atm711

Fokine and Massine listed themselves as Choreographer---but that would have been a stretch for Pete!

17 hours ago, California said:

I guess we can look forward to Ballet Imperial at the Met in 2024. Interesting they use that name instead of the current Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 2. 

The absence of  the Russian companies for the indefinite future is going to be felt for many of these dance series - Kennedy Center, Segerstrom. 

When I saw Ballet Imperial in the ‘40s with Marie Jeanne and Mary Ellen Moylan alternating in the ballerina role--it took me many decades to see the “imperial” in the ballet until I saw Ananiashville with ABT,  For the first time I saw what Balanchine had in mind.--better stick  with the “Piano Concerto” title and not seek out the ‘Imperial"

Very sad news--I am almost sorry I logged on today and got this news.  She encouraged me to write about performances I had seen (something I had never done before.) She

was always generous with her time and encouragement.  Rest in peace, Alexandra. I will pray for you.

I was fortunate to see Jean Babilee --LIVE.  He literally skimmed the floor in those Brise Voles!  I seem to remember a clip of him out there in Bl;uebird.

Stephane Bullion was ---is--the absolute TOPS!!

On 5/10/2022 at 12:22 PM, abatt said:

I don't think so.  ABT's past glories were based on its roster of  dancers, and unfortunately a number of principal and soloist dancers in the current roster are  not glorious dancers. 

I was thinking more of the repertoire.  McKenzie’s choices of a week of this and a week of that were the Coup de grace.

What an inspired choice!  Hopefully Ballet Theatre’s past glories will emerge.

Graci per I bei ricordi.  Riposare in pace.

My earliest memories of Jacques go way back to his student days at SAB.  He was 13 then, tall and skinny with straight black hair that was

always in his eyes.  He stood out from the rest of the boys by his sheer exuberance, and looking like he  belonged on a sandlot instead of

a ballet studio.  Eternal rest, Jacques.

Good News!!  He was a disaster to the Company I once loved.  A bit of forward thinking please.

I never saw Doubrovska dance professionally (she was long retired by the time I went to performances)  but as a student in NYC in the mid 40's she taught at the School of American Ballet and I saw her teach many classes.  She was in her early 50's at the time and still in good shape.  She wore a knee length chiffon skirt and carried a long chiffon scarf and was perfectly coiffed!  Those long legs were unusual at the time and she swooped them over the barre beautifully.  Maria Tallchief (Company Ballderina at the time) was also in class  but looked rather mousy compared to Felia.

Thanks.  At the time he left it was felt by the fan crowd that he 'sold out'.  That crowd also felt  the same way about Robbins!  

I first saw Tommy Rall when he was at a tender age.  He was in the Corps of Ballet Theater and had an electrifying solo in "Graduation Ball".  He performed

a Tyrolean dance and always brought the house down---and it was a big House--the old Met in nyc.    RIP

That's one way of gertting the audience back in their seats !! 

Nijinska's Early Memoirs is my favorite "ballet" book.  I cherish my copy and re-read its every few years.  At the. time of her daughter Irina's death in 1991 she was in the process of editing a sequel.  As far as I know, it wasn't completed.

What an electrifying performer she was on stage! Rest in peace and thanks for the memories.

On 7/12/2020 at 10:19 AM, Hogmel said:

hi! I am a couch ballet fan, i know basically nothing about ballet but for some reason i find it fascinating and beautiful. 

 

That's the best way to be---'knowing nothing'.  You are free to let the poetry of the movement and music wash over you. That was me so many years. ago

when I saw my first performance (1944)

Thanks for that Dirac...I never saw that!

One of my favorites!  How I love 'The Heiress".  My one claim to fame is that back in the 80's we used the same

hairdresser in Manhattan!

Belated!!  but Happy Birthday Alexandra!!

6 hours ago, Buddy said:

I just watched the first part, George Balanchine's

"Serenade"

Absolutely Gorgeous  !

George Balanchine as  might be performed by the Angels.

Thanks, Jeff-sh.

'Ballet Imperial' was even better!!  I can see Ananiashvilli's hand in that!  She was a brilliant interpreter of the role with ABT.

Thanks Helene.  That was a bit of therapy I needed!!  With some luck all those naysayers will move to Tuscaloosa!

With my beloved city suffering this is the last thing I need to read!  For Shame!!!

On 3/24/2020 at 2:32 PM, Helene said:

 

I've been thinking a lot about the dearth of female choreographers, and the argument around whether there are a lack of women choreographers or whether they just haven't been given their chance.  I would argue that the great majority of choreographers are women:  they do it all the time in high schools, for high school musicals, 

Well Helene--thanks for the recognition!  I was one of those people---I taught in a high school and involved in many productions.  My favorite was 'Fiddler on the Roof'.  I did have some help though.  We were sent a 2" thick book of the Robbins choreography andI adapted it to the athletic students, and they were great.

I was fortunate to see it with both original casts--Alicia Markova and Nora Kaye, both with Hugh Laing,  For too many years I have been listening to the "too expensive to revive" mantra.  When NYCB was planning a R&J I was hoping they would do the Tudor..but we all know the mess we got.  I guess Martins forgot he was once a member of the Company and it would have been a great way to honor him. The ballet had so many beautiful subtle moments in it,  One of my favorites (which is out there somewhere on tape) is the scene where Romeo is leaving Juliet after their night together and as he walks out he looks over wistfully at the bed he shared with her.