pugbee

I am not familiar with this ballet, but have heard Auber's music and am looking for a recording with the music from the ballet. I have been searching the internet for quite a while, but can't seem to find it. Anyone able to help?

About six years ago in a performance of Pennsylvania Ballet's Nutcracker (Balanchine's choreography), the lead Spanish couple and corps ran on stage to begin the finale, and the conductor missed the cue. The music is supposed to begin while the dancers are in the air. Some musicians began playing, some didn't. It was a disaster. The dancers had to stop, stand still, and wait for the music to begin, then struggle to catch up.

Just an echo here, but I adore Spring Waters. It's so quick and captivating, and I could watch it all day long. Have you ever seen that documentary (I think it's called "Ballet Adagio") that is a slow motion tape of Anna-Marie Holmes in Spring Waters? Fantastic!!!!!! I tried once to find a commercial copy of it, but could not.

Didn't make it to La Fille. I've only seen this ballet once, on a video -- but I can't say I liked it much. Maybe I need to see it live to appreciate it. I contemplated going this afternoon, as it is a good friend's last performance with the company... but I just couldn't get excited about this ballet!

I'm with you, Old Fashioned! I really liked how this season was put together. But for next season, there's really nothing I'm chomping at the bit to see. When I saw how the season looked, I pretty much said, "Well, I may not go at all." And that's not good for the ballet. The dancers, in my opinion, have danced remarkably well this past year, and I hate the thought of no one going to see them simply because the ballets being danced are not of interest. Also -- I do know of at least one dancer who has been let go. But until it is published somewhere I won't give the name. I hope it's okay for me to say this, since I haven't specified the dancer.

Sunday May 30th: Great show! (mostly) This was my first time to see La Valse, and I feel like I need to see it a few more times. It was lovely, minus one of the lead women who just seemed to refuse to use her turnout. Patterns were gorgeous, corps was together and elegant. Nice! Apollo. Hmmm... one of my favorite ballets, but I'm not sure I really liked the way this one was staged. I know it's typical to see differences in Balanchine ballets based on who sets them -- but I found myself wrinkling my nose up at a few differences in the choreography that surprised me. Unfortunately we were sitting so high that we could not see Apollo's mother during the birth scene (except her feet) -- so I was re-enacting that for the friends I was with. Not sure they really appreciated that! The whole ballet seemed way, way too fast. But the dancers did their best to keep up. I'm afraid I did not enjoy Andrew Murphy in the title role -- I just didn't see anything God-like about him. The ladies, however, were beautiful. Ms. Zehr really proved herself worthy. (On that note, it always excites me in a way when I see apprentices dancing principal roles -- I can just imagine some of the wrath poor Bridgett has had to endure from other dancers over this casting. I'd like to think that everyone would just be supportive of eachother, but I think we all know better!!!!) Theme and Variations was the highlight of my day. I could have sat through it several more times. Zdenek Konvalina was so regal, and every time I see Sara Webb I admire her even more. She made that fast, furious variation look like nothing!! The corps was FABULOUSLY together (trust me -- I was high enough to see every single line and pattern.) And the energy, precision, and fast foot work were truly admirable. I think Mr. B would have been proud to see his ballet performed as it was by these dancers.

I'm a little late piping in on this topic, but the beautiful Leslie Carrothers comes to mind as a blonde ballerina... the only one that PA Ballet had when I was around!

I see. Thanks, Ari! Never seen it done that way, but I'll admit it's awfully logical!

Anyone know anything about the two SAB students cast as Red Riding Hood? Is this due to all the injuries among the company members? I'd be interested to hear how they do if anyone sees them.

Shut Up and Dance is a program that should never be missed, in my opinion. It's been several years since I was there, so I can't tell you when it is (but it should be coming up soon), or where (as I think they have changed venues in the last few years.) But what I can tell you is that it is a performance put on by the dancers which benefits a program called Manna. Manna provides meals to homebound patients of HIV/AIDS. (Anyone have further info on that group?) Anyway, the dancers -- unpaid, and in their free time -- choreograph enough pieces to fill the show, and then dance in eachother's choreography as well. It's a huge labor of love on the part of Pennsylvania Ballet, and the performance is always fascinating. They get a chance to showcase skills that may never be seen during the regular season, and to try their hand at choreographing. It sells out completely every year, so make sure you get tickets early!!!

That's a good question, purelyballet. I tend to think the company is a bit lax in updating their website. For instance: they've had a second company for how many seasons now? And when you click on the link to read more about Pennsylvania Ballet II, it still says "coming soon." I have stopped believing that!! But, I do seem to recall the company waiting until January to update its page in past seasons -- so maybe there is still hope!

Thanks so much -- lovely pictures!!!

I suppose if anyone had been to KCB performances this season, they would have already posted. But..... anyone see Giselle or Nutcracker? I'd love to hear anything!

Thank you both! These boards are such a wonderful way to keep tabs on old friends!

Can any of you tell me if you've seen Andrew Veyette in performance lately, or know of how he's doing? I remember he was so promising as a student (Wein award and all), but every time I look at casting on the website, I am disappointed not to see his name. Any news?

Thank you so much for that, Dale! Now I just wish PA Ballet would get on the ball with updating their site -- company bios and all!

