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Buddy

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  1. Buddy

    Olga Smirnova

    So I keep wondering what’s going on today with possibly the most interesting and one of the most talented ballerinas in the world at this moment ? There’s nothing posted at her site since December about future performances. She’s probably the ballerina that I most want to see, that I could have a chance to see. Although I’ve noticed no definitive changes in her approach, I still consider her the one ballet dancer that’s the most likely to present a significant development in/of the art form. The one thing that’s been primary in the performances of her’s that I’ve attended is that she’s always outstanding. The only new information that I’ve found is that she was working with Wayne McGregor at the Dutch National Ballet in January. This is from the interview that follows. She also mentions William Forsythe working with the company, but I’ve seen no mention of her performing his work. I’d really like to see her doing works by these two, but what would be most exciting to me, as I’ve often said, would be for her to create a newer identity, completely her own. The following video is from January 18 and has only audio content. There’s nothing really new except for the mention of Wayne McGregor. Still, it’s a nice summary of some of her thoughts and happenings. An interview with Olga Smirnova | Why Dance Matters Royal Academy of Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLak7u3Xm20 A few of her thoughts: Because of videos you need to be perfect at all times. On stage she never thinks about the technical aspects. She’s only focused on her character. Once on stage she’s never nervous. Immediately starting work after leaving Russia saved her emotionally. After only three weeks with the Royal Dutch Ballet she performed Raymonda. She says that the company will always will be her home. She says that through her coach Larissa Lezhnina, former First Soloist at the Mariinsky, she hopes to help preserve the Saint Petersburg’s ballet style and tradition. Dance is an art. “Art helps us find inspiration to exist.” Added: Again, a look back at something slightly different and very lovely. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cis1zRjI8UP/?hl=en
  2. Here are a few more. They’re all good, so I’ll rely on my totally personal response, based pretty much on “How do they make me feel?” These are all from the juniors where I continue to enjoy a youthful sense of liveliness. Anna Haidai — Ukraine I think that she has a touchingly, personal manner. When you factor in where she comes from and all the headlines that you read each day, it’s heartwarming to see that this exists as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNcSwhmKTCQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtBiVCKaYOA Viktoria Papakalodouka — Greece I might choose her just because of her eye-catching name. She also has a certain delightfulness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qvkYovHMmo and colorful, Grecian aura. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta4JKTIRZfk Antônia Manrique — Brazil And, yes, another touch of South American sunshine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NctScDJkWsQ and embraceable expressiveness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vox0WB0oDVo
  3. I’m glad that you enjoyed it, Drew. Yes, some of the contemporaries did perhaps shine brighter than some of the classicals and visa versa. This work was one where that might have been the case. Agreed, I really like the music too. Good job, Dancers ! Good job, Cathy Marston !
  4. Cruising the bottom of the list (the youngest dancers) of semi-finalists, there’s a very nice freshness along with fine ability. This young lady leaves me with perhaps the biggest smile so far. Sofía Davalos — Argentina and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AzRKDOHQJQ And with the same sentiment, may I add from the seniors, one of the big prize winners, also from Argentina. Something in the stars down there maybe. Music -- Joni Mitchell Choreography -- Christopher Wheeldon "If you're driving into town -- With a dark cloud above you Dial in the number -- Who's bound to love you If you're lying on the beach -- With the transistor going Kick off the sandflies honey -- The love's still flowing If your head says forget it -- But your heart's still smoking Call me at the station -- The lines are open" Paloma Livellara Vidart -- Argentina
  5. Once again, my ballet ‘rave,’ Natalie Vikner — France And a very nice, sunshiny fineness and proficiency from this to be congratulated, young prize winner. Crystal Huang — USA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpUK4yh21Vo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ2g_hWSVyg
  6. I’m a big fan of Cathy Marston performing her less than two minute “Traces.” It was a selection from the Lausanne competition this year and here are four versions from the semi-finalists that I enjoyed. Cathy Marston may be untouchable but these contestants gave it a their best shot. The first two are a pleasant surprise when you factor in cultural background. The second two also have their cultural differences, but also the fiery excitement that you would expect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXDQI5kOzVI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwiL5A0IuzU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC11_ft44mw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFwasT1QTZ4
  7. She didn’t make the finals, but I love her. Natalie Vikner from France. see 24:10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qVVKj4ovVI
