Buddy

Gnossie, I'd like to seriously discuss and learn more about what you'd recommend in evaluating a performance of the 'reconstruction.' As I mentioned above, I thought that last evening’s “The Sleeping Beauty” went very well and that Olesya Novikova as Princess Aurora danced the best that I’ve seen her do. She was spellbinding in Act I as the young and vibrant princess. This act could have been designed for her and she suited it almost perfectly. Firstly, it requires fine technical ability which she’s always been known for. Then it requires an effervescent charm. Over the fifteen years that I’ve seen her she’s matured very well in gracefulness of dance and compellingness of portrayal. Oxana Skorik, as the Lilac Fairy, did very well. She maintained a fine elegance of facial expression, which this version requires. Her most beautiful feature was the motions of her arms that moved like waves over the more formal and punctuated motion of her lower body, which again this version seems to dictate. Timur Askerov also did the best that I’ve ever seen. Although he doesn’t have much dancing his jumps sailed like air, which they always do. But in addition, everything that he did had an airy elegance. And then there’s Principal Character Dancer, Islom Baimuradov (the husband of Yekaterina Kondaurova), who's amazing ! He performed Carabousse with theatrical brilliance. Both he and his wife share a fine theatrical ability. I’ve often raved about the extraordinary Principal Character Dancer, Vladimir Ponomarev, who played the King the evening before. I think that Islom Baimuradov will be his successor. They are quite different, Islom Baimuradov being more subtle, intricate and poetic, but they’re both absolutely brilliant ! New to the scene is “Trainee,” May Nagahisa. She’s diminutive and nearly uncomfortably thin, but she’s a wonderful dancer with exceptional charm. She’s being cast quite prominently in secondary leads in this series. Last night she was excellent as Princess Florine from the Bluebird duet. She’ll join the ranks of Yekaterina Osmolkina, Maria Shirinkina and others as one of the Mariinsky’s not tall ‘giants.’ Violin solo by Lyudmila Tchaikovskaya, once again — Wonderful !

Okay, let's celebrate !

Mnacenani, were you sitting in Row 3 ? If so I was sitting next to you, light green sweater and beard. Why didn’t you tell me who you were ?

I went to see Angelina Vorontsova today. I enjoyed the performance very much. She has a lovely presence and fine theatrical command. She also has very beautiful motion of the arms. They just floated. As was mentioned to me, her spins were exciting and the beauty, speed and elevation of her jumps were breathtaking. I liked Ivan Zaitsev as the Prince. He also had great jumps and was a fine and secure partner. In addition, I really enjoyed Yekaterina Odarenko and Valeriya Zapasnikova as the two stepsisters. They did some very fine and dynamic dancing to some very good choreography and they were extremely funny and entertaining. I’ll add the arabic dancer(?) who I believe was Polina Filimonova. She danced very well and was very effective in casting her exotic spell.

White Cat — Yana Selina Puss ’n Boots — Grigory Popov No downs, Drew, no downs. Quick added: The Sleeping Beauty tonight, another very fine evening. Olesya Novikova -- the best I've seen her do.

The Sleeping Beauty I thought that the evening was very good and very well received. Viktoria Tereshkina, for the most part, was as fine as I’ve ever seen her. Interestingly, it was at the Festival some years ago that she performed the usual version of The Sleeping Beauty and I felt that it was her best previous performance. Yekaterina Kondaurova, always enchantingly beautiful, as the Lilac Fairy had one exceptional passage of theatrical brilliance, which she’s extremely capable of producing. She’s probably the most versatile and adaptable of the Mariinsky ballerinas so I’m always paying attention to how she handles something new. I thought that she did very well with an artistic expression that seemed to capture the mood and the vocabulary of motion very effectively and meaningfully. Maria Shirinkina, for the second year in a row as Princess Florine from the Blue Bird duet, was very lovely. Alexei Timofeyev as the Blue Bird did very well and was a very fine partner. There was one flying lift that they breathtakingly accomplished. It’s really nice to see Vladimir Shklyarov (and his wife, Maria Shirinkina) back. This work doesn’t give him much of a chance to display his aerial bravura, but he did very well with a fine sense of theater. The ‘famous’ and lengthy violin solo was absolutely gorgeous as usual. Each year it seems to get better. This year Lyudmila Tchaikovskaya (very appropriate name) was the violinist. She made one transition to complete silence that I found to be marvelously accomplished. The character principals,Vladimir Ponomarev and Elena Bazhenova as the king and queen were excellent as usual. He always amazes me. She was equally fine this year. As usual there are many other names that deserve mention. I ‘d like to add that the children, both on stage and in the audience, were absolutely precious. I don’t know anything about how this Sergei Vikharev “revival” is supposed to look, but I enjoyed it very much. It had a very nice historic aura. The style had nuances that were new to me. It was inviting, very interesting and had a definite excitement. It also displayed a different and more demanding theatrical commitment and I liked how the dancers did their best with it. I’m perfectly fine with the usual Mariinsky version, but also wouldn’t mind seeing this one as part of the repertoire. Added: The casting for the Gala is now on line. I'm particularly happy to see Alina Somova as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty excerpt and Oxana Skorik in the beautiful Midsummer Night's Dream duet. https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/playbill/playbill/2018/3/11/1_2000 (Thanks to ElenaK at Dansomanie)

