. Casting I'm interested in for the first week is the Saturday matinee: PULCINELLA VARIATIONS: *Adams, M. Miller, Phelan, Hod, *E. Von Enck, *Chan, Applebaum, Coll, *Takahashi pause GLASS PIECES: *Nadon, *Sanz, *LaFreniere, *Riccardo, Habony, Chamblee, Reichlen, Janzen I would be very interested to see Chun Wai Chan dance (he posted video partnering Miriam Miller, is he tall?) and I think KJ Takahashi is a very dynamic young dancer. I am also glad to see Isabelle LaFreniere get featured in Glass Pieces first movement. I don't have tickets and have to go to a little league game instead so I hope someone will report back! I'm going opening night, very thrilled -- though I don't really understand why Megan LeCrone is first cast Serenade. I'm also excited to see Joe Gordon premiere in Opus 19.

Jovani Furlan's insta continues with the casting hints! He seems to be cast almost exclusively in unitard roles 🤣.

She's definitely doing Opus 19/The Dreamer, I don't know about Serenade.

Another hint to the other waltz girl, from Jovani Furlan's Insta:

No luck yet. All I saw was this from Megan Fairchild: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTh7913HZd3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

And Pointe Magazine cover girl Mira Nadon. I hope they announce some promotions in the fall.

I know! Some promotions would be great. Who knows when we will get any, though. I agree about Silas' dancing, but he's destined for great things at Colburn and beyond.

From her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CL9omDWnQnK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

I am wondering if some of the soloists they thought would mature have stalled out a bit -- I'm thinking Sebastian Villarini-Velez and Harrison Ball in particular. Peter Walker actually has grown into his body more (less of a string bean) so I think there's still room for him to move up. Aaron Sanz -- so beautiful to look at, but I'm not sold on stage, yet. Other soloists -- Troy Schumacher, Sean Suozzi, Daniel Applebaum etc., are probably not going to be promoted. So, going shopping for talent is understandable, though the timing is strange. I had the fleeting thought that they might try to poach Aran Bell from ABT . . . Jovani was excellent and captivating last fall and winter, in my opinion. Just great to watch. He's 6 feet tall, so just a little taller than Joe Gordon -- and they are about the same age (under 30). He's the most obvious promotion from Soloist. Roman should be promoted (fast, like in the old days) but he is obviously in the mold of a DeLuz, not the tall guy. Alec Knight is the other corps guy whom I think could be promoted to soloist now. There are some very young guys -- Abreu, Weber, Fahoury, Christopher Grant, Gilbert Bolden III, LaJeromeny Brown and Kennard Hanson whom I think are intriguing. I think male dancers just need time. That's why losing so much stage work is a huge detriment to them, as well as such a huge disappointment to us. And as for retirements -- I think the three listed were the ones already planned -- Ask was going to be this month and Maria in the spring. Gonzalo had danced his last "Dances at a Gathering" last fall so that seemed like a hint of things to come. But you have to think there will be more next year. Abby Stafford is in law school and mentioned in a response to another blog post that she was on leave from the company last winter (I have no information on her current status). Jared, Abby, Andy -- I'm sure they all want to hold out for a few more opportunities on stage before saying goodbye (and I will say that getting healthy has reset the clock for Veyette a bit). Of course they could just continue not promoting anyone, which is a little depressing, frankly.

I saw Lauren dance Aurora last winter (I think it was winter 2019 but correct me if it was the year before) and she is really lovely in the role as it suits her stage presence -- but the variations are a stretch. She was OK during the rose adagio promenades -- a little quick to hang on -- but later had several problems with her technique, particularly in turns (as noted by abatt). Interestingly it seems she was coached by Maria Kowroski for O/O. In early January I was at a lecture about Swan Lake where Maria spoke -- she indicated that she had offered to coach as she was one of the O/O's in the original run (with Igor Zelensky I think) but that her offer hadn't been taken up. Obviously there was a change of heart about that, for whatever reason. How was Harrison Ball?

Harrison Coll was at the recent SAB lecture series they do for adults (It was a session about Justin Peck, who was discussing his process) and he said he was injured on the last day of WSS filming but was on the mend.

