Buddy

Just some very first glance opinions. I like the idea of a Balanchine tribute very much. I'm not particularly good on ballet details unless I see one about thirty times. I tend to go for the enchantment. Yet, I was wondering today about physical comparisons between Odette's Swan Lake and Diamonds. I 'feel' a great deal in common, especially since the Bolshoi's Alyona Kovalyova (formerly Vaganova) has recently performed both of them. By the way, I still wouldn't mind at all seeing her back at the Mariinsky (Vaganova-Mariinsky). Maybe you could give me some thoughts about Swan Lake/Diamonds. I sense that they might be soulmates. Bob Dylan's name isn't as off the wall as it might seem. I'd really wouldn't mind a 'from somewheres far away' take on all this (rock'n'roll, Chinese classical....).

I tend to get pretty emotionally immersed in these Festivals so I decided to give it a half-year head start. "Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life." - Ludwig van Beethoven I think that something similar could be said about the ballet.

I read what Laura Cappelle wrote and if you'd like to discuss it and other critics' opinions the "Writings on Ballet" topic might be a fine place to do that. I'm sure that a lot of us would like to read this and your opinions together. Also in regard to what I mentioned above about seeing more than one performance in a series, at certain prices and availability this isn't always an easy thing to do. Yes, let's see how she does.

Mnacenani, I've seen dancers that I liked very much and travelled great distances principally to see who didn't do what I was really hoping for. Still I've hung in there with them. Some have done great and some, well, I'm still hoping. (Something that I try to do is book for more than one performance, especially when travelling long distances, because if the one that I was there mainly to see wasn't what I was hoping for, sometimes someone else does great. Sometimes it's a big surprise and a very pleasant one.) As I've expressed before, we wouldn't be discussing any of these artists if a lot of folks didn't think that they were special. From only very limited video clip viewing 'Alyona Kovalyova' (your chosen spelling for the moment) seems to have some exceptionally beautiful qualities. Hopefully she'll show these for the appreciation of everyone, especially some of us who've really been excited about her and in your case actually travelled all the way to Russia just to see. Thanks, anyway, for sharing what you saw with us and I'm very glad that there were parts of the performance that you really enjoyed.

What kind of audience response did 'She' get, Mnacenani ?

This is an interesting idea, Charlie. Can you suggest any choreographers or works ? The Mariinsky's Yuri Smekalov is a possibility, but he works in 'historic recreations' so he would have big shoes to fill. Forsythe ? Bob Dylan ? I happen to have a few of my major works that might be interesting, ranging from two to five minutes.

Мне кажется, что вы очень хорошо говорите по-русски. (It seems to me that you are speaking Russian very well). Speaking of pretensions, my Russian is a google translation, but from my very limited vocabulary it seems ok. Hope that you see a really great performance and certainly look forward to hearing you and your 'expert's' comments. Wish I could be there, but I'm hanging on to the hope the she'll be at next year's Mariinsky Festival because such things have happened. She'll be opening the season in the company of Svetlana Zakharova, Olga Smirnova and Anna Nikulina. Not bad for a newly arrived 18 year-old. Will you be seeing any of the others ? Added: Funny anecdote. Makhar Vaziev, Artistic Director, said in an interview that Alyona Kovalyova (Alena Kovaleva) will now have the chance to learn from great established artists such as Olga Smirnova (25 years-old !?)

The timing would certainly imply a connection. What form it will take is another matter. It'll be interesting to see, although, as I wrote above, the programming format hasn't really changed much from year to year. I'd be fine with a heavy dose of the classics. This is pretty much where the Mariinsky shines like no other, although I think that the dancers do very well with Balanchine and do fine with the more sensitive modern and seem to have fun with some of the more entertaining modern (i.e. the works of their own, young Maxim Petrov).

I didn't know about the Petipa Bicentennial, Charlie. I'm not sure what to make of it except that the Festival has generally been at the end of March the last few years. Is there more than a seminar planned for the Vaganova/Mariinsky ? Since much of each Festival is Petipa material, there's not a lot that would have to be change. The Festival programs have been fairly alike except for the one when six Swan Lakes were performed about 10 years ago. The Festival has never really been about a theme or inventive programming. The attraction is the remarkable quality of performance.

Thanks, Charlie, for your thoughts. I'm glad that you enjoyed it. I hope to see it in about a week. I'll try to keep the reindeer connection in mind. Anastasia Shevtsova is not a current member of the Mariinsky as far as I can see from the company list. I've read many of the reviews and they are generally favorable. One idea that appears in several is the theme of escaping from the constraints of the ballet world. Even Mikhail Baryshnikov said that this was his reason for leaving Russia. Here's another point of view from Olga Smirnova, Bolshoi Principal ballerina, shared by many. "One and the same performance can not be performed in the same way: new nuances appear, in some places a new understanding and understanding appears, and this process is endless, just as we change without end: we grow up, learn, discover ourselves and others. It's life, and exactly the same life is hidden inside the images and heroes that I'm performing." http://www.elle.ru/celebrities/interview/olga-smirnova-tolko-kogda-balet-stanovitsya-smyislom-jizni-v-nem-mojno-chego-to-dobitsya/

Looking over the schedule for 2018 the only time slot available in late February-early April, the normal Festival season, is March 4-17. https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/playbill/nextplaybill?type=ballet

Alina Cojocaru, former Royal Ballet star, I have to mention once again, was featured in six(!?) Mariinsky Festival full length classics. She may well be the all-time star of these remarkable festivals.