Thanks, Charlie, for this additional information as to the connection of Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Seasons to the Festival’s theme. I didn’t know or even suspect this. There is a Dreaminess to all these works, which I like. If only part of Midsummer Night’s Dream is performed, as you suggest, I would guess and hope that it would be the second part with the beautiful duet and the more formal setting. Your idea of having included the entrance of the Shades would have fit perfectly as perhaps the finest statement of a ballet Dreamworld. Do you see any other elements connecting these works — music, structure, story, history, aura….?

Good find, Charlie. Thank you. This is the content as you already posted. Petipa/Vikharev’s Flora’s Awakening Balanchine’s Midsummer Night’s Dream (assume an excerpt) [Konstantin] Keichel’s new (or reconstructed?) choreography for Glazunov’s The Seasons http://www.mezzo.tv/nos-programmes/soiree_hommage_a_marius_petipa_theatre_mariinsky_11032018 Does anyone know who Konstantin Keichel is ? "The Seasons" should not be confused with "The Four Seasons" being performed the following week. Charlie, it looks like you got something of the Balanchine content that you were hoping for. Balanchine’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and Konstantin Keichel's The Seasons are certainly a deviation from the literal theme of the series, but 'atmospherically' there might prove to be a good connection.

She didn't perform for several months anyway last year, as I recall. How this would effect her current physical state, I, personally, have no idea. Added: She's scheduled for four major appearances in the next month. I wish her the best. https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/company/ballet/principals/baleriny/skorik1

I will admit to not having viewed this video segment. I have watched more than ten minutes of the rest of the The Shades Act and find her to be absolutely Elegant, almost sublime at times. Her statuesque beauty is as fine as I've seen in anyone. Towards the finale this Elegance carries over to her facial expression and her totality, I find to be, well, -- Absolutely Elegant !

I've mentioned that one of the performances that I’m most looking forward to is that of Oksana Skorik in Swan Lake. I’ve just seen a one minute view of her dancing La Bayadere and she has elevated again in artistic fineness. I believe that there is a video clip posted of her making a significant bobble in this same appearance. This sort of thing doesn’t overly bother me if I see basic fineness (perhaps even greatness!) throughout and the ‘challenges’ don’t overwhelm this. I still feel that she is probably the most basically beautiful ballerina today. The video clip, for me, confirms that she’s consistently growing. I compare her to the very young and remarkably talented Vaganova graduate, now at the Bolshoi, Alyona Kovalyova. My preferences go back and forth. What Oksana Skorik currently exhibits is a remarkable artistic maturity. If she maintains this and performs 'consistently', her Swan Lake at the Festival could be one of the very finest performances that I’ve ever seen. She’s almost accomplished this at two previous Festivals. Still no word on the possible appearances of Alina Somova and Kristina Shapran, whom I would really like to see. Alina Somova is listed for one major appearance at the end of this month and Kristina Shapran has several leads this month and next that include La Sylphide , Marguerite and Armand and Cinderella.

Very nice picture, Mnacenani. Hope that you had a fine visit. You're becoming a backstage regular, a good pal. Again I'll say that I think that Natalia Osipova is becoming a very fine dramatic dance artist in addition to her other very fine talent. After having watched more video clips, I feel that range and subtlety of expression are very important to this work and this she'll develop more in time. In the range that she exhibited, I thought that she did very well. There are several nice video clips of her interacting with Yekaterina Osmolkina. It shows a beautiful contrast between Bolshoi drama and Mariinsky poetry of motion. Yekaterina Osmolkina was outstanding. She has the Mariinsky loveliness and a more subtle, but accomplished, sense of drama, most noticeable in both these artists' facial expression. It was also really nice to see Yekaterina Osmolkina in the presence of someone of her not tall stature. You can appreciate her very fine lines and sculpture more when she not surrounded with those much taller than she is. She's one of my favorites at the Mariinsky and I hope that she gets as many roles and as much recognition as possible.

Not only "she certainly has the stage presence and expression," MadameP, but I think that she has a definite Fineness the aids her presentation considerably. I'm now in the middle of watching the interaction of her and Yekaterina Osmolkina. Quite wonderful.

