YID

Here's my review - " went on Friday night (missed 1st Act), then both Saturdays and Sunday (last one to primarily enjoy the PERFECTLY executed formations (lines, arches, "flowers" ect) by the corp from the elevation of 3rd tier). The highest praise (from me) goes to Corps, so synchronized, so graceful, such "swanly" backs and arms WINGS). Different to many, i like the happy ending Soviet version, and i don't find the Act IV as a filler, it has great dancing (imho). I also like the "russian" Act 1, filled with lots of wonderfully executed group dancing, compared to ABT version. I liked Kondaurova, Kolegova & Korzuntsev, Schklyarov, and was curious about Skorik and Askerov (whom i saw at Stage door - they both are equally very tall). To comment on the loud landings - the dancers told me the floor was way too hard and covering way too slippery. What i told my NYC friends at intermissions - Skorik has a terrific body (may be TOO thin). But as my "first-time-ever-to-see-a-ballet" friend commented- she didn't see a swan or a bird - she saw a thin overflexible dancer. Some lifts and steps were skipped, bourree was not present, and I would not blame lack of lift on just Shklyarov, as even Rothbald had difficulty lifting or holding her up. And in black act, if she was seducing anyone it was ironically-Rothbald. She rarely looked at her prince. Kudos would go to Shklyarov for super difficult combinations in his solos (Askerov skipped them). I can't point my most favorite prince on this tour, as i liked Shklyarov technic, but Korzuntsev is the VERY noble prince (and solid technic and great partnering skills). Ivanchenko was not as passionate i remember him in Saint Petersburg this April. Kolegova was a solid (not mind blowing) but a good O/O. I loved Jesters (I missed the missteps of the Jester on Friday). Next-(not liked Ratmansky) Cinderela in DC PS: I was glad to hear the Mariinsky Orchestra" - end of the review ;-))

I went on Friday night (missed 1st Act), then both Saturdays and Sunday (last one to primarily enjoy the PERFECTLY executed formations (lines, arches, "flowers" ect) by the corp from the elevation of 3rd tier). The highest praise (from me) goes to Corps, so synchronized, so graceful, such "swanly" backs and arms WINGS). Different to many, i like the happy ending Soviet version, and i don't find the Act IV as a filler, it has great dancing (imho). I also like the "russian" Act 1, filled with lots of wonderfully executed group dancing, compared to ABT version. I liked Kondaurova, Kolegova & Korzuntsev, Schklyarov, and was curious about Skorik and Askerov (whom i saw at Stage door - they both are equally very tall). To comment on the loud landings - the dancers told me the floor was way too hard and covering way too slippery. What i told my NYC friends at intermissions - Skorik has a terrific body (may be TOO thin). But as my "first-time-ever-to-see-a-ballet" friend commented- she didn't see a swan or a bird - she saw a thin overflexible dancer. Some lifts and steps were skipped, bourree was not present, and I would not blame lack of lift on just Shklyarov, as even Rothbald had difficulty lifting or holding her up. And in black act, if she was seducing anyone it was ironically-Rothbald. She rarely looked at her prince. Kudos would go to Shklyarov for super difficult combinations in his solos (Askerov skipped them). I can't point my most favorite prince on this tour, as i liked Shklyarov technic, but Korzuntsev is the VERY noble prince (and solid technic and great partnering skills). Ivanchenko was not as passionate i remember him in Saint Petersburg this April. Kolegova was a solid (not mind blowing) but a good O/O. I loved Jesters (I missed the missteps of the Jester on Friday). Next-(not liked Ratmansky) Cinderela in DC PS: I was glad to hear the Mariinsky Orchestra

It looks there were postings about California performances under "recent Perfomances" umbrella http://balletalert.i...546#entry309546 http://balletalert.i...-at-costa-mesa/ I rarely go "under that umbrella" to check or ever open the "links" site - just my humble opinion

Jayne, with all due respect, this forum is about ballet. (imho-had you had Ballet travel specific questions (say, where is the stage door at Mariinsky, or where to get tickets for ballets)) I usually go to tripadvisor . com for questions like -"For the experts (who have been before), if you had a week in St Petersburg, how would you plan it? What traditional spots are worth the effort or not? What unusual spots would you recommend?". Though there are forum moderators who can tell.