  8. "Take The Lead" Apparently, somewhat removed from the reality, but still a good movie. The idea and visuals of combining street dance and ballroom (last scene, etc.) are impressive (and fun). The dancing of Katya Virshilas as Morgan, the blond, snooty, advanced student can’t be denied (see trailer). The theme of overcoming life’s challenges, particularly in an urban jungle, is always heart touching. “Pierre Dulaine (born 23 April 1944)[2] is a dance instructor and dancer. He invented the Dulaine method of teaching dance. He also founded Dancing Classrooms, a social and emotional development program for 5th grade children that uses ballroom dancing as a vehicle to change the lives of the children and their families. “Notably, his early works with children was fictionalized in the film Take the Lead, starring Antonio Banderas as Pierre Dulaine. 'In 1994 Dulaine founded the Dancing Classrooms program for the New York City Department of Education. He also invented the "Dulaine Method" to encourage children to dance together.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Dulaine Trailer:
  9. This one is ballet, especially because of the use of pointe work with the feet, but it contains all the essence of what I’d call “Lyrical Dance.” It’s probably one of the most beautiful works of dance ever created. In feeling and beauty of motion it’s the finest statement of “Lyrical Dance” that I know of. “The Swan” — Mikhail Fokine — performed by Oxana Skoirk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf9AqDajr_0
  10. At the core of what I would call “Lyrical Dance” would be Christopher Wheeldon-Wendy Whelan’s “After The Rain.” It remains, perhaps the finest example that I’ve yet seen. It’s as close to ballet in look and feel as you can get without actually being ballet. It’s also ‘contemporary’ in being a collection of self contained, emotional statements. So once again, “After The Rain” — starting at 14:10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D316-KMBU8 The other work (by Christopher Wheeldon) performed, if it weren’t for the use of pointe work in pointe shoes, would probably be just as much “Lyrical Dance.” It’s another beautiful example — “This Bitter Earth” (“…may not be so bitter after all”.) — starting at 2:00.
  11. This is another one from China that I like very much. (the same video is officially posted but the video quality is better in this one) “Do you know what a "green [countryside?]" is? The most beautiful program of the Spring Festival Gala, "Only This Green", uses dance to bring to life the ancient Song Dynasty painting "Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" across thousands of years! Breathtakingly beautiful~” (Google translation)
  12. The Bolshoi in Oman -- Raymonda -- January 25-27 25th of January, 19:00 Raymonda — Yulia Stepanova Jean de Brienne — Dmitry Vyskubenko Abderakhman — Mikhail Lobukhin 26th of January, 19:00 Raymonda — Alyona Kovalyova Jean de Brienne — Artemy Belyakov Abderakhman — Nikita Kapustin 27th of January, 14:00 Raymonda — Ekaterina Krysanova Jean de Brienne — Dmitry Smilevski Abderakhman — Mikhail Lobukhin The Bolshoi Orchestra Conductor — Pavel Sorokin https://bolshoi.ru/en/news/guest-appearance/7067-Oman-tour-2024-01/ (thanks to FionaM at BalletcoForum) Alyona Kovalyova, I would love to see.
  13. Again from a world of ‘Lyrical’ dance that somewhat parallels Western ballet is this charming excerpt from China. It should be remembered that only for a few brief epochs was dance an independent ‘high art’ in China. It was often part of Chinese opera. Thus, its level of refinement must be seen in contrast to the long and unbroken development of ballet. Chinese Dance Drama - Scene from Hong Lou Meng Another element of ‘Lyric’ that has been mentioned is the coming together of ballet and contemporary or even ‘pop’ dance. Last summer I saw the Complexions Contemporary Ballet. The company has an interesting and natural way of doing this. The first few works were dominated by very successful, high energy male virtuosity. Then came a very lovely solo performance by a woman dancer to the music of Beethoven(?) that strongly established an embracingly female and more ‘lyrical’ presence. Another female dancer, with a charming resemblance to the Mariinsky’s very versatile Ekaterina Kondaurova, was highly noticeable throughout the second half of the program. It will be interesting to see how companies like this and Ballet Black in London will further develop.
  14. I do like the ending to this movie. “High Strung Free Dance” A trailer.
  15. In my mind she was perhaps the de facto star of the Mariinsky Ballet Festival, quite a feat, for at least several years. I’ve somewhat lost touch with what she’s doing. I do remember sitting next to her on the plane to my second Festival and she was quite lovely. Clement Crisp, by the way, was also on that flight, and gave her a friendly inquiry. Besides being an excellent ballet dancer she has an interest and a fine grasp of the broader range of the theatrical arts. Like Drew, I’d like to see most anything that she might do. One important element in the diversification of such stars as her, Olga Smirnova, Natalia Osipova, etc. is the quality of the material that they choose or are given. She’s an extremely talented artist and I wish her the best.
