perky

Dear Coda Thanks so much for your insights into Ulanova. I realize that she was older in that video and also that she did'nt get to tour in the West until she was in her forties. As I understand it she herself and her teachers thought that her neck was too short so she devised a way to hide it by tilting her head forward and to the side a little. As for "Fountain", I did know that it was based on Pushkin, but I still think it is a silly idea for a ballet. Just like Le Corsaire is based on a poem by Lord Byron and I think it makes for a silly ballet too. But I love both of those ballets and the roles they give to ballerinas. So please don't take offense! I wish Ulanova was more well known in the West, so that current dancers could take inspiration in her sublime talent. I also wish that I could have seen her in Giselle. From what I understand this was her most memorable role and the height of her artistry.

There are two Soviet era ballerinas that deserve mention. Galina Ulanova had a bad body for ballet, (short neck and short almost pudgy arms) but when she danced you saw only extreme beauty in action. I had read about her before I saw any of her dance performances and was skeptical because apparently she was a good little comrade and friend to the powers that be. In return she was elevated to the point of a living icon in her day. Then I watched her dance in videos and realized that she deserved all of the praise she recieved. She was gently lyrical and had almost a sweet chaste appearance. If you get a chance watch the video for The Fountains of Bakhchiserai. It's a silly story but in the end where Ulanova dies, she transforms what could be a cliche into pure poetry. I also love Ekaterina Maximova. She had such joy when she danced and had beautiful legs and feet to die for!

Hi, I'm a longtime lurker, first time poster so here it goes. Replying to your question Sonora about what Balanchine dancers to invite back and coach thier original roles here is my list, Maria Tallchief-Firebird, Sylvia Pas De deux and Eurydice in Orpheus Allegra Kent-Bukagu, La Sonambula and staging a revival of The Seven Deadly Sins Melissa Hayden- Stars and Stripes Violette Verdy-La Source and Emeralds Patricia McBride-Who Cares, Divertimento from Baiser De La Fee, and Voices of Spring from Vienna Waltzes Edward Villella-Oberan, Rubies and Harlequinade Suzanne Farrell- Diamonds, Chaconne, and Mozartiana And they should bring back Don Quixote too, if not the full length ballet then maybe an abridged version. You know sort of like Highlights of Don Quixote with Marcela's solo from Act 1, a couple of the Act 2 devirtisments and all of Dulcinea's dances from Act 3. It of course would have to be staged by the Divine Miss Farrell herself. That would be a perfect world!