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bluejay

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Everything posted by bluejay

  1. Opening night - overall, a sub-par evening at the ballet. For the most part, I blame the production. Don Q is a difficult full-length ballet to pull off. The Russians certainly know how to go over the top with the exotic plot lines for many of the story ballets, and somehow, this production needed more exotica, heat and fun. I definitely prefer the Bolshoi production which is defintely zany and very exciting. And I just don't get Vishneva. I've seen her live twice now, and I'm not taken with her, as much as I want to be. She did a nice job and added some fun, however, I thought she was "acting" her way through the role, and not really enjoying it. It was a a very studied, star performance, and I don't quite buy it. Her foutte sequence was painful to watch. I don't think I care for her technique for these turns-- very jarring-- and while it is impressive that she was able to hold one hand up with the fan for many turns, it was not a pretty picture. I'd rather go for less and make it look better. Her partner didn't help matters. There was no real repoire between them. He is miscast in this ballet. He is tall and has nice lines, and his turns in second were very nice, but I see him much more as a prince type. Not fiery enough. The grand pas partnering made me nervous and that's a bad sign. They almost lost it a couple of times, and it wasn't pretty. Kondourova was fine, but lacked warmth and any connection to her fellow dancers or the audience. Amour was pleasant. The stand outs were the third soloist (I don't know who it was), and one of the soloists during the dream sequence. I think it is this new girl, Nikitina?? Wow, she has a bright future-- lush movement, nice physique, strong technique, and a pleasing way with the audience. I guess what I find so disheartening in the recent performances by the Russians, especially the Kirov, is the lack of spontaneity and joy in the dancing. It all looks a bit too perfect, and it doesn't all add up at the end of the day.
  2. I went to the opening night performance, and while I saw some fine dancing, the evening was less than magical. Overall, I think I prefer Makarova's version better. I think it works better dramatically. And while the ballet has a lot of campy moments, the Kirov version really was over the top. My impressions: Vishneva - this was the first time I've seen her live, and I had lots of expectations based on crtical reviews and friends. She is certainly a fine dancer, technically assured, strong, and musical, but something just didn't quite add up, something was missing. Could it be the role? I don't know. Fadeev - I love watching this guy. He's so clean and elegant, reminds me a bit of Mr. Carreno. Tereshkina (sp?) - good Gamzatti, especially when dancing alone. The pas with Fadeev made me very nervous with the partnering off. The confrontation between Nikita and Gamzatti was one of the best I've seen. corps and the shades scene - very nice. A minor quip with the production: when they come down the ramp, it looks like there are trees or boulders on the side; I prefer the dancing without that scenery, which marrs the lines. The Bolshoi's version a few years ago in DC had that also. So, wonderful dancing, but a bit disappointing. One other quip about (some of) the Kirov dancers - I don't like how they throw their legs up in order to get the high extensions. There is no fluidity, no feeling of tension of the leg moving through/against the air.
  3. A long-time lurker finally comes out. Went to see Giselle with Ferri and Bocca. I enjoyed Bocca as I usually do. Ferri was a mixed bag. Her mad scene was terrific, but I have to agree with some of the earlier posters, her technique wasn't really up to snuff. Her 2nd act didn't take me to another world. There were some pretty things, but overall just OK. I found her feet to be a blessing and curse. On the one hand, they are truly beautiful, for example, just looking at them in tendu. At the same time, they made me nervous the whole time when she was on point. I kept fearing that she would fall over, so I found the earlier discussion about knuckling over interesting. I was very impressed with Veronika Part. The last time I saw her in a meaningful role was as one of the soloists in Raymonda. She was paired with Wiles, who upstaged in her strength and technique. In Giselle, this was the first time I really got the role of Myrtha. She was totally committed to the role and played it to the hilt. Carmen Corrella had some beautiful moments in the peasant pas. Saw the Murphy/Corrella Swan Lake. Murphy was actually quite beautiful to watch, even if her whole performance didn't blow me away. Highlights included the beginning black swan pas where her partnered penchees were delicious. The fouettes were another story. Given her talent as a turner, they were dissappointing. The last 16 counts she moved so far forward that I though she might wind up in the pit! In any event, they became quite sloppy. In her defense, I do wonder if the music was being played at an extremely fast pace. Corella was his usual pleasant self. Very gracious and maybe a bit cleaner overall than he usually is. However, I really wished they cast someone else as the prince-- maybe Carreno, Stiefel or Belosertkovsky. Marcelo was great, made a lot out of this role. The big applause must go to the corps. The best I have seen them in Swan Lake. Very beautiful and moving. I felt like McKenzie gave them a pep talk before the performance and said, this is being taped, go out there and blow them away. They were truly beautiful. McKenzie's 4th act is not my favorite, but I liked it more this time than ever before. I remember the discussion of Kirov's 4th act, and also didn't like all that they did either. For sheer execution, I can't forget the Bolshoi's swans a couple of years ago. From another planet. ABT did well here too. Overall, I'm feeling a bit dissapointed with Swan Lake lately. I bring such high expectations to every performance, and those expectations are never quite met. I don't know if its overexposure or what.
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