Buddy

Nice article, Abatt. Thank you.

I've been watching the video posted by California of Skylar Brandt's White Swan Duet from her Swan Lake debut with the Boca Ballet Theatre over and over. I've also watched some other classic performances, one of which was Galina Ulanova's with Konstantin Sergeyev when she was about 25 years old. At that age Galina Ulanova probably had every base covered, refinement, technique and aura, perhaps never to be equaled by anyone. Yet, based on my single viewing of Skylar Brandt's ABT Swan Lake debut and this video, if I could chose a modern day, younger sister from America for Galina Ulanova, it would be her. I can't recall another ballerina who's effected me in the same way from anywhere. In detail they may be quite different at times, but in feeling, essence, power of expression and translation of human sculpture and motion into pure emotion, perhaps not so far apart. Here once again is the White Swan Duet video posted by California and the one of Galina Ulanova can probably be easily found on the internet. I might say that these two videos reinforce each other. They show Skylar Brandt's more grounded and humanly layered essence while breathing newly felt life and accessability into an iconic and otherworldly vision of Galina Ulanova.

A very good thing about videos is that they can be a very fine souvenir postcard. I'm unable to find anything on the internet that captures much at all of Devon Teuscher's wonderful beauty, but thanks to Ballet Alert!'s California's previous post, I do have one of Skylar Brandt. The background contrast between the Boca Ballet Theatre, where she did this debut, and ABT is pretty much two different worlds. Also the 'hard edge' and flattened feeling of this video are examples of the loss of quality in filmed reproductions. Her ABT debut had a much softer, more dreamlike feel. Still, the remarkable quality of her ABT Swan Lake debut is very evident and very much appreciated for keeping alive what she so beautifully accomplished. A comparison that might be interesting to follow would be between her and the Bolshoi's remarkable young star, Eva Sergeyenkova. You can probably find one of her most recent White Swan duets on the internet. She's also very noteworthy for her highly expressive artistry.

With all respect for different points of view, Drew, having seen Skylar Brandt perform just once, I don't think that you have to defend her at all. It's quite possible that she's on her way to greatness. Her manner is so human, as well as embracing and personal, which I think is something that sets ABT apart from the world's other major companies. Her manner and power of projecting from deep within, along with her physical appearance, makes me think somewhat of Galina Ulanova. By the way, I've seen Irina Dvorovenko dance Swan Lake and I thought that she gave an excellent performance. Skylar Brandt seems to be in very good hands with her and her husband, Maxim Beloserkovsky, coaching. Also very glad to hear good comments about Hee Seo. I'm sorry that I couldn't be in New York long enough to see her. Hopefully next year.

I'd just like to mention that I saw the company for the first time last Sunday. It looked just fine and Twyla Tharp's "Waiting at the Station" was a real treat.

Veronika Part was always on a level of her own for me, Nanushka, perhaps the best in the world any many ways. Gillian Murphy did a very respectable Odette/Odile as well and I greatly look forward to seeing her once again tonight. Still, Skylar Brandt, whom I've just seen for the first time, has a certain dreamlike 'magic' that could also put her in an 'extra-special' category -- for me, anyway. I'd like to see much more of her. Christine Shevshenko has a 'dramatic' prowess that makes her quite 'out of the ordinary' at a world class level. Devon Teuscher was simply -- Heart-Touchingly Wonderful !

Thanks, JuliaJ, for your very complete summary. Except for a line or two that I've omitted from your comments I agree with almost everything that you've written and certainly share your enthusiasm for this wonderful performance. I didn't know that it was a debut for Skylar Brandt, which makes it even more impressive. I watched her most of the evening through theater glasses. The focus was never 100%, which gave her a more dreamlike appearance. At the end of the Lakeside Act II, I was sharing enthusiastic compliments about her with the lady sitting next to me and I said, "She was like a little dream !" There was a one handed (I believe) lift towards the end of the evening where she and Herman Cornejo were picture perfect. The image could have be hung in the Met. Zimmi Coker remains the one that stood out for me in the Pas de Trois, Juliaj, and in fact from all the unknown young faces that I scanned during all the performances, but there's much that I might have missed and I'm not familiar with many of the dancers. I do agree that Breanne Granlund was very fine as well in the Pas de Trois. (I may have confused the two, but I don't think so). I thought that Calvin Royal III in the afternoon was one of the most interesting male ballet dancers that I've ever seen. I'm very impressed. I was watching him carefully through my theater glasses, quite unusual for me with a male dancer, until Christine Shevshenko appeared and completely commanded my attention, which was probably as intended. She's quite exceptional as a 'dramatist' and I'd like to discuss her more at another time. Her performance and Calvin Royal III's were very fine.