I truly wanted to make it to this performance, but just couldn't do it. I know a group of my students were going to make the trek downtown, but I've not yet heard their reactions. Did the house appear to be full, Old Fashioned? I only ask because it seemed rather empty when I went to see "In the middle...." Granted, the story ballets always draw a larger crowd. I have had mixed feelings about Sara Webb's performances in the past, but I have no doubt she was wonderful as Aurora. I have a much easier time thinking of her as Aurora, or Swanhilda, than I do as, say, Odette. But regardless, surely a promotion is in order soon!

I sure wish we could pressure this company to post casting on the website, as many other companies do! This show should be exciting. I can't wait to hear back from you, Dale. Enjoy!!

vrsfanatic, thought you might like to know that Bridgett Zehr appeared in Forsythe's "In the middle....." in the first cast! I saw her name in the program the night I went, but couldn't find anything else about her in there... no bio. I guess if she's new, then that explains it. Where did she come from?

Just a thought on the subject -- I am as irritated about this hoorah as anyone, and dislike the negative attention it brings to the ballet world. But I was horrified when I saw the story this morning on "Good Morning America." They interviewed a young dancer from the Joffrey School who actually said on national television that "most dancers have bulimia or are sick." For heaven's sake!!! What an ignorant, lousy thing to say about your own art form. Someone needs to suggest to this young lady that she learn to exercise some control over her mouth.

Wow! Most helpful, rg. Thanks! Now if videos of that telecast were available, wouldn't we all have a much more interesting library at home?!! I would love to see that performance. Sadly enough, I was not even born yet when it aired on PBS. And yes, Amy, I did know Dede Barfield while I was in Philadelphia. But, there being quite a gap between our ages, I can't exactly call her a friend. Mentor would be a better description.

Luckily, I made it to Houston Ballet's Saturday night performance. I really debated whether I wanted to see this particular program, but am glad I ended up going. The evening began with a 45-minute question and answer session moderated by a female dance professor from University of Houston (sorry -- forgot her name), and starring... Trey McIntryre and Stanton Welch. That was pretty cool. They spoke a good deal about their personal choreographic processes, and how they go about turning a concept into a ballet. I'm sad to say the house did not appear to be all that full for a Saturday night show! We had seats in the Grand Tier, though, so I could not see the Orchestra level. Perhaps they were closer to full down there. The first piece on the program, Stanton Welch's "A Dance in the Garden of Mirth," really captured me right from the start. I loved the music (though not all reviewers have), and the energy from the dancers was fabulous. Simon Ball was a most welcome addition to the group, and I was pleased to see Barbara Bears back on stage after having a baby. When this piece finished, I immediately wanted to see it again. So I think that is a good sign. Other dancers in the Saturday night cast of "Garden" (as I heard Stanton refer to it) were Ilya Kozadayev, Sara Webb, Lucas Priolo, Kelly Myernick, Ian Casady, and Kim Wagman. The second piece was Trey McIntyre's "The Shadow." I can't say that this piece ranks in my top 5 McIntyre pieces of all time. We had many different opinions among the group I was sitting with. But the dominating one was that the concept was both creative and "do"able, but that it just didn't seem to work. Things moved at a near frantic pace (which I actually enjoyed), but there were just too many moments that I became disinterested. One of my friends felt that the music (Dvorak's Symphony No. 8 in G) was completely wrong -- but I liked it. It added to the "dark" feeling of the choreography. Don't know -- this piece just seems to have gone wrong somewhere between the idea phase and the performance phase. (IMHO, of course.) Standouts among the dancers, however, were Sara Webb as Thumbelina, and Lucas Priolo and Dominic Walsh as the Professor and the Shadow. The highlight of the evening for me was Forsythe's "In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated." I just adore this piece. And while I had seen the famous pas de deux many times (at IBC competitions -- round 2), this was my first chance to see the whole piece. These dancers were stunning. And I'll admit that I questioned whether this particular company would have the necessary amount of "punch" for a piece like this. But my question was answered immediately. I think I can even say this was one of the finest performances by Houston Ballet that I have ever seen. They attacked everything with fierce determination. Timing was scrumptious, movements were precise, and all those difficult turns were flawlessly executed. Hooray for these dancers! The cast I saw was Mireille Hassenboehler (looking about as Sylvie Guillem-esque as one could without actually being Sylvie!), Simon Ball, Julie Gumbinner, Leticia Oliveira, Dominic Walsh, Frances Perez-Ball (wife of Simon), Randy Herrera, Bridgett Zehr, and Clare Miklaunus. Anyone else make it to the show??

These are all lovely hotels -- and staying in Rittenhouse Square makes a trip to Philly even nicer. If you're looking for a nice, but cheap, option... my parents used to stay at the Holiday Inn Express at about 13th and Walnut. I assume it is still there.....

I agree -- Tara Keating has been more than deserving of this new title for the past few seasons. And both James Ady and James Ihde are wonderful dancers as well. You're right, Tessa... seems PA ballet hit a wall with promotions for a while there. No one was going anywhere!!

Thanks, Alexandra! Seems the people I danced with there are trickling away little by little -- but I will still keep a faithful eye on this fabulous company. Can't wait to hear reviews on the first series.....