  16. I’d like to include some video glimpses of all the artists mentioned in my previous post. I’m only using ‘officially allowed’ videos (copyright issues, etc.) so my choices are rather limited, but still I think that these give a nice viewing. Ulyana Lopatkina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1DzAjynpl8&t=253s Oksana Skorik https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVROgeG3Egk Maria Iliushkina https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tALQYqUUKNk&t=21s Valeria Kuznetsova https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a4xxdTP_ug Alyona Kovalyova https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-D0Ap-ivWA&t=1s Olga Smirnova https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGoRKwgfPOQ Eva Sergeyenkova Nice Documentary — start at 12:40 for dance segment https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3I4dQ2F0Y4&t=33s And can I mention one other rather interesting name that actually is an In-between — between Dreamlike and Expressionist. Veronika Part Although she spent most of her career at the American Ballet Theatre in New York City, she did come from the Mariinsky and it showed and she did return at least twice to the Mariinsky for guest appearances. One was Swan Lake. She ‘retired’ around the same time that Ulyana Lopatkina did, but I consider her one of the greatest ballerinas of our times. She had the ability not only to totally command the stage with her remarkable expressiveness, but to enchant with some of the finest dreamlike qualities and refined beauty of dance that I would associate with the Mariinsky. (For me, she was never filmed well on video except for a performance of Swan Lake(?) which ABT released to new donors. Perhaps it can still be seen by inquiring to the company.)
  17. I’ve touched on all this recently at one topic or another, but I would like to do sort of summary here. I seem to have divided ballerinas that I like the most into two groups — Dreamlike and Expressionist. All these ballerinas, interestingly, clearly belong in one group or the other with no in-betweens. I put this here because all these artists, except one, are at the Mariinsky or come from the Mariinsky school, the Vaganova. The group that I probably like most is the Dreamlike group. For me, it represents the essence of ballet. I would say that the Mariinsky is probably its home. Ulyana Lopatkina, recently retired from the Mariinsky, is perhaps its most noteworthy, recent example. Oksana Skorik, Mariinsky, is probably its current best example. Alyona Kovalyova, Vaganova graduate at the Bolshoi, might be next, followed by the Mariinsky’s lovely Maria Iliushkina, but very impressively, perhaps alongside her already, is the Mariinsky’s very young, just graduated from Perm, Valeria Kuznetsova. I’m most interested to see how Maria Iliushkina and Valeria Kuznetsova develop in comparison. Maria Iliushkina still manages to maintain a childlike enchantment, which I love, while at the same time becoming constantly more impressive with her dance prowess. Valeria Kuznetsova, in less than a year based on my video viewing, has already moved from a childlike attraction to a matured mistress of portrayal. I like both these young women very much for their slightly different, yet highly lovely, artistic approaches. Oksana Skorik, by now, is almost an icon. Her dance beauty is quite wonderful. And I will, once again, say that her use of her hands is possibly the most beautiful in the history of ballet. Keep an eye on these and her for as long as you can. Alyona Kovalyova is now a Principal at the Bolshoi. Not much more has to be said. And on to the Expressionists. This is where the Bolshoi is probably the most noteworthy in combination with ballet fineness. Olga Smirnova, Vaganova star student, formerly Bolshoi Principal star, now Dutch National Ballet Principal, is its best example. For me, the ballet world is dominated by Oksana Skorik, Dreamlike Beauty <> Olga Smirnova, Expressionist Beauty. This leaves one more Expressionist, the very young, all-Bolshoi, Eva Sergeyenkova. With Olga Smirnova unfortunately departed, in a similar and perhaps eventually equal manner, she will perhaps be the Bolshoi’s next greatest star. Although there’s a world of incredible dance artists and artistry, along with a world of external factors and everyone has their own criteria and personal preferences, these are the artists that I keep coming back to. I hope that you share some of my enthusiasm and that we can enjoy and comment on them and many others, here, for a long time to come.
  18. This year the Bolshoi posted its own Ballet Day video in its usual format. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FBmRcZm7jg (thanks to Sophia at Dansomanie) (subtitled in English) What interests me primarily (for the moment anyway) and the only part that I’ve watched is the final 15 minutes with the Bolshoi’s new star, Eva Sergeyenkova, being coached in Swan Lake by Maria Allash, partnered by Artemy Belyakov, coached by Alexander Vetrov. With a ballerina having such exceptional and one of a kind expressive qualities, it’s noteworthy to see what kind of input she receives and how she responds. Maria Allash, who once again displays a very competent yet equally pleasant method of guidance, offers comments such as these. “Sing this pose till the end further there… and a very bright face.” “Raise your head up now.” “No, don’t lift your hip together with the leg, separate your leg as you [stand]…and a little bit higher. “Keep your wrist alive, Eva.” “Sing every pose.” Eva Sergeyenkova, much like Olga Smirnova in a previous Bolshoi Ballet Day rehearsal, is fully invested in her expression. The interaction between her and Maria Allash is probably one based on a cultivated mutual respect and an unspoken understanding. It’s a very nice and interesting behind the scenes glimpse. The rehearsal starts at 2:46:00.
  19. Buddy