I have a funny/not so funny story, Charlie. Before 2014 she returned to the Mariinsky to perform Swan Lake. I was in London at the time and decided that I would do anything to see this. I bought a ticket and reserved a flight as the perfomance was only ten days away. Then things fell through. The consulates in London and Paris said I had to get my visa in the US and Geneva, where I usually could get one with no problem was on vacation. Much of the money was recovered but I was not a happy camper. Fortunately about a week later the Bolshoi was performing Giselle in Lausanne, Switzerland, close to where I live, and I had tickets. They were fantastic. Svetlana Lunkina had a very good night and Nina Kaptsova was an absolute dream. This was a once in a lifetime adventure in impulsive behavior, but that's how strongly I feel about Veronika Part, especially about seeing her do something at the Mariinsky. They did invite her back for a divertissement at their Festival, which I saw, and she did just fine. I spoke to her very briefly at the reception and told her that I thought that she was great and that if she comes back she should insist on doing another Swan Lake. In regard to the one that I couldn't get to, the only review that I could find was by a poster in Russia who said that she was excellent. For me, Charlie, and for many others from what I've read and heard, she has a streak of enchantment running through her, that radiates even in her weakest performances, of which I've seen very few. I'm sorry that her Giselle seemed like a dud, but I'm sure that I would have found something to reassure me of her 'magic.' I always do. And I think that if given the time she could make the Giselle work just fine. It's a role that I don't think that she's had much experience with. Swan Lake seems to be her strong card, but I've also seen her do two remarkable Sleeping Beauties, which many felt wasn't the best role for her. I think that she is an artist that should be tailored to if necessary, because she's that special. I have seen her given some very questionable (for anyone) material. Glad that you liked her ABT Swan Lake. I've seen about six of them, loved them all, and one, after one by Ulyana Lopatkina, was probably the finest that I've ever seen. I think that the Mariinsky, which is loaded with so much talent that it can let the likes of Olga Smirnova, Yevgenia Obraztsova, and Alena Kovaleva seemingly slip away and yet shine like the sun, still would shine all the brighter if it could fine a place for Veronika Part. In my mind she's always been a Mariinsky ballerina, who in addition is a remarkable one of a kind that belongs to the world. Even if her 'magic' were to show for only a moment (never the case) it's greatly worth seeing. For me, she's that special.

Please delete. Duplicate response.

It would appear that she has at least taken classes recently at the Royal Ballet. http://balletalert.invisionzone.com/topic/42745-veronika-part-leaving-abt/?page=17&tab=comments#comment-387345 She is such an amazing talent. Her artistry is an Enchantment. Hopefully some company will fully recognise and feature this, as I don't think that it's happened yet. With this ability she could perform for years. The Royal Ballet, which I don't get a chance to see very often, seems to have a theatrical strength, perhaps coming from that part of the world's great literary and theatrical traditions. I see it strongly in Xander Parish (now a Mariinsky Principal) and in such current dancers as Marianela Nunez. I think that this could be a very good fit for Veronika Part. Hopefully she can at least be given a guest status. Marcelo Gomes had this at one time. If not given more, maybe the Mariinsky could also offer her something similar and she could do some exciting freelancing. She is one of several exceptional ballerinas today, whom I don't think have ever been fully featured. They all may be at slightly outside their company's box, which may account for this. I would hope that the Royal Ballet would give her a chance. It's a decision that it might well cherish someday.

I would really hope that something comes of this. The Royal Ballet could be a very good place for her.

It looks as if Veronika Part (originally Mariinsky, formerly ABT) may be establishing a presence at London's Royal Ballet. https://www.instagram.com/p/BY0zQ_qjrBn/?taken-by=vpartnyc http://balletalert.invisionzone.com/topic/42745-veronika-part-leaving-abt/?page=17&tab=comments#comment-387309 (as reported by Fondoffouettes) Wouldn't it be wonderful if the Mariinsky offered her the same chance. I've been dreaming of this possibility for years.

Hopefully some great news. It looks as if Veronika Part (originally Mariinsky, formerly ABT) may be establishing a presence https://www.instagram.com/p/BY0zQ_qjrBn/?taken-by=vpartnyc as reported by Fondoffouettes. http://balletalert.invisionzone.com/topic/42745-veronika-part-leaving-abt/?page=17&tab=comments#comment-387309 Added thought: Maybe she could become like Margot Fonteyn. Her artistry transcends age.

