socalgal

Yes, TothePointe! I recall Sonia Arova telling me that she had the record for the longest balance in DQ ......until she saw Paloma on that aired performance you are speaking of! Even Sonia could not believe it

I'll be there too, Lazar Canary! I saw the tail end of the production last night and peeked in at the finale......very lively colorful production and the cast seemed to be singing whle skipping about! Arantxa Ochoa and Zach Hench, former principal of SFB were dancing the leads with David Krensing as Widow Simone. The house was extremely full and lively for a Friday evening. The exiting audience comments were of joy and laughter. One person even remarked "I didn't think it would be this much fun!" My DD went to the opening of the Dali exhibit and tells me I MUST go.....so catch that too while you are in town

WOW......It's about time they featured a dancer or dance period! I will eagarly await ..... :hyper:

(Like Jim Carrey for "...Spotless Mind" )

This season does sound exciting......and those of you who have not seen this Swan Lake by Wheeldon should try to catch it and even see it twice if you can. The first viewing was 'jarring' for me and there was so much visually to take in. My next viewing was more relaxed and I was able to enjoy the ballet in total. It is really a beautifully designed production even if you may have varying opinions about the departures from many other more traditional SL's. February's Balanchine programming has my vote.....the company dances Balanchine ballets exceedingly well. I was also glad to see Neenan's 11:11 returning in hopes I can see it this time around! It was given such high praise as one of his best ballets yet. Would like to know more about D'Amboise's "Franklin Court" which does sound interesting, GWTW.........

I agree with you, Farrel Fan! I loved Ms. Bentley's review and many of her word choices. It did not bother me at all that after reviewing the books, she entered into her own platform regarding the Past and Present of NYCB. I agreed with most everything she had to say......and I will also look forward to her book on Kirstein.

Thanks Carbro~ Seeing Sylve and Bouder in Symph in 3 Mvmts. sounds divine! Just seeing if I can work this out........

Does anyone know how difficult it would be to get tkts. for Sat eve. performance? (Feb 26)

I have to comment on the Rockwell review of PAB even though I did not see this program. His language bothers me every time I read his reviews. I agree with Amy that his tone to the article is supportive of PAB as a solid company, his descriptions leave you cold and even confused. Certainly, I can see why Sinatra Songs may not live up to its early performances with Tharp's own troupe, I know PAB's dancers who can light up the stage and have edge and flair. Julie Diana was dancing one of the leads. But what seemed worse is his compliment to Neenan as a choreography talent when giving 11:11 an odd and less than compilmentary assessment. Very confusing to me. From what the Kraus review of the same performance stated gave a much clearer picture ...........IMO Others that I have spoken with were all in agreement that 11:11 was an amazing piece and they are hoping it stays in the repertory long term. The audience was also enthusiastic from what I was told. I know it is not uncommon for two reviews to be differing in opinions which is fine. However, it seemed to me that both Rockwell and Kraus were on the 'same page' but Kraus's writing gave me a much keener sense of performance. Again, I was also bothered by dancers not being mentioned for stand out performance......and I cannot believe in the entire night that Rockwell did not find atleast one mention!

So John Rockwell of the NYTimes came to Philly to review this program.......what an interesting surprise! Although unable to attend this show, I was given a far clearer picture from the Kraus review than from Rockwell's. Did anyone else see the show or is anyone going this weekend? Would love to hear more......it seems that Neenan's 11:11 was a wonderful success!

You know who came to mind for me after reading your post? Gelsey Kirkland and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Now that was chemistry!

Alexandra and Leigh.....I salute you for charging straight at this one!( Keep your red capes intact - the bull is charging! ) I am not a New Yorker but I have always made a bee line to the NYTimes for their reviews on the Dance. Now I will not. He has not convinced me of either his love and passion for dance as a performing art nor his critical knowledge of its development. I find his hiring odd. What struck me the most was his true lack of enthusiasm and passion for dance in general. Atleast it does not show in his writing. He seemed more involved in debating his stance in the Sunday article. Your letters to him had a great effect and I find that terrific. As for his recent reviews - they seem more historical back log rather than expression of his experience in viewing these performances. I hope you stay on this one

I cannot thank you enough for founding and taking such incredible care of developing this wonderful web site.........You are truly amazing....with much appreciation!

I certainly would give Merrill Ashley credit for her staging of Ballo as well! PABallet performed it for the first time last October and it was brilliant. The company had incredible energy, sharpness and musicality from corps to principles. She must put her heart and soul into her coaching and it shows, it really does!

Thanks for all the info, Amy, Carbro and Hockeyfan! It will be interesting to see how the ballet will play now as many of these old Sinatra tunes having been over-used for various commercial venues. It was so fresh when I first encountered this piece....and the partnering in the pdd's was thrilling. Not sure if I will be catching this PAB showing, so I hope that those of you who do will report here!

Is the Nine Sinatra Songs still danced with the women in black cocktail dresses and the men in tuxes? I love this ballet also but it has been a number of years since I last saw it performed by Twyla's company.

From what I have been told, it will be set by Elaine Kudo (sp.?) This is the first time this wonderful Tharp piece has been performed at PABallet. I remember seeing Kudo perform it with Baryshnikov for ABT. Didn't she also dance with Twyla Tharp's own company at one time?

