sneds

Hi! Margaret Tracey will be retiring after the NYCB 2001-02 winter season. I'm glad to hear that Peter Boal will continue to dance, but worry that the NYCB male principal group is aging and that there are currently few possibilities for promotion to principal. Kate

Oops...I meant the 2000 NYCb Saratoga Gala ) Kate

The 2001 NYCB Gala up in Saratoga Springs ranks pretty high up there too... It had been raining hard for more than a day, and water was leaking through the roof of SPAC and dripping down the stairs. During the performance the water continued to flow in along the floor. The rain must have gotten into the sound system because the speakers screeched with feedback twice during Harmonheliere(sp??). The screeching/feedback was painfully loud (the music is loud to begin with), and the oboeist actually got up and left after the second screech. One can only imagine the difficulties backstage since I believe the dressing rooms are in trailers/separate building, connected by walkways. Needless to say, not too many people hung around for the fireworks or champagne. Other incidents at NYCB... One of the Froman twins losing the tap on his shoe during the tap duet in the premeire of Robert LaFosse's Ellington ballet. Kate

Hi! No formal announcement, but ABT has updated the company roster on the website. Carlos Molina and Stella Abrera have been promoted to soloist. New company members include David Halberg, Carlos Lopez, Sasha Dmochowski (he or she??)and Angela Snow. At least one corps member has departed... I had forgotten that Molina was still in the corps, and was assuming that Sean Stewart and possibly Sascha Radetsky might be next on the list for promotion. Does anyone know why only one guy was promoted, though two male soloist have left? Any thoughts on these promotions? Kate

Hi! In a NYTimes article from 4/21/96 it stated that the dancers' contract required a minumum of 90 dancers in the company. The contract may have changed since, but it gives you an idea of what might be included in the current contracts. I don't have any problems with the large number of dancers in certain companies. First of all, considering that a number of dancers are injured/ill at any one time, and other dancers (mostly principals) aren't dancing much/guesting, there aren't ever 90 dancers available to rehearse or dance. Secondly, a company like NYCB has a large amount of rep, and no dancer can be expected to learn/keep fresh that many ballets. Also, I'm sure dancers like to dance a variety of ballets, not to dance the same limited number of ballets over and over. Multiple casts (2-3) allow for variations in case of injury, and to allow different talents to be seen in roles. I appreciate the chance to compare how different dancers interpret the same roles. Now, I'm not a fan of ABT's policy of letting every principal do every role, but I do like seeing two or three casts at NYCB. At least from my observations, most NYCB corps dancer (especially the men) do not have many free nights. Considering that they are in class or rehearsing most of the day, and perform 6 days/7 performances a week, a night off once in a while is a good thing. Also, while it may be less obvious to the audience, certain ballets are very exhausting, so it may be hard for a dancer to dance in another ballet the same night. Lastly, certain ballets (Stars and Stripes, Union Jack, story ballets) require a very large cast, and so can only be properly done by larger companies. Yes, even with in large companies, dancers will be under and over used. As in life, all is not fair. While large companies may not be appropriate in all cases, different reps require different companies. Companies like ABT, NYCB and the Royal Ballet are large, and justly so. Kate Just my .02 Kate

Hi! I believe that the NYCB dancers' contract specifies a minimum number of dancers in the company (85 or 90?). The contractual requirement is probably intended to prevent the dancers from being over worked and over danced. Thus, Martins does not have complete control over the size of the company. Kate

Hi! Tara Hench performed in "Annabon" with Boston Ballet principal (non-CPYB alum) Laszlo Berdon. Berdo chereographed "Annabon" which is a mix of ballet/modern dance (she was on toe), with the dancers in attractive black, modernish costumes. I don't know if there was supposed to be a story, but since the ballet bgan and ended with the man alone on stage, me feeling was that we were viewing a brief relationshop where the woman seduced and then left the man. Zach Hench danced the "Wedding Pas de Deux" from Sleeping Beuaty with Vanessa Zahorian. Very well done, and I remember wishing that they had asked Zach or Bruce Thornton to do a solo instead of Daniel Alsadek. Kate

