lkresge

ikresque, how do you think Askegard did (considering the circumstances)?

All things considered (and not comparing him to City Ballet's best known Apollos) , I thought he did a pretty credible job. He did not look unprepared and I didn't realize prior to the first performance how long it had been since he had danced Apollo. I would say that for the second performance he looked quite a bit more comfortable. As someone else mentioned, he is one of the older male dancers and I missed the classic "Greek God" look but on the other hand, he managed to bring a different feel, an innocence or freshness that I enjoyed. Once I realized the circumstances of his performance, I was actually quite impressed!

Was that his first time doing it with NYCB? I don't recall him dancing the ballet with the company before. If this was his company debut, then there's a silver lining to all the commotion, as someone new got to dance this prized male role. If only it had been Evans.....

-amanda

We were in Saratoga to see NYCB for their first week. Nikolaj Hübbe was not performing with them so he was not available to dance Apollo. We saw Charles dance it in two performances so I looked at his bio with City Ballet. Apollo is not listed as one of his roles and he has been with NYCB for 10 years so I believe this is the first time he danced it with them as well as the first time he has danced it in many years.

- Linda

The preimier of Tribute on Saturday night was well received. It started with a wonderful solo by Delvin Alberda. I wonder if both him and Robert Fairchild were in the original SAB production. They all looked very confident and assured. Highly recommended.

I was at Row B near the conductor. Fayçal Karoui is huming with the orchestra during the Episodes. My friend could hear at Row L. It drove me nuts. I wish someone will tell him to stop doing that. Then again, it may be very hard to change.

Yes, both Devin and Robbie were in the original SAB production of Tribute.

I agree with everyone else, Devin Alberda's solo, wow. Was that choreographed on him? What a difference it makes when that's the case.

Yes, that solo was choreographed on him - originally for the SAB Workshop Performances in 2005.

Yes, Robbie is Megan's younger brother.

NYCB has announced the apprentices for this year in writing on SAB's website:

"In early June, Peter Martins invited 7 Advanced students to become apprentices with New York City Ballet. Devin Alberda, Robert Fairchild, Coco Gonzalez, Ralph Ippolito, Andrew Scordato, Briana Shepherd and Max van der Sterre will be seen performing with NYCB at the New York State Theater over the next year. They will be joined by Kaitlyn Gilliland, who was tapped as an apprentice in June 2004 but sat out the year due to injury."