So happy to read this post. Union Jack is one of so many examples of Balanchine's genius on every level - technicality, humor, showmanship, humility, musicality and just plain 'crowd pleasing'. What a treat to see Andy Veyette and Meghan Fairchild dancing together!!! I have seen every program this season and it's always a pleasure to see this ballet again and again. It is a celebration of the man (and Rosemary Dunlevy - see photo posting by company members) and his great spirit in his theatre! Which brings me to the balance of the majority of performances I have seen this season. And I want to reference Alastair Macaulay's reviews, as well. NYCB needs to step up their game. Yes, there have been transitions and the world is also changing. But Ballet is Ballet. And greatness is greatness. And right now there are dancers that are doing a great job but there are problems with many dancers and their technique, their performance quality (or lack of) and this casting the same people night after night. The theatre is half full more days than not - why go if it's the same dancers and same show - how boring. The new Liang piece was pleasing - the partnering was very beautiful and danced exceptionally. But the new Lovette's piece was so bad it's not worth discussing. Poor Mr. B, in his house. Why not being in Tywla if you want a woman choreographer - you cannot do better! To make matter worse, some NYCB dancers are performing with their faces looking like they are angry or scared or in pain or even talking to themselves (Olivia MacKinnon, and they keep casting her up the ladder?? really?) which is a sign of an immature performer! Alastair questioned the daily training. Maybe that is it. But honestly I believe there is no fear of competition to do better. You can review the casting posting and feel like the administration is going to cast the same people over and over. So why try harder? The company has a several corp members whose technique is outstanding and their faces shine every show who are not being cast - Ghaleb Kayali, Christopher Grant, Laine Habony, Isabella LaFriennere, Alton McGill come to mind immediately. And why are they passed over for featured roles? There is no doubt the company as a whole is amazing and most definitely ballet has matured over the course of my lifetime. But NYCB is better than this and should be. I wish them a great remainder of the season and let's hope we see a quantum leap for Nutcracker season.