    Olga Smirnova

    There’s little new that I’ve been able to find. She will be performing Raymonda at the Dutch National Ballet, Amsterdam, with Victor Caixeta several times this month. Nice to see them together, like old times. Wish I could be there. Since she left Russia she has also participated in other ballet ‘directions.’ Her intent is to broaden her range. I think that in the ‘right type’ of work that she will exhibit this with remarkable ability. I still have the hope that she will find Her Own new voice with which she could be outstanding. I’ve never seen her on stage give a performance that I didn’t think was excellent, but these were all classic works, ones that for me hold the most interest, still, from all that she’s done to date. Thus I’m glad to see the announcement of the Raymondas. In addition, she remains probably as close to great Russian ballet as we’re going to get for awhile. I really look forward to seeing her again, if only for that reason, but hopefully for much more as well. (This is an old New York Times article from April 2022 that I missed, that sums up relatively well all that happened up to that date. It’s maybe a nice refresher.) https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/15/arts/olga-smirnova-ballet-bolshoi-ukraine-war.html
  20. Buddy

    Valeria Kuznetsova

    Since discovering yesterday to my delight that Valeria Kuznetsova was accepted this year to the Mariinsky, I’ve been watching video excerpts of some of my favorite Mariinsky/Vaganova ballerinas in the category that I’m particularly fond of, the more dreamlike and airily graceful grouping. To narrow it down, I’ve focussed on those closest to Valeria Kuznetsova in linear airiness or willowy gracefulness, which is seeming to me to be one of her lovliest characteristics. It’s been suggested elsewhere that she’s not actually very tall, and yet she has some of the same attraction as do two of this group’s tallest stars, Ulyana Lopatkina and Alyona Kovalyova (now a Bolshoi Principal). She may be closer to Oksana Skorik in actual size. Yet to my eyes she may be the most linearly embracing and in this I would put her closest to Alyona Kovalyova and Oksana Skorik. To even regard this young, recently graduated (Perm School, same as Oksana Skorik) dancer alongside these others is about as high a compliment as I can offer and I’ve felt this way almost since I first viewed her about a year ago in the Moscow International Ballet Competition videos. I would say that she has since matured noticeably in her dramatic aura and become even more refined and lovely. Here’s a charming video of her as Giselle several months after the Competition.
  21. Buddy

    Valeria Kuznetsova

    Wow ! “Graduated from the Perm School of Dance and joined the Mariinsky Ballet in 2023” (Mariinsky site)
  22. Just discovered !! — Brava !! Valeria Kuznetsova “Graduated from the Perm School of Dance and joined the Mariinsky Ballet in 2023” (Mariinsky site) Here’s what I was in the process of writing just before I found the above : "For me, the successor to Ulyana Lopatkina in dreamlike fineness at the Mariinsky would be Oksana Skorik. Her successor would have been the Vaganova graduate, Alyona Kovalyova, who is now a Principal at the Bolshoi. “And for me, next in line would be the Perm School’s young Valeria Kuznetsova. Yuri Fateev, Acting Director of the Mariinsky Ballet, was one of the judges at last year’s XIV Moscow Ballet Competition, where she won a prize in the Junior’s. He, thus, has seen her.” I’m Delighted for Her ! Brava ! Here she is once again, in my favorite officially posted video of her. There’s also now an unofficial video of her dancing the White Swan Duet from Swan Lake somewhere with Mariinsky Principal, Yevgeny Ivanchenko, probably just after graduating. She absolutely lovely. Added: I momentarily forgot Maria Iliushkina, whom I might include as well.
  23. Looking forward by looking back. Remember her ? Oct 23, 2023 “ Today is the birthday of Ulyana Lopatkina - the pride of the Mariinsky Theater and all Russian ballet, the embodiment of nobility, grace and true skill. Congratulations to all fans of her art with the recording of a fragment of the ballet “Raymonda”. “ (Google translation) And Maria Khoreva has posted a video at her site after about a half year’s absence. I remember Xander Parish’s warm congratulations to her sister upon her acceptance to the company, even after he felt that he had to leave. Isabella Boylston (ABT) was among others who joined him. “ Ballet Class with Maria Khoreva “ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27Eih5luJrY&t=1486s
  24. And I guess I have to include this sooner or later. Life is the dance in this one, perhaps. Can't Stop Loving You (Phil Collins cover)
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