She looks very lovely to me. I hope to see her in London someday. Russian and 'Russian sphere' (Alina Cojocaru....) ballerinas will draw me to see any company. I just got tickets for my daughter and myself to see Sylvia because Natalia Osipova is performing. I don't get to see the Royal Ballet very often, but Marianela Nuñez is a favorite, whom I would rearrange a travel schedule to see. I know that a lot of folks like to see companies develop with their 'homegrown' talent and style and I can totally sympathise with them. But I also have to say, that I go to see the best performances possible and 'Russian' dancers, for me, always deliver this. I think that their value beyond is that they set the standard.

I think that the best that she's been given in the last few years is the lead in Anna Karenina ( and possibly Zarema in The Fountain of Bakhchisarai ? ) I would certainly like to see much more of her. Here's one of the quotes from the Mariinsky page. "She dances the role of Nikia as a delicate, fragile and deceived child. The statuesque nature and refinement of the ballerina’s poses bring old illustrations and engravings to mind." -- Izvestia https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/company/ballet/principals/baleriny/pavlenko Added: I saw her dance a 'modernish' Divertissement at a Mariinsky Festival a few years ago and she looked as fit as ever.

Yes, I think that you struck gold here, Mnacenani. I wish that I could be there. Hopefully another time, maybe at next year's Mariinsky Festival, where such things can happen (i.e. the past featuring of Svetlana Zakharova and immediate presentation of Olga Smirnova, both 'Mariinsky transplants'). This is a young artist, who after not being accepted at the Mariinsky, was considering the Bejart Ballet Company or even becoming a modern dancer. She could be well on her way to becoming one of the most beautiful ballerinas ever.

The return in September of Maria Shirinkina. Brava ! Cinderella, La Sylphide and Giulnara (Le Corsaire). As Yekaterina Osmolkina rises higher and higher in my esteem as perhaps the Mariinsky's most beautiful ballerina (in the company of Oxana Skorik), Maria Shirinkina, with many similar resemblances, has always been a favorite. Vladimir Shklyarov, her husband and favorite of many, will be appearing as Romeo. Always hoping for the best for this Mariinsky Principal Ballerina, Daria Pavlenko gets Myrta (Giselle) opposite Oxana Skorik as Giselle. I'll say it again. Daria Pavlenko, a few years back, gave two from some of the finest performances I've ever seen as Giselle. https://www.mariinsky.ru/en/playbill/playbill?type=ballet&year=2017&month=9 Added: Yekaterina Kondaurova will appear in The Four Seasons, where she gave an absolutely brilliant performance at its debut, probably seen by many here when posted on the internet by the Mariinsky. It's since disappeared from the internet. If anyone knows where I can find a copy please let me know here or by personal message.

Here's a trailer look. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjqnVrEByIE Here's the illustrated book on which it was based. Click on "Look Inside" above picture to seen some images. https://www.amazon.com/Polina-Bastien-Vivès/dp/0224096931/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503597891&sr=1-1&keywords=polina+french+edition There are several reviews on the internet.

For those like myself who would travel anywhere to see her, here is where she posts her schedule. http://www.olgasmirnovaballet.com/dates.html (Thanks once again to Sophia at Dansomanie for finding her site) I’ve mentioned the importance of facial expression for Olga Smirnova. The first few sentences might give a somewhat unexpected and partial reason for this. (This is a Google translation from Russian) “ELLE And this media is more likely to interfere or help you? “O.S. I, as a person in general, closed, excessive media is not always comfortable. Then you need to take into account certain nuances on the ballet, for example, operators like to take close-ups, and, accordingly, a certain light make-up is required and you need to watch the facial expressions, not just the graphic positions of the body. I first encountered this when I participated in the TV show "The Big Ballet" on the channel "Culture". It is difficult to control everything at once, especially when there is no experience. Moreover, ballet dancers are used to working on themselves and striving for perfection. And this even raises before us the bar, does not give the right to make a mistake, to "pass-through" speech. Because if you show weakness, it is this performance that will get on the Internet, and it will be recorded - as always happens in life. (Laughs.)” Also I’ve written that the best series of Bolshoi performances that I've seen was on the dancers' own stage about a year and a half ago. This might give some expected insight. “….on the Bolshoi stage I experience the most intense excitement. Probably on my own stage before my audience I always want to get more of what I want." ”http://www.elle.ru/celebrities/interview/olga-smirnova-tolko-kogda-balet-stanovitsya-smyislom-jizni-v-nem-mojno-chego-to-dobitsya/ (Thanks to Belaya Koshka at Балет и Опера for the article) Added thought: Above Olga Smirnova says, "Because if you show weakness, it is this performance that will get on the Internet, and it will be recorded - as always happens in life. (Laughs.)” Although she should know much more about this, in her case anyway, than I do, in my internet viewing this is sometimes true of certain posters. Yet, the vast majority of video clips that I've seen highlight the best in the artists.

I haven't followed Joy Womack that closely and like you I haven't seen much of the social media comments. I did see one video clip that I liked very much. Charlie, since you were based in Moscow for four years, maybe you would care to do some posting at the Bolshoi topic. I was at the Bolshoi theater for the first time last year and it was the best that I've ever seen the company. Perhaps being on their own stage can make a difference and you might be able to tell us about this. You can always start your own topic at the Bolshoi topic space.