WLH

Takahashi, Woodward and especially Ulbricht (W O W) stole tonight’s show. I too left before the Wheeldon closer..

I agree, I don’t remember any sort of frozen facial expression in her Myrta debut, maybe that’s why it caught me off guard.

Totally agree that the highlights of tonight were Trenary and Camargo, lyrical and beautiful. Melvin was excellent as Bottom. In Ballet Imperial, Shevchenko seemed.. empty? Technically capable, but very little musicality or artistry? Royal III doesn’t have the technique for this as stated above, (why cast him? He’s more effective in other things) however he has a warm aura about him, magnetism, beautiful arms. That doesn’t make up for an absence of chemistry or romance between them, though. A lot of the partnering looked labored and tense. The corps also looked a little off at points. Misseldine has beautiful feet and legs, good stage presence, but her expression was sort of frozen and peppy the whole way through? from the first ring it was somewhat distracting. Again though, all worth it to see Camargo and Trenary! I would watch him and Aran Bell do just about anything.

Was Bottom perhaps Melvin Lawovi?

You have a very kind and considered way with words, Drew!

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/iatse-broadway-league-pink-contract-agreement-1235540420/

Yes!! This was my first time seeing Ahn, and I noticed a few “wobbles” in his solo, which surprised me as I know you all have said he is reliable technically. Maybe an off night?! Totally agree, abatt. I felt that Seo was better last night than she was in the role last year. She has the arms this ballet requires.

Another mesmerizing jump into the lake from Aran Bell last night. I love when you can hear those around you practically losing their breath

I also found Cornejo’s take on the lifts to be beautiful, definitely more difficult to execute. But can certainly understand preferring the more classic version. I quite like when dancers are confident enough to do something slightly uniquely, makes for some interest after viewing multiple performances in succession.

Totally agree. Even at the end of his career, I’d still much prefer to see Cornejo than a lot of the other ABT principal men, where you are often choosing between A) solid technician, or B) acting capability. I look forward to a retirement programme that honours his artistry. Brandt’s technique in Giselle alone is worth the price of the ticket. In the grand scheme of things, she hasn’t been performing this role very long, and it’s exciting to consider how she will develop her interpretation in the years to come.

I love to read all of your thoughts, and see how we view some things similarly and others differently, thank you for always taking the time everyone! If anyone sees Teuscher’s debut, even if it is July 4th.. please do share your comments.

The Wilis corps really were sublime weren’t they, majestic. Not to be overly harsh, but the Peasant pas read quite.. amateurish to me tonight. Maybe as it’s a highlight of the first act it’s more jarring when it’s not so good. Seo has the most beautiful arms, this role really seems to suit her. I agree that her mad scene wasn’t hugely moving, but otherwise I was much more impressed than I expected to be. Beautiful. It does seem odd that Stearns doesn’t have more of a sense of drama considering the length of his career.. Still, it’s my favourite ballet. Looking forward to Brandt and Cornejo.

From an abtofficial sponsored Instagram post: “Fireworks and “Giselle” make the perfect 4th of July. Buy one ticket, get one free and enjoy this classic ballet on Independence Day. Use code ABTFOURTH for 50% off select seats. Limit of 4 tickets per order. Subject to availability.” Is this Devon’s performance?

As a slightly younger person with friends who may be curious but are not necessarily ballet fans, I’ve heard them express interest in Giselle this season, for example, but no mention of LWFC.. this obviously isn’t a huge focus group, but I do wonder what “data” they’re looking at.. I’m looking forward to all of your takes on this ballet.

I attended tonight.. just wanted to echo everyone else re: Raymonda and say how wonderful Fairchild is. Every movement is so expansive. Any time I see her it is a total joy. Huxley is becoming one of my favourites, this is my third time seeing him. Utterly poetic and light as a feather. They’re beautiful together.

https://wwd.com/eye/people/new-york-city-ballet-artistic-director-jonathan-stafford-on-modernizing-the-company-for-a-new-era-1235605948/?fbclid=PAAabi6X8nsMx87gHmhcz1Z6-Teg_-fJf9_FMlufdQWTblt3uGPpg5BKUfgpk In case this is of interest to anyone “Jonathan Stafford on modernizing the company for a new era” in Women’s Wear Daily

I saw her Aurora last weekend and totally agree. “Vibrant” is the perfect word. Always someone I seek out in the company.

I saw Fairchild and Gordon on Saturday evening. Fairchild was just stunning in her characterization, gorgeous solo from Gordon, Cainan Weber as Bluebird got a huge response from the audience, Mejia, a great jester, you couldn’t keep your eyes off him.. Nadon was very beautiful. Maybe a little too.. lyrical for the character? But I’m nitpicking. I’m really not a huge fan of Martins choreo, but watching Fairchild these days is never not a special experience.

1. Fairchild 2. Peck 3. LaFreniere in my eyes

I was there this evening. I feel like Mejia and Chan are at the top of the food chain in terms of excitement these days, for me personally. I found Chan and Phelan very moving in Liturgy. I thought it was beautiful, the music too, and I’m not particularly fond of contemporary works in general (to put it lightly). LaFreniere also completely moved me. She conveyed so much. Gerrity did not, to be honest. Lovely facial expression and execution of steps, but lacked true artistry for me. That *feeling*..just wasn’t there. Maybe it’s me! It was nice to see quite a full house! Not that they ever open the fourth ring, ha, but even so.

Well said. Thank you

Exactly that, abatt. It’s not that I find Magbitang perfect or that I want to fast forward through his career, but his technique and presence especially in a debut is thrilling. Hard not to look to the future. Your Don Q idea for him will now have me smiling too Interesting to consider Camargo’s progress in a v short period of time. I also didn’t notice any out of place smiling last night. Camargo and Trenary both bring drama without compromising on technique. Whereas Ahn and to some extent Seo didn’t have that same emotional quality for me. I’ve never seen him before, so maybe I’m being harsh or would prefer him in another work.

Cassandra Trenary is one of the most lovely dancers I’ve seen at ABT in some time. Camargo actually moves me, which I can’t say for all of the male principals on the roster. His chemistry with Cassandra was beautiful. Between that and the debut from Elwince I couldn’t have asked for much more. I ended up spending a few minutes of The Seasons happily thinking about the day when he and Jonathan Klein get promoted. Klein’s role in The Seasons was more magnetic than some of the more senior members’ performances in my eyes. It’s exciting to think about the future of the company with the talent that’s blooming.

Well said fondoffouettes and aurora. May be worth asking ourselves why a black cast/artistic team is “woke”, “social messaging” or exclusionary, but the same is never said for majority white productions with white dancers, choreographers, conductors, etc.. Individual tastes aside re: particular programmes, I’m not sure what’s distasteful about “celebrating black excellence” and as fondoffouettes said, for three performances. As someone who does love the classics and is wary of people perhaps being disingenuous in a time where of course we should be demanding representation for all kinds of stories in the arts, I’m not sure if it’s worth overthinking the press release before something has premiered. Either way, art should start conversations and open our minds, so no harm in discussion!

Precisely.