nutkin

I too hanker for the "old days". In London maybe 10 or so years ago when Festival Ballet was at its peak there was Sadlers Wells, royal ballet, LFB and lots of visiting companies inc Joffrey, ABT, Dutch National Ballet, Swedish Ballet, etc.. Now there seems to be much less classical touring and more "bite sized" programmes which obviously are cheaper but I wonder if they reach the desired potential future audience in the same way ie lacking the grandeur and occasion of a full length classic.

Kevin, so pleased the company had a better house and very interested to hear about La Fille Mal Gardee, I wish I had seen programme 2 now! Are you planning to see any more performances?

interested to read your post Kevin, and do hope you enjoy the 2nd programme. Agree with your comments.

Thanks victoria, it is the Lovenskjold music I love too. Much appreciate the info.

[ 05-05-2001: Message edited by: nutkin ]

Originally posted by Marc Haegeman:

Just a short reaction to the article by Debra Craine in The Times (linked by Dirac) looking ahead at the coming Bolshoi and Kirov engagements in London.

It’s fine with me that the British press is trying very hard to present this whole thing as a duel between the Russian companies, but what I find less plausible is that between (or in) the lines one can perceive a certain tendency against the Bolshoi.

OK, a program 'Stars of'-style with highlights and pas de deux may not be the best way to appreciate a company like the Bolshoi, but is it really necessary to emphasize the negative sides in such a way?  Do we need to remind again that under Fadeyechev and Vasiliev the Bolshoi was restoring its classics, was dancing among others "Agon", "Symphony in C" and "Mozartiana", was acquiring contemporary works, was in other words 'broadening its vision' as much as the Kirov?  Vasiliev’s "Swan Lake" was a costly mistake, but I really fail to see what 'this critical hostility' during the Bolshoi’s 1999 London stint was about?  Aren’t we forgetting that we were seeing a company again in glowing form, full of good spirit and with (old and new) talent aplenty?

The Bolshoi has been going through unwelcome and regrettable times, but is that a reason to blame the company for this or to forget about its (near) past? If (heaven forbid!!) similar events should occur at the Mariinsky, Jewels or Manons notwithstanding, the result would be the same: they, too, would be in deep....

Any comments?

[ 04-23-2001: Message edited by: Marc Haegeman ]

Hi marc i think u are right, there is clear bias against Bolshoi and my experience today at the Drury lane theatre goes to show the company has worked v hard to restore its credibility.. their mixed bills are an excelent introduction to newcomers to classical dance with "bite sized" excerpts and also hugely enjoyable for those of us who know and love these works. go and enjoy. nutkin

Have just returned from matinee at Drury Lane when I saw programme with Act II Swan Lake, plus divertissements inc raymonda, Nutcracker, Giselle, don Quixote and flower festival at Genzano pas de deux.

1) very disappointing attendance, house less than 25% full. In spite of this the dancers put on a brave show and the small audience was entertained royally. However, benefit of this is if you want to go, try turning up for midweeek matinee you may be lucky

2) Anna Antonicheva and Sergei Filin lovely dancers, but special mention to Yan Godovsky as cavalier in Nutcracker, real lightness and ballon, soft landings, and his partner a delight.

3) It was a treat to see bournonville danced, why do we not see this more often? I just love the lightness and it is a superb technique to see performed.

4) where can I buy a video of LA SYPHIDE ie the story of Effie and James NOT the one with the Chopin music. Any thoughts?

regards, Nutkin nutkin@goldserve.net