Hi! Carrie Imlet danced (very well, BTW) a solo from Le Corsaire. I think it was one of the solos that the main harem girl (pulling a blank on her name) dances in the first act "harem market" scene. The chereography is Petipa, the staging credited to Yuri Fateev amd music to Ricardo Drigo. I found it interesting that aside from one couple from Miami City Ballet, only NYCB dancers performed Balanchine ballets. One wonders, other than the fact that NYCB dancers are more likely to know Balanchine ballets, if it's easier to get permission for NYCB dancers to perform his ballets. Does anyone know??? Kate

Hi! No, Jessy is not injured-she'll be dancing up at Saratoga. I'm not sure why she didn't dance last night-I did talk to her mother, but forgot ta ask. Kate

Hi! Fabulous evening in Harrisburg! Kudos to Marcia Dale Weary and all of her alumni dancers!! As it's quite late, I'll just list the dancers and mention the highlights. If you want more info on any of the dancers/performances, post and I'll be happy to add details in the morning. Present and dancing were Adam Hendrickson, Ashley Bouder, both Staffords, Ryan Kelly, Tina and Sherri LeBlanc, both Maher sisters, Jennifer Miller, Daniel Alsadek, Tara and Zach Hench, Erica Gwinnell, Kristen Long, Callie Manning, Bruce Thornton, Carrie Imler, Deborah Wingert. I also saw Sean Lavery during the reception. The highlight of the evening was Kristen Long and her (non alum) fellow SFB principal Joan Boada dancing the Black Swan Pas De Deux. She only did 27 fouttes, but the rest of the performances was wonderful. He's not a Corella or Woetzel, but did a great job despite the smaller stage. They obviously have much experience dancing together, as their partnering was smooth and effortless. Tina LeBlanc and her (non alum) parter Gonzalo Garcia finished the show with an excellent Don Quixote variation. He was a little wild in his solos, but has amazing elevation and was very light on his feet. Adam Hendrickson and Ashley Bouder started the show off with an energetic "Tarantella". It's nice to see NYCB dancers in ballets they don't get to dancer with NYCB. Jon and Abi Stafford danced "Tschakovsky Pas de Deux"-he simplified some of the cheoreography, but the overall effect was lovely. They are well matched-and often are paired at NYCB. Deborah Wingert danced "Pavane""-lovely. The only dancer who seemed a bit out of place was Daniel Alsadek. He's lovely from the waist up, but appears to be carrying extra weight-mainly in his very over developed thighs. He's not blessed with long legs, so those thighs just make him look even less properly proportioned. He was fine in the Rose Adagio, but his solo "Prince Siegfried Variation from Swan Lake Act 1" was, IMHO, beyond his current ability. He lacked elevation, stretch and details like pointed toes. His "resume" is impressive, so it's a shame that his current ability seems limited. I wonder if he's being over danced and under coached down at Ballet Austin and/or if he's recovering/currently suffering from an injury. Anyway, it was a great evening of dancing-all the better viewed from the 2nd row (no orchestra pit). The wings were very shallow and I was all the way to one side, so I could see the dancers in the wings. Amusing to see them change from stage "personality" to huffing and puffing on the side! Kate

Hi! Woetzel must have been off on Saturday, because I noticed the exact opposite thing about the applause during the week. On Wednesday, Woetzel got applause every time he left the stage (and sometimes when he entered), but on Friday Millipied received no applause at all. Kate