The fat ladies are a disrespectful way to reference the sculptures at either end of the lobby on the first ring at the NYS theater. https://images.app.goo.gl/JrSLBuPGBtj7KfKo8

At the matinee intermission. Tiler is wonderful. There is (no surprise) a new vulnerability to her dancing that has made Odette wonderful to watch, and she seems to be allowing herself more mobility in the back and neck. Her arabesques are lower than before (they were never that high anyway). The speed and precision are as strong as before. I know I am a little rah-rah when it comes to Joe Gordon but boy are we lucky to get to watch him. He dances with such ease and he (seems to be) an excellent partner — former dancers, correct me if I’m wrong! His first act solo was beautiful. Aaron Sanz was back as Benno and I forgot what a lovely line he has. I saw Sebastian Villarini-Velez in the dress rehearsal on Feb 14 in this role and I will say that V-V is more of an acrobat. Maybe it’s due to his height but Sanz can be an uncertain turner (and dancing in direct comparison with Daniel Ulbricht is unfair!) There’s a tall blond apprentice man who caught my eye, too. I won’t bother to complain about the costumes, etc. except to say that I wish the blue of Sigfried’s costume wasn’t so close to the color of the backdrop. I am not going to count fouettes (sorry cubanmiamiboy) because it makes me tense! I am just going to assume she will do whatever she does and it will be incredibly enjoyable no matter what. Audience notes: some lady next to me was checking her phone during the cygnets. Another gentleman was either looking for his keys or sorting change during the PDD. And right now, under the fat ladies, I am sitting next to a 9 month old baby. I’m guessing she won’t care about the number of fouettes, either!

Yes please Cubanmiamiboy! This is from a charter member of the Joe Gordon fan club. Please also report on Tiler’s fouettes!

I have seen her, but not terribly recently. I remember feeling as if she were miscast. White swan's vulnerability and delicacy are a stretch for her; she's a much more natural black swan. There's a lot of emoting with eyebrows, that sort of thing. But from her instagram she's working on some insane black swan tricks, AND her partner is Jovani Furlan who has been very impressive so far. I think this response answers your question not at all!

Thanks for this! I always loved reading her blog (and seeing her onstage).

Harrison Coll has been filming West Side Story which just wrapped. Joe Gordon's hair reminds me of Damian Woetzel's so I don’t mind it — but industrial strength hairspray wouldn’t be a bad idea. It was really all over the place during Raymonda!

Mearns was the definition of imperial in tonight's Piano Concerto No. 2 -- when Russell Janzen led her around and everyone curtsied to her it was 100% real. Worlds better than Ashley was last fall. The corps was more together, too, which was great. Lauren King is terrific in it as well -- all around, a magnificent performance. Sara Mearns was sent home to rest yesterday (per her instagram stories) so I was afraid she was going to be replaced when they were announcing replacements -- I was relieved. That could explain the casting changes, though -- remember she did all those Diamonds she wasn't scheduled to do. Serenade is always lovely and I've always enjoyed Erica Pereira's Russian Girl so I was glad to see that tonight. Summerspace intrigued me, and for moments, really captured me -- and then would push me away. I wish I were seeing it again. i attended last night, too. Valse Fantaisie featured Indiana Woodward and Roman Mejia. I saw Indiana dance this with Harrison Ball last year, and I preferred that pairing. Roman has the goods, he just needs to develop a little subtlety (something often found in 19 year old boys, I know). Maybe it's a port de bras issue. I really liked Kammermusik No. 2 this time around. I think it's a compelling ballet for Teresa Reichlen. Union Jack -- my favorite part was seeing Russell Janzen marching around behind Ash LaCour in the corps! I guess someone couldn't go on last minute. In terms of promotions -- I think the closest is Indiana. She seems to have the command and I wish they would cast her in some of Ashley Bouder's rep instead of treating her like she's Tiler Peck's understudy. I know there's overlap in rep there. Unity Phelan is very lovely but at times I think overwhelmed when things get speedy. I've seen her fall a lot so I just might be getting nervous watching her. Last spring she fell three times during her debut in Suite #3 and then last night in Union Jack. I'm not sure she's ready. I don't think Harrison is going to be promoted yet. I think Emily Kikta deserves to be promoted to soloist, and I would guess Roman Mejia too, even though he is very young. One last thing -- as I was sitting in my cab going up Amsterdam Avenue last night, I looked out my window at a stoplight and who should be looking back at me but the costermonger's donkey! He was in his trailer heading home to greener pastures, I guess.