I've now been highly fortunate to have been able to see four Swan Lakes and one to go, Gillian Murphy tomorrow, with some very fine, even extraordinary, performances, Fondoffouettes, and my feelings about the wonderfulness of Devon Teuscher's performance haven't changed at all. Today Christine Shevchenko -- Very fine with moments of sublimeness. Much to look forward to. Skylar Brandt -- Someone very, very special ! And the overall quality seems to improve with each performance. Also there seem to be a lot of fresh young faces which makes for a pleasant compliment to the usual matured surety. One of these belongs to Zimmi Coker, who danced in the Pas de Trois this evening, and who, besides being vibrant, is very talented.

I agree with you, Nysusan, that Daniel Camargo has a very graceful manner and presence. "Boylston....I like her plastique and phrasing and she was very secure technically and emotionally engaging." At the end of the evening this was most noticeable for me and the same for the Corps de Ballet of Swans. It all built very well. Isabella Boylston seems to be very popular, very likeable, very talented, highly proficient and was very well received last night. She's developed a more artistic presence since I last saw her years ago in Swan Lake. I think that she'll continue to grow noticeably in artistry and perhaps develop a very fine combination of exciting technique and subtle nuancing of character that builds on this, which could make her a very interesting and individual artist. I wish her much continued success. I also have to say once again how totally impressed and in love I remain with Devon Teuscher's performance from the night before.

I love those Swans running around, Abatt. We don't have to agree on everything, I guess ? 🙂

"Grandeur," "majesty," poetry, heart-and-soul emotion, love, magnificent imagery, remarkable sculpture and coordination of her limbs and entire body....All Embracing.

Yes, absolutely, Abatt, and so much more !

To be honest, DPell, my eyes were glued to Devon Teuscher during all their time together and....and way, way beyond ! I tried to keep her Remarkable Odette Duet(!) alive in my mind as much as possible for the entire evening and forever if possible. Joo Won Ahn seemed just fine, DPell. From what I can recall he was a very good partner and did some more fine work on his own, including gracefully impressive, airy jumps. Overall, I thought it was a very fine evening, especially considering that this was the first night performance and that this work, or much else!, probably hasn't been performed for about three years. The ABT Corps de Ballet of White Swans and its choreography are always a treat for me. I won't get into names right now because I've got a lot to do, but Rothbart the handsome, Act II Great Hall scene, Jose Sebastian, was very charismatic and exciting, recalling the heydays of Marcelo Gomes. There were many, very good performances with bits of of luminosity and personality everywhere. It's personality, infectious energy and impressive talent that make this production and much more that ABT does greatly pleasing to me and on the highest world class level. The Kevin McKenzie "Swan Lake" is A Keeper(!) as far as I'm concerned. It should remain a tribute to him and all that he and the company have accomplished in their thirty years together.

Devon Teuscher's White Swan Duet tonight (with Joo Won Ahn) was one of the most beautiful and possibly The Most Heartfeltly Committed that I've ever seen ! Absolutely Wonderful !

And this is Valeria Kuznetsova's White Swan Duet. She's quite something ! She's from the Perm school, but she's definitely Mariinsky or Bolshoi top quality, in other words, one of the best. At only 17 years (!), I would describe her as a combination of the Bolshoi's super-graceful Alyona Kovalyova (Principal) and it's very young, super-expressive Eva Sergeyenkova (Leading Soloist). Not much more to be said. Scroll down to the last frame, "Gala Concert", and go to 1:36:40 https://moscowballetcompetition.com/en/video/ (Much thanks to Estreiiita and Jeannette at BalletcoForum) Added: And again I would say take note of her remarkable gracefulness here. Aurora Dream Variation (Junior Round 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRbEp7XdAsA

