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Mearns & Janzen were both great tonight, as good as Tuesday night's performance I thought. Diamonds is such a wonderful ballet for him to finish up with. I'm catching all of his final performances this season, and can't believe he only has one more left. Very sad to see him go so soon. The fourth ring was open tonight and the house felt very full, and the performance didn't start til almost 8:15 with all the people trickling in way past 8. 

At the season preview in the spring, they mentioned a performance in which all the tickets would be a certain amount reflecting the 75th anniversary - $19.48 if I remember correctly. I don't remember when they said it would be. It is different from the art series in the winter season. Maybe this could be the one? They said they'd market it carefully, probably with the intention of bringing in new audiences and not existing subscribers/donors.

I also thought I wouldn't be charged $4 + $8 in fees on each ticket as a subscriber. It was disappointing as that adds up quickly! I purchased tickets for opening night, Russell Janzen's farewell, and the 75th Anniversary. I encountered a few issues on the website, but was solved by just signing out and back in. I did buy them all in one transaction vs. multiple.

Totally agree, only made it twice this season. I will save my money for the 75th anniversary NYCB season and hopefully some good programming by ABT in the fall. With summer travel and a shorter season with only 4 ballets, it just didn't work out this year. I would like to see to see either more than 4 ballets offered next year or if only 4, then some different ones. I think of when I used to plan to see 4 Giselle's in 4 days and now struggle to find casts I really want to see. Going to check out Aran Bell in R+J tonight, hoping it's a great performance!

I was there on Thursday, and totally agree! During Square Dance, my eye kept going to Alexa Maxwell but also Claire von Enck. Huxley was fantastic. I do enjoy the See the Music and love having the orchestra raised up. It was not a long program, but I noticed many people running out as soon as the curtain went down on Donizetti. Maybe they had a train to catch. I've been unable to attend the spring season til this week and so while I was just happy to be there, it would have been a subdued, subpar evening had it not finished with Donizetti. I saw Veyette in this during the winter season and was pleasantly surprised with his performance then. This performance was just as good, if not better. 

I just tried to renew on a Flex package, which is what I've had for the past few years. I tried to add Sept 19, opening night, of Jewels and only see dates available starting on the 20th. Does this mean it's already sold out? Or is just not available to me as Flex subscriber? 

Would love to hear about Jared’s farewell from anyone who attends! With such short notice, I’m unable to attend.

I enjoyed last night's Allegro. Tyler Angle danced well, despite no longer being at his peak. Megan Fairchild was very enjoyable to watch, but she doesn't quite bring the thrill of Tiler's performance. Emma von Enck was probably the biggest star last night. Ashley Hod's Firebird was good for her debut, and I believe she'll improve over time. I wish I could have seen LaFreniere instead though, as her Firebird last spring was what actually made me a fan of hers. I found that Hod looks very stiff at times, as her back is not as flexible as others and she turns her hip out more to raise her leg higher. It was my last time seeing Jared Angle as I'm unable to attend his farewell. I appreciate all his dancing over the years and while I believe it's time for him to retire, will miss him. I also really enjoyed listening to the podcast episode in which he interviews Tiler about Allegro. He's very down to earth and charming.

I thought the debuts in Episodes were all strong with the standouts being Chan and Gerrity. Sara Mearns looked great too. With so many retirements recently, especially from dancers who hadn't really deteriorated, like Reichlen and Hyltin, I really hope we get to keep watching her for many years to come. Vienna Waltzes isn't my favorite, although it's beautiful. While not listed in the program, I noticed Roman Mejia and Sebastian Villarini-Velez among the faces in the last part. It was such a wonderful night to see Sterling and Robbie back on stage together. They were really enjoying the moment. At the very end, Robbie brought Sterling out in front of the curtain and presented her with a bouquet. Such a sweet moment. She's looked amazing all season, and I'm sad to see her go soon. Also, Claire Kretzschmar retires this weekend and danced in both Episodes and Vienna Waltzes tonight. 

@aurora Very much agree. I've been looking to supplement my initial subscription with a few more performances to see Sterling a few more times, but the $80 ticket ($70 subscriber) is a bit of a turn off. There are hardly any $38 tickets available at all. It's discouraging. Also, it makes it harder to invite friends along at a higher price point without feeling that I need to subsidize their ticket or treat them to get them to check it out for the first time.

I am excited about The Dream! I missed the last time ABT performed it, but loved seeing The Royal Ballet perform it at the Koch in 2015. While Whipped Cream isn't my favorite, I would be happy to see it again as it is visually pleasing, although I wish I could see Simkin and Hallberg in it again. I had hoped to see more T&V, but this programming looks pretty good to me.

4 hours ago, ABT Fan said:

Oh no!! Cornejo has been replaced by Royal at Saturday’s matinee. I mean no offense to Royal, but I was so looking forward to seeing Cornejo with Trenary! (And, I was thinking this was probably the first Met season in recent years that Cornejo wasn’t injured; although I don’t know the reason for the substitution.) Ugh.

Oh no, I had specifically gotten a ticket to see Cornejo with Trenary too. I was really looking forward to it, as he was still in fine form this season and didn't expect that this past weekend would be the last time I'd see him this season. I'll probably still go to see Trenary as I didn't get to see much of her this season, but not particularly excited about Royal. 

Agreed. They need to develop their men because they’ve demonstrated that when they’re down a few with injuries, they really struggle to put together a strong showing all around. They have the talent but do not seem to prepare them enough for prime time to allow them to really shine. It’s like they expect them to toil in the corps for years then immediately churn out principal level performances. They need a few more male soloists that can develop into the leading roles. Shayer is the only youngish one besides Han, and he is not the full package and on the shorter side. I don’t seem him reaching Cornejo or Simkin level performances.