Hi! Just back from Friday night's performance... Fiorato conducted, so it didn't end til after 10pm ) It was interesting seeing Millipied and Korbes as compared to the more-than-a-decade-older Woetzel and Whelan. I think that the younger dancers give the roles a slightly different dynamic (if that makes any sense). Tonight Titania and Oberon seemed more like quarreling lovers-younger and less experienced, as compared to Wednesday night's dignified married couple having a disagreement. Millipied did a fine job, though he simplified some of the steps (most noticabley, at the end of Oberon's first act solos, only doing a single tour or whatever that move is called). I also thought some of the timing in the "arguement scene" was a tad off-Whelan and Woetzel were more convincing. Nonetheless, I am excited by Millipied's dancing (and looks ), and hope he sticks around at NYCB. James Fayette did a great job as Titania's Cavalier-an excellent choice to help out a new Titania. You won't find a nicer and more solid dancer than Fayette. I wonder if this is why he danced the role last night with Korbes. Adam Hendrickson made a delightful debut as Puck! I thought his mime was excellent, and his body is suited for the leaps and bounds. He also "flew" higher at end-on Wednesday Puck didn't appear to get very high. He seems to be following in the footsteps of Tom Gold, as does Daniel Ulbricht. The rest of the dancers were fine, but not quite up to the level of Wednesday's cast (or energy). Whelan and Soto were solid in the Act 2 pas de deux, though the lovely ending was marred by a cell phone ringing (ARRRGHH...I swear that one rings during every performance...are people deaf....stupid....!!!!). Soto looks like he is carrying a bit more weight now, and not quite as quick, though still a wonderful partner. The costume does not flatter his build either. Other good debuts included Stuart Capps as one of the two lovers (I can't remember which) and Alexandra Ansanelli as Helena. Jared Angle danced well, but seemed to being a having a bad wig day...I kept waiting for the whole thing to come off. Also, the pivotal Act 1 scene in the fog didn't come off as well tonight. The dry ice fog appeared patchy, which detracted from the mysterious-foggy look, and the timing seemed not quite right. And Blascovich's Hippolyta wasn't as all out at Somogyi's. OK....now I realize that the flower is supposed to be "deflowered" when Oberon waked up Titania. Oops... One final question about a bit of plot. At the end of the pas de deux with Titania and her Cavalier, she and the Cavalier duck behind her "throne", presumabley to hide from Puck. However, they go behind the chair before Puck arrives, and do it rather casually, looking around carefully before going behind the chair. At first, I thought it seemed like they were ducking out of sight for a quick kiss...though I'm told it's merely to hide from Puck. Has anyone else interpreted it this way....? Kate

Hi! In the future, if you don't want to wait, you can always check recent casting at the NYCB webpage. Wendy Whelan was Titania, Rachel Rutherford was Hermia and Dena Abergel was Helena. Yes Neal and Weese did the Act 2 Divertissement PDD. Kate

Hi! Yup..Kipling is still dancing! I saw him last month in Tschaik.third, in the first movement. Looking back at old programs, it turns out that my parents saw Kipling dance the same role back in 1987 or so!! Wow!!! Talk about longetivity...and he still dances well. Kate

Hi! Great night at NYCB!! I'm not overly fond of Balanchine's version of Midsummer's- it's a bit confusing when it comes to the storyline, and the second act seems like somewhat of an afterthought. However,whatever qualms I have about the production, the dancing was stellar! As Oberon, Damian Woetzel was properly regal, and put on his usual show during his solo parts. It's interesting, as someone commented in another post, how popular he is with the NYCB crowd, yet you don't hear much about him outside the NY dance world. The only realy glitch occured when Oberon "used" the magic flower on Titania-the flower part had fallen off, so Titania was bewitched by a stem! I assume that normally, the flower part is still attached!! Jenni Somogyi was fantastic as Hippolyta-great energy in the foutte sequence. I think she got the loudest applause of the first act. Jared Angle made his debut as Titania's cavalier. His partnering was solid, though I think it will be smoother with more experience. And his solo bit was spot on! Unfortunately he did not get a bow-does Titania's cavalier generally not come out for the 1st act bows? Kudos also to Kipling Houston for an excellent job with the tricky partnering in the role of Bottom. It's one thing to partner, another to do it while wearing an asses head! The highlight of the night for me (other than seeing Damian dance!) was the 2nd act pas se deux. Phillip Neal and Miranda Weese were outstanding-probably the best I've seen them dance. All in all, well worth the aggrivation of driving into NYC! I can't wait to see the multitude of debuts on Friday! Good news-Amar Ramasar has apparently gotten his corps contract. BTW-apprentices now only can stay a maximum of one year before getting a corps contract or being asked to leave. Kate

Diana... The non-Balanchine rep for the Edinborough Festival was a request of the festival organizers, NOT a decision by anyone at NYCB. Apparently, they wanted something different from last year, when NYCB did mostly Balanchine (??). Also, only half the company is going to Scotland, which limits the ballets that can be performed. The whole company is going to Greece and Italy though. Kate P.S. I remember seeing Houston Ballet doing Daphnis and Chloe, but with chereography by Glen Tetley.

