flo

I was there on Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. I even liked Acheron for what it's worth. But of course Faun and La Valse were the highlights. I thought that Taylor and Marcovici were having the time of their lives, relishing the moments of their final show. Their performances were up there with their best ever. Jared Angle was the Death figure, which was probably special to them as he and Taylor came out of SAB together and danced many roles together at the beginning of their careers. The applause went on seemingly forever.......so much love and appreciation pouring out to them. It was Jared who put the banner on Janie. (It said Pageant Queen) I saw the retiring couple backstage and they were simply having fun with all their friends. It is a night I will not soon forget. I still have the La Valse music playing in my head.....

just a few comments...... I agree w/ vipa that Bouder often looks smug, even conceited about her talent. I thought so all the years she was coming up, then thought I liked her better in recent years but maybe she's back to that. I admire her talent but she's one ballerina who could never make me cry or feel something deeply. Dances at a Gathering I find too long. I love the dances and I hate that my feeling at the end is relief that it is over. I would like to be left with a more pleasant feeling! If only they had cut those 15 minutes that Croce wrote about...... I do love Union Jack though! I even get goose bumps during the procession of regiments. Maybe it's my English roots but I thoroughly enjoy it. I love the costuming and I love the fun the dancers have during the Royal Navy section. Sometimes I tire of the costermonger part but it was great to see Ringer hamming it up on Feb. 1, and the new pony was a scream!

I agree w/ Krystin. loved the ballet which was so entertaining. I would add that the pdd for Taylor & Hall was beautiful and just the right touch in the midst of all that excitement. So many curtain calls - the audience was crazy about it!

I remember this!

Violin Concerto, I believe you are thinking of the Janice Levin Award for promising corps members. The asterisk is next to the current honoree's name. This started in 2000. See www.nycballet.com/news/press/pr112800b.html

That was the lighting giving the tattoo effect. The costumes were solid colors and a very feminine look for the ladies.

There's a kiss in La Valse.........see Oberon's Grove where there's a photo: http://oberon481.typepad.com/oberons_grove/2008/10/ah-quelle-est-belle.html

And I believe Afternoon of a Faun has a kiss.

I believe that's Maria Kowroski.

There's a review of Boree's farewell in today's NY Times. It was complementary of her Duo Concertant, but then went on to criticize Boree's BSQ in particular, and her dancing in general. Was that really necessary? It's her final review in the paper. Why use as a final opportunity to take a swipe at her? Totally lacking in class.

I agree!

When exactly is the Fall Season?

I haven't seen the current run but I do love the ending of this production. It is very moving and it always makes me cry!

just to add my two cents......I had a wonderful time at the Gala. The dancers were fresh, beautiful, and full of energy. I even enjoy the crazy mix of pieces in these galas, if only to get the opportunity to see a lot of dancers in one show. It seemed to me that everyone around me was having a great time and enjoying the show as well. I agree with others in that my favorites were The Unanswered Question (Taylor-Ulbricht) and Who Cares? (Ringer & Krohn in the finale) except for the singer I also liked the excerpt from Jazz (Kowroski-Marcovici) with the Jazz band onstage.

Re: Koch's mega-gift to NYCB. I think the dancers have an attitude of gratitude and that's the way I feel about it too, especially in these bad economic times. I don't understand why anyone would attack him as I've read -- it's his money to do as he wants and how great he gave some to the ballet. I know we don't like the name change of the theater but I guess I don't mind as much as some of you do. I grew up in a family of athletes and I am now used to all the name changes of the sports venues around the US. I asked someone why people would complain so much and he said to me that if someone gave him such a grant for his organization he would be willing to change his own name to get it!!

Obviously, I'm nobody with any expertise on the subject and I can learn from some of the comments here. But just let it be known that some people were just plain happy to be there!

She has done Russian as well. I think the * is a mistake!

Thanks to all......and Leigh I will use your name if we go that route!

Thanks, and that sounds like my price range exactly. Thanks for the comment on location too....that's always important!

Can anyone recommend hotels that are nice, comfortable, but moderately priced?

Pas is the French word for "step". It also means "not" but not in the ballet context.

I wonder if the word fletch is misspelled. Fleche means arrow, dart, or bolt. But I am not familiar with the step......

I have a question about the exam the pupils take in order to move up (or repeat a grade). Is this an assessment of their ballet accomplishment, like the RAD exams, or is this something academic, or maybe a combination of both??

That's a good one!

Behind Wendy to her left: Sebastien Marcovici, to her right Albert Evans

Actually in the last few years, the Gala has been presented on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Nutcracker traditionally starts the day after Thanksgiving. Best guess: Winter rep. will start on Jan. 4, the first Tuesday after New Yr.

Dale, you mentioned that the magazine can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, but I called there and they didn't seem to have any record of it. Is there a particular Barnes that is carrying it?

Great news! I will check the casting before my next trip into the city because I want to make sure I catch her performance. I can hardly wait!!

Thanks for your replies. I'm looking forward to my weekend!

I'm going to one of the NYCB performances at the Kennedy Center, my first time to visit this venue. Any pointers about parking, where to dine, etc??