Surprised about Coker and Curley too, hoping they’ll be in the next cycle whenever that will be. Congrats to all!

Curley replaces Bell in ZigZag at today’s matinee

It was a bit odd tonight - not a big crowd, energy felt low, many substitutions, and the night felt too drawn out. T&V didn't have the same impact on me as it did a few years back when they performed it in the fall at the Koch, maybe due to the half empty theater. Cornejo was fantastic - the brightest part of the night. Brandt was fine but didn't blow me away. I think I prefer either taller dancers or just NYCB dancers. Also, as mentioned by others earlier this week, some members of the audience seem to be trying to clap after every single little thing, a bit disruptive. 

It was my first time seeing both Single Eye and ZigZag. They weren't particularly memorable but I was pleasantly surprised, not by the works themselves but by seeing many different dancers who I don't normally get to see featured. The dancers all appeared to be enjoying themselves, so that was nice too. I was very impressed by Jacob Clerico and Michael de la Nuez, and was happy to see Connor Holloway. I've seen more of Jarod Curley and Sung Woo Han this season and am impressed by them each time. Zimmi Coker is always a standout, so bright and crisp.

The website said the estimated run time was 2 hours 5 minutes, which would have ended at 9:35-9:40, but it didn't end until about 9:55. Despite not being very well attended tonight, it didn't start on time and the intermissions lasted way too long. It felt like the audience was getting a bit bored waiting, at least near me.

I have a ticket for tomorrow as well, but not sure what cast I'll actually see given all these last minute substitutions. On an unrelated note, Amar Ramasar was in attendance and I was happy to see him and will miss him across the plaza.

Thank you for posting this! I had a ticket for his farewell all year and ended up being out of the country and unable to attend. He has been a longtime favorite of mine and happy to see that he got a great sendoff even with an injury. Through it all, he has had loyal fans and I’m happy today was wonderful for him! He has given us so much over the years and certainly deserves it!
 

Everyone can have their own opinion, but I think it's good to be heard if you can. If you've ever been a person who felt treated unfairly in the workplace, especially as female, it's maddening to feel that you are not heard. I understand that NYCB is a bit different and has other complexities. 

@ASLI think it was good to share your story. I wasn't able to attend your farewell because I was out of town, but otherwise would have, if anything to honor all the years you danced for NYCB audiences especially beautifully in Emeralds. You brought joy to audiences. I was not aware of the estrangement with your brother, I think I always just assumed you were very close and most of tension came from other dancers regarding casting. 

49 minutes ago, MarzipanShepherdess said:

She was scheduled to dance in the new Tanowitz tonight and Naomi Corti subbed in for her last minute. Hope it’s not an injury. 

She posted that's she's missing due to Covid, so hoping she'll be back soon!

Ah, I am not ready to see Sterling go! I’ll have to see her as much as possible before. She is one of my favorites and her dancing has not declined. Sad about this one, wonder if others are coming…

I went Friday night and was impressed by all the pieces and performers. The pieces really brought out the best in the performers and highlighted their strengths. My favorites were Swift Arrow, the Alonzo King piece with Tiler and Roman Mejia, and Time Spell, the Dorrance piece. I went to see Tiler, Mejia, Dorrance, and others that I like from NYCB and ABT, but every dancer onstage was intriguing. She had a strong mix of principals and up and coming ballet dancers and then the tap dancers were incredible. I had seen Tiler and Michelle Dorrance in some works at City Center before, so I knew it would be a treat. Tiler was at her best, dazzling with such speed and musicality, and Mejia with huge jumps that got audible gasps from those around me. I haven't seen much Forsythe, but really enjoyed The Barre Project, Blake Works II. It was good to see Brooklyn Mack after a few years too. The program was very engaging and none of the pieces dragged on. I'd be excited to see any other programs she assembles in the future. 

Great news! I am so happy for all of them, as they all looked excellent this winter. Looking forward to seeing more of them this spring!

In case this wasn’t mentioned already, the snacks and champagne bar have returned. Serenade just finished and all dancers were excellent, just beautiful and satisfying to watch. The house is quite full tonight, which is good to see. 

I was there to see DGV and it was worth the wait til end of the program. I love the energy, music and partnering of this ballet, and it is visually stunning as well. I agree with your assessment @abattof Furlan and LaFreniere. I chalked it up to their debuts in those roles. I'm seeing it again on Saturday, so will see if they improve. Otherwise, the dancing was great. The third pair is my favorite and while I miss those long beautiful lines and security of Maria, I really enjoyed watching Sara Mearns with Tyler Angle. He partners so well. I know some of have commented on his decline in some roles or on his appearance, but I will be sad for the day when he's not at NYCB and hope he is here for years to come. Lastly, I was wowed by Mira Nadon. I can see why she is one of the next big things at NYCB, radiant and commanding. I look forward to seeing more of her.

Partita was fine, but not one that I would want to see again after this season or even again Saturday. Great cast full of dancers I like to see - Tiler Peck, Stanley, Mejia - and the colorful fabrics hanging onstage were visually appealing. I appreciate the vocals from Roomful of Teeth. I like that Peck tries these different combinations of music and art onstage, but I am ready to move on from sneaker ballets. 

I enjoyed Summerspace. I don't see Danchig-Waring or Gerrity often, so was pleased to see them both. They danced well, along with Laracey and Villarini-Velez.

Reichlen's retirement in just a few weeks caught me by surprise. I immediately had to get a ticket to see her farewell! While I wish it were in the full length Swan Lake or another role, I'm happy to be able to see her at all given the pandemic. I had expected to see her perform many more times, but I am glad to see her moving on to something new if she's happy. I am hoping for more years from Mearns and Hyltin, as they are two of my favorites.