Hi! Yet another dancer leaving ABT: Today's NYTimes review of "Swan Lake" mentioned that he is leaving ABT after this season. Looks like ABT will have to promote or import if they want to keep the same number of soloists and principals. Kate

Hi! Yup..no unitard in "The Pied Piper"-and I saw it performed last month, BTW. The cape is in the ballet though. Kate

Hi! Actually, the "Pied Piper" costume seen in the ads and on the cover of Dance Magazine is never worn in the actual ballet. The Pied Piper actually wears a short tunic, much like the costume from "Prodigal Son". So nice unitard, but it's only for the promo shots. Kate

Hi! Wow..what great reviews... Since the NYTimes does not appear to be forthcoming with a review of Monday, could someone who attended the Monday performance be so kind as to let me know who won the Mae Wien award(s). THanks!! Also, I'm still searching for old SAB workshop programs and/or newsletters (or copies) to help me fill in the blanks on my webpage. You can e-mail via the webpage (see signature) Thanks!! Kate

Hi! Thanks for the info Leigh! I'd just found the info on another website! Just a reminder...I've update my SAB Workshops "alumni" webpage with info from this years workshop: http://www.mindspring.com/~ksneds/SABworkshops.html

Hi! I know that reviews of the SAB workshops have been a touchy subject...however as a novice to the SAB workshop world, I'm VERY curious as to how other people viewed the workshops. First of all, as someone who didn't get past preschool ballet classes, I'm very impressed by all of the dancers who had the talent, dedication, desire and nerve to dance in the SAB Workshops. IMHO, the ballets were well performed, but I'm not sure all of the dancers "got" the Bourneville style in "Napoli". There were a sprinkling of minor bobbles-just a reminder that these dancers are not pros yet. In general, I thought the women were good,but the men seemed a bit weak.....am I just used to seeing the pros at NYCB/ABT. There were some substutions, (though I believe the substituted-for dancers still danced in the "corps")-so this may have accounted for some of the jitters among the men. Among the men, Joshua Spell (I think) and the male dancer in the first duet of the Tarantella in "Napoli" stood out. I thought there were some weaknesses in a some of the other guys-perhaps I can discuss my thoughts in private e-mails, to avoid negativity on this board.... A question...I noticed that on several occasions, when landing tours (jumps...sorry, I'm still trying to learn all the vocab) would "cheat" the last rotation by essentially doing it on the ground. In skating, this is considered to be a fault"...were the guys cheating the rotations and if so, is it a bad thing in ballet as well. I would rather have seen fewer complete rotations, rather than a cheated rotation on the floor. Anyone want to comment or explain?? Among the women, I was pleasantly surprised to see such a range in body shapes. One gets used to the ultra thin bodies of NYCB.... Does anyone know if Emily Hendrickson is a younger sibling of Adam and Jessy? (Looks like she could be) All in all, it was a good night of dancing, even though the ballets themselves were not among my favorites. Oh, I did see Nikolaj Hubbe during intermission, but he did not come out during the bows for "Napoli". Kate