I can’t resist this. When I googled the forum and looked quickly it seems to say, “Legend of Love” Starring….Mnacenani This is a must see ! Thanks for your very interesting background information. The ‘exoticness’ of Legend has always ‘captivated’ me. Where do the famous hands come from? Ancient Egypt? As in the case of many great works that interact (or seem to borrow from) other realities, this one maybe becomes much more than the sum of its parts. I’m glad that you enjoyed Natalia Osipova. She’s so highly talented and loveable. For me, she’s going through a transitional phase from ‘celestial athlete’ and bundle of sunshine to serious expressionist. This is somewhat similar to what Diana Vishneva is doing. I think that she’s also trying to maintain her classical roots, to her credit. I hope that she’s able to do both. Added: Now when I google in, and look quickly, it seems to say "Legend of Love" Starring....Buddy. We'll have to give the male lead some more oomph, don't you think, Mnacenani, if we want to rival Nureyev. Added, added: There are some high quality video clips on the internet. From what I've seen briefly, I'm very impressed. She's much shorter than the corps de ballet surrounding her, yet she takes command immediately. She is intense, facially, but she's believable, poet, and not one dimensional. In other words -- she's good ! I think that she's developing very well as a dramatic dance artist. Also she did a jump that just floated, like the one's that made her famous -- from the days of 'the sweet little girl, that I once knew.' Wishing her much success in combining it all.

Great news ! Thank you. Kitri should be just fine for her. She was at the Festival about ten years ago. I've seen her do different things, but one of the finest performances that I've seen from anyone was her Raymonda with the Paris Opera Ballet eight years ago. He's a very fine artist and partner. I missed this earlier, but Yekaterina Chebykina, whom I like very much, will be The Queen of the Dryads. Last year she danced Diamonds with Xander Parish in what I thought was one of the most beautiful performances of that Festival.

I guess that I have to reiterate that 3 Swan Lakes 1 Giselle 2 Sleeping Beauties 2 Don Quixotes 1 Gala and More, in 14 days, by one of the very best ballet companies (by certain criteria, probably ‘The’ very best) is quite exceptional. I maybe take all this somewhat for granted by now, but the amount of work and the quality of talent involved is quite staggering.

Thanks, Mnacenani.

Thanks, Mnacenani. All I can really say is that Saturday evening remains a great chance to have a guest star doing one of the classics, Swan Lake, Giselle.... It could make the week quite special. Olga Smirnova, for one, would be wonderful ! Added: Have a great visit and I hope that you see a very fine performance.

Thanks, Charlie. I've not found any reference to a Vaganova gala in March but I'll keep looking.

So a few personal thoughts after a very brief look. As for something different and possibly outstanding, there’s still the Gala Sunday and the Saturday before to be announced. There’s also a Tuesday before a Swan Lake that’s open. Normally there are no Festival performances on a Monday. I look forward to Oxana Skorik as Odette-Odile (Swan Lake). Yekaterina Osmolkina is always wonderful as Giselle. I wish Nadezhda Batoeva much success as Odette-Odile. Maria Shirinkina will appear briefly as the Princess Florine (Bluebird duet, Sleeping Beauty), which should be very lovely. Alina Somova and Kristina Shapran, whom I was hoping to see, are yet unlisted. Anastasia Lukina will be The Queen of the Dryads. May Nagahisa, whom I know nothing about, is being given three appearances. I’m a big Xander (Parish) fan so I’m glad to see him in Swan Lake and The Four Seasons. And I’m glad to see The Four Seasons for the first time on stage, although it’s different from the general theme. And there are many more fine artists as usual. Although we’re pretty familiar with most of them doing what they’re doing, there’s always the chance that one or two might give ‘the performance of a lifetime.’ This would be special. The Festivals, for me, have always been more about quality performances than inventive programming, although programming has had some very fine years. Let’s see what yet develops.

