socalgal

This is an interesting dilemma, I agree. But I think this board has always had a healthy approach to this type of thing. I am sure we will hear where she will be going soon. She is a star and she will certainly land at a new wonderful ballet company! So I would assume we are awaiting to hear from a press release from someone else other than NYCB!

YES! And would love to know the casting for performances here at OCPAC!

In defense of Wheeldon's new version of Swan Lake, I saw it as extremely imaginative and inventive. It takes you in different directions than the traditional SL's that is for sure. So I do not see it as "perfectly awful" IMO. The choreography for the corps of swans is amazing and fresh. The opening scene in the ballet studio that changes before your eyes to the lakeside ( and into Sigfried's imagination) was incredibly powerful. This is definitely not for traditionalists I suppose. But it did possess a powerful theatricality and succeeded on its own terms. ABT's version tries to be traditional and misses the mark as many here have mentioned. But for me, its biggest disappointment is its lack of passion and inspiration which is one of the main reasons for returning to any SL. I would take Wheeldon's SL over ABT's version any day because of this, even though it is a non traditional rendering. My favorite traditional SL is the Kirov's. It just seems to be in their blood.........the passion, the technique, and production values.

Do any of you know if casting has been made for the OCPAC performances yet? After reading some posts here at BA, I am so curious as to which casts I will be viewing! Growing very excited.......

Unfortunately, I did not. I was told it was a beautiful production and lovely performances from couples Ochoa with Ady and Julie Diana with Hench dancing the title roles. One fun note! After Saturday's performance, Zach Hench proposed to Julie on stage in costume with the entire cast present! She said Yes , ofcourse! I was told it was a most romantic moment........ Also, a wonderful tribute to principle dancer David Krensing as he retired on Sunday after many years with the company. His presence will be missed. This year he took on many character roles that I will remember always - the husband in "The Concert" and Widow Simone in "La Fille" And Pugbee, Francis Veyette will be returning to PAB next season!

I was wondering also if this was a rarity among companies. Martha is such a beloved staff member of PABallet. Her role is Robbin's The Concert was hilarious as the concert pianist. On top of being on stage playing during that ballet, she played beautifully for Wheeldon's "Continuem" also in this program. I was glad to greet her after a performance to congratulate her for her fine playing. She was all smiles and exclaiming how much she loved doing this show and working with these dancers......the dancers adore her as well! And PABallet's rehearsals would not be the same without her playing I have been told......... I was elated that the newspaper did an article on her! She is a treasure.

This moderate, both ballet and modern enthusiast, theater lover, empyt nester with no grand children found Wednesday evenings performance of "Don Juan and Moliere" excruciating. I left at intermission I was so upset. I can count the times I have done that on one hand Although the dancers were lovely and the sets/costumes well done, it could not make up for the emptiness of content and movement vocabulary that seemed robbed from here and there......... (and this man was commisioned by NYCB?????)

I have tkts. for both ballets at OCPAC.......have any of you seen The Bright Stream? I am very curious about this ballet. I did read a bit of information on Marc's Ballet Lovers web site. How has it been received so far?

Thank you Carol~ We are planning a trip to London in August and was afraid of the summer tourist crowds causing difficulty in booking seats. Booking on line is a great idea! Now, to get our dates organized for travel We are attempting to gather the kids together for a short vacation to celebrate son's graduation from law school and DD will already be in Edinburgh dancing at the festival. Here's hoping it all works out!

If one was traveling to London this summer, how difficult would it be to get tickets to Billy Elliott? Are they sold out for months or is it possible to find tickets at all? Would love any information !

Its weird that they haven't announced this properly yet.....

WOW! This was wonderful Carbro. You are super to report all of this and it was a fantastic read. Have always admired PB and hope that he continues to grow and give more joy to the ballet world as AD of PNB as he has done as an artist at NYCB. Such a beautiful revealing interview.....so do you have the clips? :grinning-smiley-001:

I think Bejart's Rite of Spring is powerful! Would love to see it again.....

Nice to see A. Stafford's name appear after a lengthy absence!

PABallet's weekend performances did not disappoint! Will report later when time permits......... The Concert is a fitting addition to their rep. Absolutely hilarious. Glad I got to see multiple viewing of Wheeldon's Continuum and Raymonda Variations shows the overall talent of the corps again

There is a wonderful review of PABallet's opening night of "The Concert" program in the Philadelphia Inquirer.........philly.com/entertainment

Hey, I agree Carbro! Debuts are particularly exciting! Please, someone report on Riechlin's performance in Who Cares? Would love to be there.......what fun you NYers have!

Congrats to PABallet for this wonderful international exposure. This company is certainly worthy of being seen throughout the country as well as abroad. I hope they are able to begin touring more in the next few years as well, Pugbee~ Amy, you brought back memories of the old NEA Dance Touring program when regional companies like PABallet DID indeed tour the entire country. It was a great program that enabled all sizes of dance companies to perform across the country. The NEA picked up 50% of the tab to the presenter, as I recall......those were the days.......

I have been excited about his program all year....and now it's here! Thanks, Dale, for the casting news.

Would love to go to Friday's performance, but will be in Philly seeing PABallet's "The Concert" program which I have been waiting for all year!!! :hyper: Sorry to miss ABT and will look forward to all of you reporting about their visit to L.A. (I think that Kent and Carreno will make a great couple in Giselle and would have loved to have seen Part as Myrtha as well......... )

I do have memories of the old Ballet Theatre and NYCB in the early 60's. I was young and loved all of it! But what I found fascinating was watching the old films of NYCB that were shown for the Bicentenial. It was an eye opener to see Hayden, Tallchief, Wilde, Jillana, young McBride, Verde et al. dances these same ballets. They all had a wonderful color and texture to their performances as well as excitement. And I was surprised these old films captivated me like they did. There was a certain magic....don't know if I can explain it. Also a wonderful feeling of committment to the art they were creating while dancing it. Sometimes I feel that the young dancers of today get very concerned about "the spotlight" and dancing like everything is a competition rather than seeking the truth within the work. Only good coaching can keep the art of dance alive IMO. To understand the intention of motion, not just the skill!

The most irritating costumes that come to mind for me recenlty are from Kudelka's "Firebird" The princesses are heavily clothed from top to bottom, beginning with shiny gold wigs to pantaloons under dresses....you could not see a thing but feet and hands......

Not to take away from any of the above mentions, there are many worthy senior corps dancers that have lit up the Academy of Music stage with great performances in ballets of varying styles and genres . The fact that most all the corps is given opportunity says alot about the quality of dancers at PABallet IMO. And it is one of the enjoyable features about watching this company in numerous programs......there is a lovely texture to this group.

Congratulations to both Rio And James for their promotion. It is well deserved and I will be looking forward to seeing them dance next season! It has been a joy to watch the growth in James' dancing these last few years and he is such a great person. His Colas was beautifully danced in La Fille. He and Julie Diana made a charming couple as well. Rio has been a wonderful addition to PAB since her arrival. Looking forward to each of their Swan Lakes in the first program next season for sure.....my best to them both

Would love to know who were the supporting cast dancers in "Square Dance"