I've just begun to look through of all these wonderful performances, only recently noting the importance of the Juniors (Ages, Juniors 14-17, Seniors 18-27) who will be the future Stars. One young dancer, only 17 years old, whom I think is remarkably lovely, just got mentioned today. She won 2nd Prize/Silver Medal in Junior Duets. (Thanks to Estreiiita at BalletcoForum) Valeria Kuznetsova (Perm Choreography School) Aurora Dream Variation (Junior Round 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRbEp7XdAsA Florine Variation (Junior Round 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkq9q69Jaeg

I do agree with you from this performance that she's quite lovely. Once again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_3HOeZsXZM Here are two more very fine performances by the Second and Third Prize winners of the Junior Women Solos, both Vaganova students. Yaroslava Kuprina -- Raymonda https://youtu.be/tEcXclmC7pY Kamila Sultangareeva -- The Mistress of the Copper Mountain https://youtu.be/lbxhzEed8mY (Thanks to Sophia at Dansomanie for originally posting these)

I'll see if I can find anything, Tutu. For the moment here's this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_3HOeZsXZM Maria Koshkaryova Only two years at the Vaganova Academy, she is officially listed as a "Mariinsky Trainee" (the only one at present) and has already danced a lead. From most comments that I've read she destined to be a Star. As expected, she won First Prize Gold in her grouping, Women's Solos Juniors. This is a very good chance to get a recent glimpse of her. She performed six solos at the XIV Moscow Ballet Competition. (I don't normally post unofficial videos, but these are all officially available at the competition site, just much easier to find this way.) Coppelia Variation (Junior Round 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS_-a_ZW8a4 Hebe Variation -- Le Rêve de Flore (Junior Round 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmuVFHL4iG0 Maestro (Junior Round 2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JM1oGQR21A Aurora Variation (Junior Round 2) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eooHL7ZI7Pc Paquita Variation (Junior Round 3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6UCmP_Hw3o Shirin Variation (Junior Round 3 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfhO0ZJEjHU

Having only become interested after watching the final competition event, The Seniors Finals, I didn't focus on something that should have been evident. The competitions are dominated by Vaganova students and graduates. And perhaps the most interesting group is actually the Juniors Girls Solos where we can glimpse at several of the possible future stars of the Mariinsky. (Thanks to Enya and Sophia at Dansomanie for much of the following official information) Junior Group Girls, Solo Vaganova Students: I Prize -- Maria Koshkareva (Russia) (And officially a "Mariinsky Trainee" while only in her second year at the Vaganova) II Prize -- Yaroslavna Kuprina (Russia) III Prize -- Camilla Sultangareeva (Russia) The following performances have been cited and posted on the internet: (Thanks to Sophia at Dansomanie) Maria Koshkaryova (Russia) - Hebe Variation | XIV Moscow Ballet Competition, Junior Round 1 Yaroslavna Kuprina (Russia) - Raymonda Variation | XIV Moscow Ballet Competition, Junior Round 3 Kamila Sultangareeva (Russia) - Mistress Variation | XIV Moscow Ballet Competition, Junior Round 3 If I get a chance I'll try to find performances by these young women in the officially posted complete coverage. In the meantime if you might want to search for yourself, you can look here. It could be a trove. https://moscowballetcompetition.com/en/video/ Each girl performed six solos. (Thanks to Enya at Dansomanie for the following information) 1st round: solo candidates, 2 classical variations; duo candidates, 1 classical pas de deux with variations and coda. 2nd round: solo candidates, 1 classical variation and 1 contemporary dance; duo candidates, 1 classical dance and 1 contemporary dance. 3rd round: solo candidates, 1 classical variation and 1 variation of choreography by Grigorovich; duo candidates, 1 classic pdd. So in total 6 variations for the junior candidates in solo, and 4 pieces for those in duo. At the Seniors Competition -- Vaganova Gradates I Prize Maria Iliushkina (Russia) Women"s Duet (Mariinsky) II Prize (no First) Anastasia Smirnova (Russia) Women"s Solo (formerly Mariinsky, now again Mikhailovsky) III Prize Nikita Korneev (Russia) Men's Duet (Mariinsky) Maria Khoreva from the Mariinsky was scheduled to compete but I read on the internet that she posted at one of her sites that's she's sadly out because of an injury' II Prize Amanda Gomez (Brazil) Women's Duet II Prize Elena Svinko (Russia) Women's Duet diploma Marcello Pelizzoni (Italy) Men's Duet I Prize Dmitry Smilevsky (Russia) Men's Solo