Hi! To weigh in on Stiefel vs. Woetzel... I've also often wondered why Damian is not more popular outside NY...since, IMHO, he is a far better and more rounded dancer than Stiefel. I don't think that Ethan was that popular outisde ballet circles until "CenterStage". IMHO, the reason he was/is more known, is that he has spent a considerable amount of time guesting with other companies, and toured with ABT. He was the center of a huge advertising campaign for Zurich Ballet, and has gotten attention for his looks and bad boy personality. Damian, on the other hand, has guested across the globe, but mostly in one night or fortnight appearances. He's also done more in smaller US cities, in Russia and in Japan, where he's less likely to be a huge hit. I think another main reason that Damian isn't as popular, is that NYCB has a very group oriented attitude and doesn't advertise based on it's stars. ABT uses Ethan to pull in an audience, but NYCB doesn't really use Damian in the same fashion. NYCB's posters are much more aubtle than ABT's big flashy color posters of its dancers. Also, I think because NYCB does few full length ballets, one doesn;t tend to focus on a star..you see many principals dance each night. Thus, again, the focus on the group...you don't go to NYCb to see one dancer dance a role all night long. Still, I wish more people knew about Damian and other NYCB dancers. Many of the people that I know who have become Ethan fancs though the movie think he is the "be all and end all" of dancing. Ethan is a fine dancer, but not on the scale of a Peter Boal or Damian Woetzel in scope or parterning skills or experience. Sigh... Kate

Briefly (it's late...) Since Margaret Tracey is out, there are several ballet and cast shifts coming this week. Ben Millipied is also not dancing (injury??). Walpurghischnact (sp??) was fine, though one corps member seemed very out of sync. And the overall effect was a touch sloppy. I was thrilled to finally see "Dances at a Gathering" and was not disappointing. Carmena replaced Millipied as the man in brick, and though he did a fine job, it was obvious that this was a pretty last minute substitution (anyone know if this was Carmena's debut in Dances?). Carmena is a bit short for Kowroski, and there was one scary moment when something appeared to go wrong in a lift. As this was my first time seeing "Dances" I don't know if there was actually an error-anyone else who was there care to comment? All the other dancers did a great job, and I was pleased to see Marcovici dancing so well. I also noticed that James Fayette seemed to take special care and notice the few times he was parterned with his wife. I'd love to see them really dance together at some point Concerto Armonici was fine, but a large portion of the audience had left after "Danced". Again I was impressed with Philip Neal, and liked Jared Angle. Other notes..Hubbe is alive and well! Hopefully I'll get to see him dance this week. ABT matinee was interesting. Corella did not dance-it was explained in the ABT talk before the show that he is too tired from "Pied Piper" to do much else right now. Guiseppe Piccone was a fine Solor, and in retrospect, probably a better partner match for Susan Jaffe. The corps was excellent-very few missteps in the long dance sequences. I thought "Pied Piper" was fun, and worthwile, despite the lack of dancing. The lighting and digital imagry were fabulous, though part of the screen was blocked from my view up in the balcony section. Apparently, the sunrise is real-taped in Arizona, and then blended in with the other images. The rat puppets and costumes were really inventive, and I'll bet the dancers had fun doing something a bit different! Herman Cornejo was an excellent Piper-gotta keep an eye on him! My only complaint was the villager's costumes...ughhh. They need to eliminate the masks and about half the layers of materials.. All in all-great day despite the rain! More details and more reviews to come in the next few days! Kate P.S. From what I understand, Ashley Bouder learned "Firebird" yesterday-and the same day she danced it!

Hi! Thanks for the great review! >>My companion commented on how their were more male soloists than female soloists in the company right now--2:1 to be exact, and they are all good dancers. When did this happen?<< Unfortunately, they are good dancers, but with the exception of Millipied and Marcovici (perhaps), not ready to be principal dancers or like, IMHO, Fayette, Higgins, Houston, Ritter and Gold, seem to be going no farther than soloist. And NYCB is definately in need of new blood in the principal ranks. I believe that all of the male principals are in their thirties or very late twenties. Of the nine men: LaFosse only dances specific character roles, Boal and Soto are fabulous dancers, but increasingly limited in rep/stamina by age, Evans peforms only in a more limited range of roles. Martins is solid, but by no means a crowd-drawer. Hubbe has been injured more often than not recently which is very worrisome, as is this recent injury to Millipied. Askegard and Neal are both very good and still with years of good dancing left. Woetzel is also as good as ever, but I seem him retiring before he begins to slip to far. Overall, it is not a stable situation, and Peter Martins better start thinking about moving new men up the ranks and/or enticing new and/or established dancers from other companies to join the NYCB. The female ranks are better, but also are aging in the principal ranks. Anyone care to comment on this subject...disagree, agree... Kate