I am so glad that someone mentioned the wonderful AND underused Jennifer Tinsley. Would love to see her in a mulititude of principle roles!

From the "other coast" ~ The Museum of Television and Radio's Balanchine Celebration gave me weekends of pure pleasure. There were so many fine filmed performances of note, I wouldn't know where to begin. To see the original cast of "Davidsbundlertanze", watch a young Farrell in "Concerto Barocco", seeing Gloria Govrin rehearse "Apollo" with Balanchine, Pat Wilde in 'Square Dance" and the list goes on and on.....this was worth every gallon of gas I used to get there. Hats off to........ Orange County of Performing Arts for this year's programing which included a two program visit by the Kirov, a week of the Royal Ballet and an amazing week long visit by NYCB with a host of great Balanchine ballets. Great Individual performances.....Alina Cojocaru in the title role of "Giselle".... Maria Kowroski in the 2nd movement of "Symphony in C" as well as saving Peter Martin's new ballet with her S'wonderful presence....PABallet's Arantxa Ochoa in "Four Temperments"......also PAB's Amy Aldridge and Julie Diana in the lead role of "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" as well as Phil Colucci as the Hoofer.....Sofiane Sylve in all she danced at OCPAC, Diana Vishneva in "Rubies", the entire NYCB cast of "Stars and Stripes" at OCPAC and Dede Barfield's farewell performance as Odette/Odile in PABallet's "Swan Lake" The Kirov's performance of "Jewels" as well as the Fokine prgram at OCPAC....a long awaited visit! Just to see these Russians dance "Chopiniana" gave you casue to remember how the romantic white ballet actually should be danced. And 'out of town'...... Pennsylvania Ballet's premiere of Chris Wheeldon's (after Petipa) "Swan Lake". His vision was creative and thought-provoking with stellar performances by the entire company. I cannot wait to view it again next Fall......good luck to them at the Edinbourgh Arts Festival next August where they will perform this ballet! Bravo!

A snooze ....... Royal Ballet's "Cinderella" at OCPAC (sorry folks, it was dark, cold and stiff) An eye sore..........the NYCB corps de ballet in Symphony In C at OCPAC (girls were actually looking around to see if they were dancing the right steps and in the right spot! ) I expected more from them...... Depressing............The lack of any dance programing on A & E's Breakfast at the Arts.

wow! Thanks Marc for sharing this website with us.....beautiful photos.

I have seen a few of Matt Neenan's works for PABallet and he is extremely talented. "Le Travail" was commissioned to honor the very special Degas exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art in February of 2003. His piece was more than a mere novelty parallel. His staging of Dega like creatures gave an interesting perspective of the class-driven society of 19th century Paris. The colors and designs he painted were abstracted and somewhat distant. I liked his movement choices as he seems able to stay within his classical training but departs with his own inventiveness of design and phrasing. In last years "The Crossed Line" Matt gave a more personal and intimate showing of modern relationships in love and friendships. Again, his movement was unique and enhanced his thematic material with interesting and lovely movement ideas. His work is always pleasing to me and I seem to grasp where he is going and enjoy the journey. Other strengths to these pieces were the designs of costumes, sets and lighting. They set up the visuals nicely for each work. However, the music in "Le Travail" was too austere and severe for me. In "The Crossed Line", Chopin worked well with the intimacy but went on too long and should have been edited IMO. I look forward to seeing Matt's newest ballet entitled " 11:11" And I can say that the PABallet dancers always shine when dancing his choreography! And I do think Matty is a choreographer to watch for......

Last weekend's opening of PAB's Nutcracker did have many casting changes, but did not disappoint! Zach Hench's repeat performances of Cavalier were a treat and all the corps members who replaced the upper ranks in Act II were exemplary. Balanchine's ballet flows so seamlessly that I never seem to tire watching repeat performances. Act I focuses on the children and family culture. The dance with the girls and their father always makes me smile. It is the way Balanchine gives character to each family on stage and keeps the scene moving constantly without feeling strained and it tells me that this man did understand the 'story' ballet quite well. The children this year did nicely. And although they were not as polished in their dancing as in years past, they made up for it in enthusiasm and energy. Julie Diana and Zachery Hench danced a beautiful Sugar Plum/Cavalier pas. Having seen Julie dance SFB's version, it was fun wathching her charm and style in this one. Her solo floated along with a more reserved softer approach than others in this company. Their pas was superb. I also enjoyed the other couplings I saw which included Aranxta Ochoa with James Ady (dazzling pas). Val Amiss and James Ihde and Amy Aldridge with Zach (a handsome match-up). The corps was full of new faces but the Snow scene and Flowers had polish, musicality and spark. I think this speaks well for the staff who rehearses them. All in all, this Nut keeps Philadelphia crowds coming back year after year. It is a beautifully performed ballet by a wonderful talented group of dancers. Now.......for some more interesting faire in the triple bill in February~looking forward!

Thanks, Dale, for the news link. I am absolutely blown away by this announcement. Very interesting and a bit puzzling actually. So Ethan will still perform with ABT and run this So. Calif. company. Well, it certainly has exciting possibilities but as many of you know, the success rate of ballet companies making good is bleak. I hope he breaks the 'curse'.........this area of California could very well support and encourage a top rate ballet group. My fingers and toes are crossed and double crossed!

Do you mean Ballet Pacifica in Orange County???????