ah, interesting topic. I went in April (to see LOTS of ballets). and the itenerary was like: sightseeing whole day, watching ballets at night - however, i'm russian speaking. But from my english speaking perspective - it's very navigateable, very English-ized, and lovely city. "white nights" has beauty of long days, but also presence of cruiseships in city (resulting in extra tourists), another beauty of May-September - parks in suburbs city will be open. I want to go back as i've not finished all museums and sights, need revisit all those satelite towns and see more ballets

Kim Kimin partners Olesya Novikova in DonQ on Oct. 19th -very great for both

I wish we'd see this in DC - Vishneva & Kondaurova in Giselle - Oct 21st, sund. That explains why Kondaurova cuts DC Cinderella short http://www.mariinsky.ru/en/playbill/playbill/2012/10/21/1_1900/

and another casting change - now - previously announced Friday becomes Saturday eve, Pavlenko moved to Sat Matinee, Osmolkina to Friday. Fri., Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Cinderella: Ekaterina Osmolkina The Prince: Igor Kolb Stepmother: Alexandra Iosifidi Sat., Oct. 20 at 1:30 p.m. Cinderella: Daria Pavlenko The Prince: Alexander Sergeev Stepmother: Sofia Gumerova Sat., Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. Cinderella: Maria Shirinkina The Prince: Maxim Zyuzin Stepmother: Alexandra Iosifidi Sun., Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m. Cinderella: Ekaterina Osmolkina The Prince: Igor Kolb Stepmother: Sofia Gumerova I hope Shirinkina doesn't fail her debut (as announced at Mariinsky site - Cinderella is her debut) Openning night, then gala in NYC, then Saturday - we'll see

Just a tiny guess, why it's not taken on a tour. The Mariinsky's USA tour manager is Ardani artists (Osipova, Vasiliev, Semionova) and very friendly with Ratmansky. The Cinderela we'll have to "suffer" through in DC is Ratmansky's child. Shurale is Yakobson's. Quoting - Music by Farid Yarullin, Choreography by Leonid Yakobson, Libretto by Ahmed Faizi and Leonid Yakobson after motifs from Tatar folk tales, Full revival of the 1950 production http://www.mariinsky.ru/en/playbill/playbill/2012/9/23/1_1130/ I'd personally rather see Shurale than Ratmansky's Cinderela.

Just fyi, Costa Mesa opened Tier 3 for sales for Friday, Sat eve and Sunday performances, also a program note posted http://www.scfta.org/home/Media/program%20assets/Swan%20Lake.pdf As there'll be some forum people attending the performances, we can agree on where to catch up (there's no Kennedy head there - and i'm not familiar with the venue - so, open for suggestions)

Great for mothers- to-be!!!! yikes about SKORIK openning and being on Sat. night - Horrible. the only bonus, is it may still change, and there'll be MARIINSKY ORCHESTRA - I am so much looking forward to that one (recalling a horrible slaughter of Tchaikovsky's score in Toronto by some semi-professionals acompanying Bolshoi's swan lake).

Sorry for a bit off-topic, but is Macaulay on Ratmansky's retainer? everytime he writes about him (in case of Le Corsaire and last time about another ballet, he steals from Burlaka, it was Burlaka and Ratmansky's REVIVAL - not just Ratmansky's staging..... Sad, that such an educated man is so ignorantly desribes the process. Shame on him. the link can show the definition of the Le Corsaire at Bolshoi site http://www.bolshoi.r...rformances/198/

... the word on Russian speaking forums about Askerov is that his "parentage is of prime weight" for his multiple appearances (azerbaidzhan's (in this case) oligarchs have long hands and vast wallets). also casting on tours - for every major appearance on stage there's extra cash bonus to dancers, so, monetary favorism plays its role in casting decisions - sad, very sad......

[you may be opening a bag of worms] i will just express my humble personal opinion (of a biased lover of russian classical ballet). I still consider Mariinsky the best classical ballet company, and took a trip on purpose to watch its classical productions in April this year (DQ, Bachtisarai fountains, Jewels, Nutcracker, Raymonda, 2 ballet concerts, and 2 Lopatkina galas in Moscow). They don't do a lot of modern stuff (they don't do a lot of anything - and that's [what i read from russian forums] the fault of Gergiev who can't care less for ballet, its' a foster child of Mariinsky company. The fault of Mr Fateyev (who's considered an expert in Balanchin staging there], so the fault of Mr Fateyev is poor casting and partnering decisions, favoritism of certain dancers and blocking opportunities for principal dancer - as a result, the outflow of lots of great dancers from the ballet company. My heart cries for casting in Costa Mesa,CA with Swan Lake as I would love to see some (Tereshkina, Kondaurova, alas Lopatkina is not on tour) but would avoid to see Skorik. How do i feel about the direction the Mariinsky is taking under Fateyev? I AM NOT HAPPY. I wish and pray a more caring more accomplished and less selfish individual runs it as a REAL director (remind you, he's still an Acting director - but gosh how he act, or mis-acts)

The beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I don’t have a formal French or ballet training (with regard to balances – I did not imply just holding a pose-ravnovesie) What i try to say is Shirinkina is far below the level of real principals and 1st soloists of Mariinsky, who are not given roles she's given to dance. and reading a russian forum, looks like the whole month of Sept is Ms. Shirinkina's dancing major roles at home. We've seen such unjustifiable promotions. I myself will make my voting with my dollars. All the best to all, and I hope Mariinsky comes to their senses with casting before October

I would correct you, as between April 23rd an May 3rd, i saw her Apr 27th-in Divertisment at Concert hall, Paquita - very not impressive, Gala for students Apr 29th noon - she danced the Vainonen Nutcracker - she Failed all balances, was very sloppy with turns and fell into Stepin once (I think it was landing on a knee) - i sat on the 7th row center orchestra no obstruction to the view. Jewels - she might have danced as well (I didn't buy that program, but 99% certain, as i saw Fateev congratulating her at stage door afterwards. She's a sweetest person and nice dancer who's been promoted too fast and too unjustifiable for her own good

After seeing Shirinkina falling off balances, falling just falling, and not performing at Soloist level (when i went to indulge in watching Mariinsky ballets in St. Pete in April), I would STAY AWAY from seeing her in the principal roles (she's a good dancer, but not for the principal roles - however, we can't change Mr. Fateev "affectionate glasses" through which he sees Skorik & Shirinkina - alas....) If i go - my favorite cast would be Osmolkina (a very very very refined dancer (hope she fully recovers from her foot injury in spring), Sergeev and Gumerova. Seeing Kolb and Kondaurova will be very tempting too.

OMG and OG(oh G-d)... How i wish to see Tereshkina & Kondaurova and HOW I WOULD LIKE TO AVOID Skorik (she's even worse than Somova). Should we sign a petition to Gergiev/Fateev to not cast her.... Tough call for casting gambling. Does anyone know if the venue allows ticket swaps due to casting changes (as kennedy sometimes allows)?

Interesting to find Shklyarov & Shirinkina on the announced roaster - Mariinsky will be in DC at that time (will they hop on a train to come to NYC?) - just wondering. I was not impressed by Shirinkina (in prima roles) in Saint Petersburg this April

Well, i promised to write more (and will do later), I saw all 3 casts, and may be Nikulina had an off night on Thursday, but out of 3 casts, SHE was my favorite (and i sat on the 4th front row - moved thanks to not-full capacity theater). Well, the orchestra was horrible, and the first violin killed all the most sensual pieces of Tchaikovsky with his "rusty" violin (never thought that you can destroy Tchaikovsky, but evidently one can). more to come later

I hope the casting HOLDS ;-)) then i will be SO pleased. Have tickets for both Saturday performances and Sunday. See (some of you) there

deleted

POB experts, who are from POB are must see, and whom to avoid. Thanks

Well, from reading another forum, Ratmansky's Cinderella will be shown in Edinburg in the summer. Is it enroute to DC? Why such a push for Ratmansky's ballet? I'd rather them Speed ship the decorations from Swan Lake in CA where they'll dance prior to DC.

I absolutely agree with Natalia. I (and I do that often) go to SEVERAL performances of Petipa ballets (the one coming being Toronto Swan Lake by Bolshoi), and i only went once to Dialogues, and NO desire to see it again. We lucked out (sort of), the Cancelled Saturday allowed me to buy tickets for Friday with 20% discount from Fall for Dance booklet. About the performance, I give a lot of credit to Diana for trying to "dance" outside of the box, I admire her as an artist. Do I care to see someone staging "insanity" - nope. And (imho) in Martha Graham piece, i felt as if a "golden" fork was used to mulch the hard soil. Diana's body and technique were too refined and too pure to be contained within rigid (no offense) style of MG that does not require 8 years of Vaganova rigorous training. During all the pieces, I admired the artists, and their bodies, and could not care less about "choreography" (in my humble opinion of Petipa crazy). With regard to Ardani company, i find them TOO greedy with too high prices for all of their 3 engagements at City Center.