Just got back from tonight's performance with the Lovette and Liang ballets. The program opened with a very nice Opus 19. Garcia had his normal lovely stage presence and at moments reminded me of Peter Boal. The two new ballets were after the first interval with a (very short) pause in between. Lauren Lovette's ballet was not great. I should state up front that it contained two of my pet peeves: singing/speaking from dancers and an on-stage costume change. It might not be very nice of me but if I want to hear from my dancers I will go to Broadway instead. Overall, the ballet seemed overwhelmed by the size of the cast and the rigid, overwrought Zac Posen costumes. It's never a good sign when your mind starts recasting the ballet halfway through, but that's what I did. The most compelling dancer in the piece was Taylor Stanley, and I thought he should dance the Pazcoguin role. Though I liked her look (as I have a pixie cut and often wear tuxedo shirts) I thought the gender-bending element felt tacked-on. The PDD with Unity did not work at all. I was pleasantly surprised by the Liang -- and in contrast, the costumes were wonderful (I want that skirt) and the frou-frou disappeared when you wanted to see their lines. Maria/Tyler were lovely, but I think the partnership of Sara/Russell has now hit a new level. They seem very in tune. There was a lovely motif of a touch on the upper arm that really resonated with me. We also got a major hot-dog role for Roman Mejia which got me thinking about the T&V we will surely see in a few years' time with Roman and Indiana -- right? As for Symphony in C -- I think everyone had a late night last night. Even my beloved Joe Gordon looked a little off in the 4th Movement (though the 1st movement with Joseph/Megan was the best-danced movement tonight). The second movement was not one for the ages. I am very fond of Jared Angle--and loved Jock Soto when he was a similar body type late in his career -- but I have to say I think retirement approaches. Tess Reichlen seemed remote and unengaged. I always think with Symphony in C that the 2nd movement sets the bar for the rest of the ballet and it was just lackluster tonight. 3rd movement saw a nice NYC debut for Baily Jones and a so-so performance from Villarini-Velez who should really kill in this role. He looks a little out of shape. The 4th felt a bit messy and didn't have that breathless sense of anticipation during the race to the end. I mean -- it's still Symphony in C so you still love it -- but tonight with reservations. Does anyone agree or am I being really hard on some incredible dancers?

He’s really wonderful. I agree it wasn’t as polished as some of his other debuts — Oberon, for instance — but he can make his saves graceful! I thought Alston Macgill was adorable in her variation. All those variations just look brutal to do.

I was at Jewels last night (Friday), and I think it was, collectively, one of the finest performances of it I have seen. Emeralds is a quiet beauty. Bouder/Stanley danced the first principal couple, and Taylor Stanley was excellent. He has such a sensitive way of moving that amplified the atmosphere of the ballet. Having never seen Ashley in this role, I didn't know what to expect. Apart from the unfortunate return of the squeaky shoes (really, someone who dances, tell me what's going on there), she was quite lovely and restrained. I was missing Tiler Peck but not as much as I thought I would! I thought Megan LeCrone acquitted herself admirably but wish she would make the clock motion in the walking pas more pronounced. Rubies was, in a word, boffo. It was goosebump-level thrilling from start to finish. Mira Nadon looked great. Though, as we know, new to the role and only a year into company life, she dances with presence and personality. Your eyes don't leave her. Fairchild/Garcia were, frankly, amazing. I know there was a lot of new coaching behind the scenes and man has it paid off. She has so much command now -- I can hardly believe this is the same perfect-but-vanilla dancer I used to watch half a decade ago. He's in great form and was having an absolute blast. The whole cast brought the house down. I (no surprise) had high expectations for Sara Mearns in Diamonds. She was stunning. I saw her dance this previously a year ago, partnered by Joe Gordon in his debut (I, unfortunately, missed the post-Farrell coaching performances in the spring). In my view, she let herself move more slowly then she used to in the PPD -- her positions unfurled and presented themselves. She is obviously very comfortable with Russell Janzen, who looked appropriately noble and handsome in this. I thought he had some shaky outings last year and felt he was in better form last night. His variations were very secure. All in all, one of the best ways to spend 2.5 hours on the planet. Seeing Raymonda, etc. on Sunday so will report in then.