jbtlse

Just quickly(have to pick up at ballet), I was very distracted by Ms Barker's exceptionally hyperextended legs--I thought it ruined her otherwise gorgeous line. I was, though, curious to see her dance and actually like seeing guests.

Daughter thought BB's Nutcracker needed "more snow." The former snow scene choreography was our favorite! She wasn't so bothered by adult Clara (except it took opportunity away from a kid) BUT she thought the giant Fritz was ridiculous! If I remember correctly RB has an adult Clara who dances with kids and a younger smaller brother.

I was really looking forward to seeing Raymonda because I'd only ever seen variations from it. The problem was there was not much personality, no sparkle. The Bolshoi women were lovely dancers. The men were forgettable unfortunately. I saw The Pharoah's Daughter in London with Zakharova (I thought she was stunning). Though my view was obstructed, the company seemed to be in much finer form in London.

Katherine Hartsell and Roman Zavarov were in the Spring performances 7i (did Swan Lake Pas de Trois)--so they were at least students there last year.

Also BBS seemed to make a conscious decision to move away from Russian training--so one cannot forget to factor that into the decision to release Madame Leagt. I would argue that excellent teaching is excellent teaching--although I KNOW talented students who did not jibe with her style. Of course not every teacher is right for every student--even the talented ones.

Ms Lamb is an exceptional talent and Madame Legat nurtured that above and beyond the classroom experience--and into her professional career. I think it was an inspiring relationship, but I do think it was unique. Perhaps Madame's strength is as a coach and mentor--and if that is the case perhaps $ was an issue. It is too bad that schools cannot afford to support a mentoring tradition.

I think it is amazing that Ms. Lamb is going to the RB--it is an experience that so few Americans have had. Fans of the BB will miss their hometown dancer--but it really is a natural progression. As for Madame Legat: she is teaching at a summer program in Brookline MA in August with several other former BBS teachers. It is my opinion that Ms Lamb's relationship with Madame Legat was exceptionally unique.

Rather late in the game I realize, I'd like to recommend The Dancer. It may only be available on video--but Katja Bjorner is breathtaking.

You'll are just fountains of info--I, too, was wondering about Naomi Nari Nam. The other skater I was always wondering about was a fabulous young ice dancer--I think Jamie Silver(stein)--but I could be wrong--her former partner was at the nationals this year. If I remember correctly they did quite well jr. internationally and were beginning to skate as seniors. Another random ice skating question--I recall reading a blurb somewhere about a book written by a competitive ice skater--sort of an insider's view. Of course, I've lost my diary where I wrote down the title...has anyone heard of it or read it?

I cried too. Sasha Cohen is likely the most gifted female skater ever, but Michelle Kwan connects with the audience in a magical way. She is a pure joy to watch.

In my experience, BB is not great about posting cast info on their site. That said for the first time in my recent memory it was available online for the Don Q and Mozartiana etc programs--but maybe that was because of the hyped guest artists and Ms Gelfand's final performance. Honestly, Nutcracker is such a madhouse I can't imagine they'll post--however, the playbill inserts usually cover 5 or so performances--so maybe they'll know casts for this week if you call--who to call I don't know!!

Just came on to say "false alarm"--probably would be better worded as PUBLIC SYMPATHY/good will (like the buyout of the private performance and the $3 million gift) as Wang seems to be in no position to be generous (according to article in Globe today). Anyway fingers still crossed!

I am wondering if I have missed something regarding the Wang and Nutcracker 2004. In a letter on Boston Ballet letterhead to the parents of Nutcracker children regarding Nutcracker pick up changes (made to lighten the conjestion caused by double parking etc) they state: "Help us keep the good will that we have been receiving as a result of the Wang's decision for next years Nutcracker going and please do not double park" Am I reading too much into this or does it appear that the BB has been granted a one year stay? Moderators, if this is too speculative please delete.

The polichinelle dance has changed a bit over the past few years--the most recent rechoreograph is by company member Gianni Di Marco--he often plays Mother Ginger and has a great relationship with the kids. Don't expect it to be just the same, but it's very sweet and shows a lot of personality.

Yes, there are boosters available--you just have to leave your license--may run out so don't get there too late. I like the dress circle seats with little ones--or anyone really!

