vaganova

I found this interview on the website of Alla Osipenko, who is currently coaching at the Mikhailovsky Theatre www.terpsyhora.ru/archiv/2008/st1.htm The general director of the Mikhailovsky Theatre in St. Peterburg has announced that Oleg Vinogradov, former artistic director of the Kirov ballet, has accepted the position of choreographer. According to the interview, Vinogradov has left the Universal Ballet in Seoul, and is planning a new production of Le Corsaire for the Mikhailovsky together with director Farukh Ruzimatov. Interesting news!

Three interesting reads - Land of the Firebird: the beauty of Old Russia by Suzanne Massie (1980) Era of the Russian Ballet 1770-1965 by Natalia Roslavlevna with a forward by Dame Ninette de Valois (1966) Natasha's Dance A cultural history of Russia by Orlando Figes

I had the great good fortune to see Daria Pavlenko of the Mariinsky Theatre as Odette/Odile, Nikiya, Lilac Fairy, and in Diamonds and La Valse over the past few years. I was deeply impressed each time by the essentially human quality she brought to these roles - on stage she was not just a ballerina but a woman. I was able to read every emotion through not just her face, but her whole body. She "breaths" the dance. It takes a great artist to make one forget time and place, to bring joy and tears for the interpretation as readily as applause for the technique. To me personally, D. Pavlenko embodies every quality of a great artist, and the memories of her performances stay most vivid in my mind. It is sad that she is so often overlooked at the Mariinsky. Although listed as a Principal Dancer, she rarely appears on tours, and when she does is almost never given the opening night (usually a matinee). At home she performs only occasionally. This is a situation where the dancer is promoted to the top spot and then neglected. I guess its all about the politics.... however these dancers should know how much they are appreciated!!