All replays can now be seen here. https://moscowballetcompetition.com/en/video/ Thanks to Enya at Dansomanie

This is the full Seniors' Finals replay. Two personal favorites. Maria Iliushkina's Gold Medal performance of Raymonda at 2:19:00 followed immediately by the delightfully fine performance of the UK's Alessandro Kaggegi at 2:32:20. Scroll down to the second frame. https://moscowballetcompetition.com I'm in a bit of a hurry, but here's this. I'll try to clarify it later. Both these will probably be available as replays. Thanks to Enya and Sophia at Dansomanie Awards Ceremony https://vk.com/video-212272117_456239048 Gala https://vk.com/video/@moscowballetcompetition?z=video-212272117_456239049%2Fclub212272117%2Fpl_-212272117_-2 Added: The above information for the full Seniors' Finals replay may have changed.

I would like to say again that my enthusiastic posting of this event is based on the surprisingly (to me anyway) high level of performance and my personal feelings about the value of the arts. SENIOR GROUP WINNERS Thanks to Salena at Balletfriends/Большой - Балет и Опера Google translation: Women, solo 1st prize not awarded II prize Yelchibaev Malik (Kazakhstan) 2nd Prize Smirnova Anastasia (Russia) III Prize Kim Yujin (Republic of Korea) 3rd Prize Varlamova Ekaterina (Russia) Diploma Ring Ksenia (Russia) Diploma Oshchepkov Anfisa (Russia) diploma Tereshina Varvara (Russia) Women duet 1st Prize Ilyushkina Maria (Russia) 2nd Prize Svinko Elena (Russia) 2nd Prize Gomez Amanda (Brazil) III Prize Ismagilova Kamilla (Russia) 3rd Wakabayashi Liri Prize (Japan) Men solo 1st Prize Smilevsky Dmitry (Russia) 2nd Prize Vyskubenko Dmitry (Russia) III Prize Maxim Izmestiev (Russia) Diploma Stenyushkin Ruslan (Russia) Diploma Ulziyzhargal Munkhzhin (Mongolia) Diploma Verbovoy Bogdan (Kazakhstan) Diploma Uksusnikov Dmitry (Russia) Certificate of Terada Tomoha (Japan) Men duet 1st Prize De Carvalho Wagner (Brazil) 2nd Prize Dangyt Subedey (Russia) III Prize Korneev Nikita (Russia) III Prize Shamakeev Kubanych (Kyrgyzstan) diploma/diploma Pelizzoni Marcello (Italy) diploma/diploma Bolsunovsky Georgy (Russia) diploma/diploma Kaggegi Alessandro (Great Britain) Senior Partnership Special Award - Kuwabara Mana

The winners have been announced, but too many names for me to begin to write down. I'm sure someone will post a list soon. Maria Iliushkina (Mariinsky), in a class of her own in my opinion among many wonderful dancers and one of the few names that we might be familiar with, won the Gold in her category, Female Duet, partnered by Nikita Korneyev. Yuri Fateyev, Mariinsky ballet director and judge, had a not surprisingly a big smile on his face after her performance. One other name that we might be familiar is Anastasia Smirnova (Mariinsky) who tied for Silver (second place) in Female Solos. There was not a first place this year. Maria Khoryeva (Mariinsky) was also scheduled to compete and would surely have won if not competing with Maria Iliushkina, but I read had posted at one of her sites that she was sadly out with injuries. The dancer from the UK is Alessandro Caggegi. (Thanks to Enya at Dansomanie), Graduate of Bolshoi Academy, now Soloist at the Tatar State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre.

The broadcast seems to have stopped after the second intermission. Can anyone find it ? This seems to work. Scroll down one frame. https://moscowballetcompetition.com

Going into the second intermission, I would say that this all is rather amazing ! Certainly a breath of fresh air. As wonderful as I think that everyone is, the Mariinsky's Maria Iliushkina was from another planet ! And by the way, the male dancer that followed her, no easy feat, from the UK (I'll get his name), did extremely well. His dancing was very good and he was personality-plus. He was very well received. And the quality level seems to get better and better. Added: The emission seems to have stopped. Hopefully it will resume after the intermission.