This casting has been posted today. It's all in-house so far with the only thing somewhat different being Odette-Odile: Nadezhda Batoeva. Added to the list of performances is The Four Seasons, March 18. 8 March Thursday 19:00 The Sleeping Beauty Princess Aurora: Viktoria Tereshkina Prince Désiré: Vladimir Shklyarov The Lilac Fairy: Ekaterina Kondaurova The Diamond Fairy: Sofia Ivanova-Skoblikova Carabosse the Wicked Fairy: Igor Kolb Princess Florine: Maria Shirinkina Bluebird: Alexei Timofeyev 9 March Friday 19:00 The Sleeping Beauty Princess Aurora: Olesya Novikova Prince Désiré: Timur Askerov The Lilac Fairy: Oxana Skorik The Diamond Fairy: Valeria Martynyuk Carabosse the Wicked Fairy: Islom Baimuradov Princess Florine: May Nagahisa Bluebird: Yevgeny Konovalov 11 March Sunday 20:00 Marking 200 years since the birth of Marius Petipa. Gala Concert 14 March Wednesday 19:30 Swan Lake Odette-Odile: Ekaterina Kondaurova Siegfried: Timur Askerov von Rothbart: Roman Belyakov The Prince’s Friends: Yana Selina, May Nagahisa, Vasily Tkachenko The Jester: Yaroslav Baibordin 15 March Thursday 19:30 Don Quixote Kitri: Renata Shakirova Basilio: Philipp Stepin Gamache: Dmitry Pykhachov Espada: Konstantin Zverev Street Dancer: Tatiana Tkachenko Mercedes: Olga Belik Flower-Sellers: Yana Selina, Nadezhda Gonchar The Queen of the Dryads: Anastasia Lukina Amour: Tamara Gimadieva Variation: Valeria Martynyuk 16 March Friday 19:30 Swan Lake Odette-Odile: Oxana Skorik Siegfried: Yevgeny Ivanchenko von Rothbart: Andrei Yermakov The Prince’s Friends: Yana Selina, May Nagahisa, David Zaleyev The Jester: Vladislav Shumakov 17 March Saturday 13:00 Die Puppenfee one-act ballet Performance by the Vaganova Ballet Academy 17 March Saturday 19:00 Don Quixote Kitri: tba Basilio: tba Gamache: Vasily Shcherbakov Espada: Alexander Sergeev Street Dancer: tba Mercedes: Alisa Rusina Flower-Sellers: Salome Figueiredo de Santana, Vlada Borodulina The Queen of the Dryads: Yekaterina Chebykina Amour: Svetlana Russkikh Variation: Yana Selina 18 March Sunday 13:00 The Four Seasons Elena Yevseyeva and Xander Parish 18 March Sunday 20:00 Giselle Giselle: Yekaterina Osmolkina Count Albrecht: tba Hans: Islom Baimuradov Myrtha: Yekaterina Ivannikova Classical duet: Renata Shakirova, Alexei Timofeyev 20 March Tuesday 19:00 The Fountain of Bakhchisarai Maria: Anastasia Kolegova Vaslav: Yevgeny Ivanchenko Ghirei: Yuri Smekalov Zarema: Yekaterina Chebykina Nurali: Grigory Popov 21 March Wednesday 19:30 Swan Lake Odette-Odile: Nadezhda Batoeva Siegfried: Xander Parish von Rothbart: Konstantin Zverev The Prince’s Friends: Sofia Ivanova-Skoblikova, Anastasia Lukina, Yevgeny Konovalov The Jester: Grigory Popov https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/playbill/playbill?type=ballet&year=2018&month=3 (click on the event to see casting)

Charlie, or anyone else, will there be a Vaganova gala the 13th? Could you please give me the link?

Thanks, MadameP. Well, I got the second ticket to see Angelina Vorontsova’s Cinderella. So *Festival* it's becoming ! I just found video clips of her doing this about a month ago and she's very lovely and impressive. Also the Mikhailovsky just had a gala that included her but I haven’t found a video clip. But I did find one of Olga Smirnova and she’s quite wonderful as usual. It would be great if she appeared at the Festival again this year.

Thanks, Mtthwbrehm, for your thoughts. Based on your continued enthusiasm and what I've seen on the internet I may try to see Angela Vorontsova twice although it might involve a tight schedule from the airport. I've never bought flowers for a ballerina before, but I'd be glad to give it a try. If I do and you want your name included on a card please send me a personal message. At the Mariinsky I've often seen a lady arriving with an armload of very beautiful bouquets, which I assume she's delivering for customers. It's a lovely sight and a lovely gesture. As I've mentioned, although my interest is primarily the Mariinsky Festival performances, I have been able to tie in other performances that have added to and even exceeded what I saw at the Mariinsky. Several years ago I was able to go to the Bolshoi for the first time, right after the Festival, and it was almost a seamless continuation. The lead ballerinas, Svetlana Zakharova, Anna Nikulina and even Ekaterina Krysanova, had strong and lovely Mariinsky resemblances those evenings. Seeing Angela Vorontsova might be the same. I would hope that the Mariinsky will be posting some of the casting as soon as possible. Also there are still some unposted dates, the Saturday evening before the Sunday gala being an important one, that might be very interesting. Charlie, if you read this, I think that your idea of a Balanchine tribute night remains a fine one. Often Balanchine is included in gala events, so it could still happen, although the tribute so far is being taken rather literally.

Attending her 1:00 pm, March 10, performance — twice. Rather hard to do, I would think.