Katja

This "Schedule - Casting" spectacle by the Mariinsky administration is really frustrating. It just been announced in Vienna that Malakhov is getting a government award there on 26th. I really doubt that he can be in St.Petersburg on 28th to dance "Manon". I bet my last 100 rubles that he will not come. The Festival is becoming a , as we say in Russia, a "soap bubble".

Vladimir Malakhov's staging of "La Bayadere" and his partnership with Diana Vishnyeva. Also, Zakharova with Malakhov in "Diamonds". Merkuriev in "Manon". Ruzimatov (though ageing and not as powerful as before) in "Scheherezade".

The ballerina in Walpurgisnacht was Irina Surnyeva. She is the soloist of the Imerial Russian Ballet.

GWTW, please do not blame the dancers on any sort of the advanced publicity - it is usually done by the presenters, in this case it must have been israeli presenters. Also, from a friend of mine who was at the Gala - Vishnyeva didn't dance at all that evening and Malakhov did dance but only one piece - his solo "Voyage." It is too bad you have chosen the Gala. According to my friend their "Giselle" was the greatest ballet performance she has ever seen. She was raving about it, I only wish I could be there.

On the website of Berlin State Opera it says that Malakhov is appointed as Artistic Director and Principal Dancer. Also, in the interview he gave during last Mariinsky festival, he said that he will continue dancing, mainly in Berlin, with ABT, and at the Vienna State Opera, but not with Stuttgart Ballet. He also mentioned Tokyo Ballet where, I guess, he is a Principal Guest. I am sure he will and I hope he will continue dancing. He is 34, but I can be wrong here, but were not Nureyev and Baryshnikov about the same age when they started directing? And kept on dancing.

MALAKHOV, MALAKHOV, MALAKHOV!!!

Just read in German press that Alicia was promoted to First Soloist.

I t sounds like it was a circus. Has anyone of mentioned dancers "delivered a role?"

Lunkina, who I also consider the true star of Bolshoi, is not in Washington because the ballets which they have brought are not her repertory.

Vladimir Malakhov! He is the purest, the most classical, no tricks, so musical and so elegant.

Dear Drew, Manhatnik,Alexandra and all the others! Please explain: After Malakhov has debuted at the Mariinsky during the FEstival this past February,where he was phenomenal, all the russian media proclaimed him the best dancer in the world. At the Festival also were Carrenho, Stiefel, Acosta but they were very poor compared to Malakhov as in russian media's opinion as in, especially, sesoned St.Petersburg balletomanes liking. malakhov became "the talk of the town" overnight. Though he was trained in Russia, nobody knew him - he left Russia ten years ago and has never returned till this February. So my question is: Why is he dancing secondary roles in New York( he must be a Principal) and is he as famous in the West as we believe it in Russia now?

Alessandra Ferri in "Manon" or as Juliette. Dina Vishneva and Vladimir Malakhov in, weel, just about anything together.

There is a Russian proverb: "Do not spit into the plate you have been eating from." Unfortunately, that is what Baryshnikov is doing now. Shame.

I would say that Art has no borders, definitely no nationality. It does not apply to folk art. But only to High Art, like ballet or modern dance.

With all my respect to you, balletlovers in US. First, If I may, I would like to correct. "la Dame aux Camellias" is by Neumeier. It was created for Marcia Haydee for Stuttgart Ballet after Cranko's death. And second, do you all agree that Crasus is a "meaty" role?

I thought it was Malakhov's performance. Didn't he dance?

The premierre of Eifmah "Don Juan" was yesterday in New York. Has anyone seen? and if yes, what did you think?

It is an actual tramslation from Russian. In Russia we use this term to describe someone with very noble demeanor combined with the right physique. The term is very common among balletomanes to describe a male dancer who has perfect body (excellent proportions - long legs and arms and small torso)and a certain manner in dance (soft plie, light jump with.) Some to mention from the past - Soloviev,Fadeyechev,Bruhn,Dowell. Today - defenitely Malakhov, probably Uvarov.

The highlight of the Mariinsky Ballet festival in St.Petersburg this year was "Giselle" with Diana Vishnyeva and Vladimir Malakhov. malakhov was dancing in Russia for the first time after an almost ten years absence and and being unknown here all these years caused a sensation. Many balletomanes who have seen many generations of Albrechts at Mariinka and who are often very sceptical of anyone new , were really impressed. Believe me, it is hard to impress here. Malakhov has a perfect " blue prince" line and very clean techik. I have never seen a dancer with such beautiful feet. His jump is light and without effort, landings are silent - very rare qualities. About the acting - absolutely believable interpretation from the first entrace to the end. And Vishnyeva was also great that evening. I saw her dance "Giselle" before, but this time the acting was different, especially in the second act, my guess that it was influeced by the partner. They also match each other perfectly optically - both have long legs and arms, long necks, she is dark and hi is blond. I would like to see them dancing together again. Sincerely yours, ballet fan from St.Petersburg