I also went Saturday night. The winner for me was "Firebird" It was an enchanting story. The friends of the princess dance with their golden apples was charming. I thought the men's costumes in the second scene were magnificent. And I loved the music--can anyone recommend a good recording? I have seen a version of "Firebird" before, but I don't recall it making such a sweet impression. "Chopiniana" was wonderfully old-fashioned--right down the "sepia" lighting. I was most struck by the physical uniformity of the corps--long-limbed and beautiful backs. My (tall) daughter thought they looked tall--perhaps they just appeared tall. And their feet were gorgeous--even from way up in the balcony! As for "Scheherazade" (not sure of spelling--can't possibly move to get program)--I found the corps work really exciting. I did not find Irma Noiradze particularly appealing--and actually thought the odeliscks (again with the spelling) out shone her in slinkiness. I thought the "Scheherazade" overture was way too long. Show appeared to be soldout--a good sign I thought--hopefully they'll return--and others will decide to visit!

There was a meeting for parents regarding Nutcracker 2004 tonight at BBS: there will be a Nutcracker next season--by February BB will announce where. the Wang contract with the Rockettes is not yet signed (according to the BB)--so the Wang is still a possibility. additionally the Rockette contract is for alternate years--so maybe the Nutcracker could be at the Wang every other year. Mayor Menino is on board to keep the Nutcracker in Boston. perhaps the Wang is not the best place for BB--is very expensive even with "discount" (some figures thrown around: Wang gets $3 per ticket in addition to rent--$25,000/week was mentioned-- and all concessions and BB pays for time it does not use) This was directly from the ballet--but I am not a reporter so... As far as the financial relationship between the Wang and the BB--that may be fairly standard, I do not know--perhaps the Wang is just too costly for the BB.

Some observations from my spouse who was at every Don Q performance (finally he's been converted into a fan!): Lorna Feijoo danced with her husband, Nelson Madrigal (sub for Yury Yanowsky who was sick), for the Sat matinee--apparently her performance was spectacular. Laura Young ( the dancer Jennifer Gelfand replaced mid performance in Don Q oh so many years ago) was on stage as a super for Jennifer Gelfand's final performance Saturday night. Ms. Gelfand was given a Juliet costume--said to be her favorite role.

Tonight on ESPN2 8-10 will be a recap of ladies and dance and the first broadcast of men and pairs. I am adding a link that is my skating on TV bible: skating tv

I haven't seen it yet--I'm going Saturday afternoon. I was a bit disappointed I must admit that BB decided to resurrect this version (although I understand why given its historical significance to the company). When I was in London the summer of 2002 the RB did Nureyev's Don Q choreography to very disapponting reviews--I didn't bother seeing it (choosing Coppelia instead).

Oh I just discovered this forum. I really need something to read. My book club just read "Liars and Saints"--we meet tonight so I don't know the consensus--but it was very well reviewed in NYTimes a few months ago--it wasn't essential reading--but definately worthwhile. I still think about "Middlesex" so I would recommend giving it a go. Two other recommendations, "Special" (by Bella Bathurst I think--lent it out so I can't confirm-- fiction about girls being mean) and "Look at Me" (Jennifer Egan) Has anyone read that Zoe Heller(or is it Hellar?)--title escapes me now (I'm coaching fifth grader through homework)--about a teacher who has an affar with a student. Child stalking for help must run.

Hi vagansmom, My daughter picked this book out when we were in London (it was in the young adults section)--she hasn't read it yet, but I did. The narrator reminded me so much of a preschooler I taught last year. I would highly recommend this book--it offers a unique perspective. READ IT!

Kim Uphoff and Tiffany Hedman will return to BBII. I read that article about Houston as well--I think it was in a Houston based paper.

In the Spring of 2000 BB did Don Q--the same one that Joseph seemed to have done earlier-- students were urchins and marionettes. What was remarkable about this version was that a student (actually two students shared the role) danced the cupid solo (amour)--the cupid "corps" was also students. I seem to recall that a big deal was made of this--as it was supposedly an historically Russian casting choice but one that hadn't been done in Boston--I may be misremembering that bit! Choreographers listed as after Petipa/Gorsky, staging by Ms. Holmes among others. As an aside, when I was in London last summer we went to the costume sale at the Royal Opera and acquired the Amour costume from RB's Nureyev's Don Q--which had literally just been performed( to not stellar reviews).

I, too, am not a great fan of Prodigal Son. I've seen it twice before--NYCB and SFB--and was struck both times by the Siren --Melanie Atkins did not leave me with the same feeling (which I cannot define--I'm too tired)--I wished I'd seen April Ball (I was wondering where she was and thought perhaps she'd be doing more of the Balanchine). Paul Thrussell was the son and I thought he was excellent. Not to speculate too much, but I am wondering where some dancers are--particularly some principals and soloists. Anybody know?