Balanchinomane

Stella was radiant this afternoon. She absolutely glowed. Every movement was evocative to what she was thinking.

Her face, her arms, her body language so expressive and reactive to her surroundings and relationships. She

performed the choreography as if she's been doing it for years. She descended all the steps on pointe, her

turning sequence was fast, beautiful luxurious lines and always, always on the music. She's divine. So very happy

for her. Gorak was very good as well. His solos elegant and his acting was much more natural and relaxed than

he was last year with Reyes. His partnering was stronger also. He spun Stella off kilter during the 1st multiple

pirouette but kept her straight on the later doubles. He did the lifts well including the Act 3 carry lift. Her face was so

placid and happy - if she wasn't worried he would drop her than I knew he would manage it.

Really loved the performance and looking forward to many more from these two great artists.

So sad to hear this. Such a wonderful artist. Unforgettable as Phlegmatic in 4 Ts

and as the winsome cowboy in Western Symphony.

Sincere condolences to his family and friends.

La Scala has issued many fine DVDs of its productions. Hopefully we will get recordings

of these new works. That would be terrific.

Miller and Huxley were at Friday's rehearsal of Act 1. She is lovely. Tall, blonde, long legs and arms.

Huxley's variations look great and his acting is very expressive thanks to his experience as James.

Martins worked with them on their first scene, quarreling over the pageboy. Was fun to see Peter

miming both roles. Can't wait for this afternoon. They are both ready.

If you are one the first people to enter the subway station he will ask you which show

had just let out. This cues him which music to play. So if you say The King and I

he'll launch a medley from that show. He is always prepared with the programs

from all 4 theaters. Genius.

I just want to toss my bouquet onto the heap. Stella was as glorious as we knew she would be.

And such an ardent partner in Shklyarov - hard to believe they had not danced together before.

He is spectacular in every way. Wish he could hang around and give acting lessons to ABT's men.

The reception of the audience was also a factor in the evening's success. Comprised of current

and former dancers and impassioned fans, the Met crackled with an excitement that hasn't

been present in a long, long time.

Thank you Stella, Vladimir, and Veronika for an unforgettable performance. Hope to see you

again soon.

Stella with Shklyarov and Part! This may be the best performance of the Season.

And lucky me, I already have a front row seat. I'm doing a Happy Dance!

I'm glad you mentioned the dirty shoes, Bobbi. It's been driving me crazy all week.

Not so much the Principals or foreign princesses, but the corps. It sounds so nit-picky

but there is no excuse for it at this level of performance. I guess pointe shoe funding

is something we've been taking for granted.

Ditto for Suite en Blanc, it would be a wonderful opener.

Something for the men - Bejart's Bolero starring Gomes of course.

As for Balanchine, they should revive La Sonnambula - a mysterious

story with several featured roles.

And that's my dream mixed bill!

Just bought a ticket to see Gorak - now this is exciting. I love seeing company debuts.

Especially someone as exceptional as Joe Gorak.

I think it was planned. At the last rehearsal on Friday they did not run through any part of the scherzo.

There are nice photos of Sunday on Twitter - I don't know how to post them here.

I was also unable to book what I wanted online. You cannot select a seat

that will leave a single seat remaining. I just got back from the box office

and they were able to sell me the single seats I asked for and were able

to apply the 3show discount.

If you can't go in person, I would try the phone sales desk. They are

always helpful.

Very sad news. She had such a generosity of spirit. My condolences to her family and friends.

I like to refer to the State Theatre as the Voldemort, after "He Who Must Not Be Named."

I miss the 4th Ring so much - it's terrible not to be able to buy advance tickets there.

It's too bad they won't compromise and sell row C and upwards for under $50. They

are losing last minute business especially after the casting is posted.

Tickets for are now on sale for Chéri at signaturetheatre.org

Starring Ferri, Herman Cornejo and Amy Irving.

It is running November 19 thru December 22.

It is going to be wonderful.

Very funny and beautifully edited. Simkin's charm is irresistible

It's so charming. I really hope ABT will do it. I think their audience would love it.

Yes, 3 cheers for the Home Team. A near perfect performance. Lane's Aurora was radiantly

happy - her face serene and confident. She hit all the balances in the Rose A, arms in upper

fifth and a final arabesque flourish. A slight teeter on the last prince's promenade but the crowd

was already clapping and yelling so it may have thrown them off. Her adagio passages were

stunning. I think conductor Barker was following her lead - she may be tiny but her dancing

is expansive and luxurious - using all the music with her arms, back, head. Gorgeous.

Abrera is marvelous as Lilac - but she looks great in everything. Kajiya was our Florine and

was all smiles and perfect technique. Seeing her paired with Matthews as Bluebird reminds me

to add their Giselle to my wish list, hopefully next year.

Simkin was all Petipa Prince. Beautiful form, large jumps and soft landings. Loved the mime with

Lilac in the vision scene. Actually saw him falling in love with Aurora.

And of course, Gorak who played the herald, Catalabutte's sidekick. Even standing on the sidelines

wearing a silly wig, he was all turned out and looked like a prince himself.

It was a wonderful day. I hope LaKarsavina was there!

Terrific performance this afternoon. There was no program insert for Gomes, just an

announcement. Must have really been last minute - hope Stearns will be OK.

Veronika Part was gorgeous. Authoritative, commanding, and yet very feminine. This

is a great female role. Her pizzicato solo in the 3rd act was worth the price of a ticket.

Beautiful footwork and musicality to die for. Just as strong as Murphy on Monday.

Part was presented with 2 bouquets and she tried to give one to Gomes - he declined

with an "aw shucks, it was nothing" gesture and graciously accepted a single rose.

What a guy! And looks great in a tunic.

Looking forward to Cornejo and Reyes tomorrow night. I bet Reyes will be fabulous as well.

We are very lucky with our ladies this season. I hope this Ballet stays in the rep for a long time.

It is a treasure.

Romeo and Juliet has been 50% off at TKTS Wednesday, Thursday, and tonight.

Nice moniker , ABATT. I made the same choice Tuesday night and really enjoyed the new Corsaire.

If you still want to see Szot - he'll be at the Irish Rep Gala Monday the 10th.

Irish Repertory Theatre - 2013 Benefit Gala

Rodgers and Hammerstein or Gomes and Vishneva. Forgive me this time, ABT.

The deal breaker is Shirley Jones. I'm very excited to see this.

Kotchetkova will be beautiful. I saw her Sleeping Beauty PDD with Joaquin DeLuz at the Joyce - it was

the Gala for Ballet Next in 2011. I still wish the opportunity would have gone to Lane. After all, they have

to have a decent amount of rehearsal time together. I guess there is little sense of fairness and practicality

in the Ballet World.

Thanks for the reviews. I'm looking forward to seeing it tonight. It seems to be

Shostakovich weekend at Lincoln Center. I heard Tahiti Trot from Golden Age

at Avery Fisher Hall yesterday afternoon and saw Concerto DSCH masterfully

performed at NYCB last night. Is there a programming coincidence here or

perhaps an anniversary tribute to Shostakovich?

Yes, it was a lovely performance. Hammoudi and Seo were Espada and Mercedes,

Sarah Lane was Amour. All were outstanding. Cornejo and Reyes are consistently

clean and precise and they looked radiantly happy. The Orchestra and rings were full -

I couldn't see if upstairs was full. They had a nice long curtain call with confetti

cannons. It was memorable.

Go to the Home Page for Cincinnati Ballet - click on Prodigal Son for the Video.

I don't know how to post a video. Sorry.