I don't think anyone questions the importance of a good partner; however, it is difficult to believe that not one of Aurora's four suitors knows how to partner and that each one is to blame for her poor performance that night. Further, if her partners are/were that bad, how could no one, least of all Part, step in during rehearsal and ask for assistance? Certainly, politics could come into play, as you suggest below, but when one's performance is on the line, one needs to do whatever is necessary to find the support one needs, whether it be in the form of a different tempo, more coaching, more rehearsal, etc.
This is all fascinating and yet, ultimately of no importance to the audience. Politics are a part of life, whether in the boardroom or backstage. Since when is an audience expected to take this sort of information into consideration? The audience generally doesn't care how a performer's day went, let alone what sort of life he or she has led. My guess is that this performance of the Rose Adagio had more to do with performance anxiety. It may well have been affected by partnering problems, but I did not get that impression from the audience.
I can't speak for the other posters, but I don't think anyone questions Part's overall talent as a dancer. Nonetheless, this was a gala performance, in which everyone has a limited amount of time to make an impression and unfortunately, VP's performance was far from her best dancing.
Again, as heartless as this may seem, none of this information has any relevance to the audience. If she has not been provided with adequate partners, coaching or dancing time onstage, then the performances should be given to someone who has had the experience, coaching and dancing time onstage to fulfill the role's requirements.
Okay, so Lesley Collier had a problem when she came to the last promenade? Veronika Part had difficulty with every balance. I don't think that's a relevant comparison. Does this performance mean that Part will not become one of the great Auroras? No, but it does mean, that she did not give a strong presentation at the gala opening night. It's no different than any other performer performing a short piece, aria or excerpt and crashing and burning. It might affect what an audience member thinks of that performer, especially if this is the only time that the person has encountered the performer, but you can't make excuses for the perfomers. The reasons for a bad performance ultimately do not matter to the majority of the audience members. And, while I am in disagreement, judging by the audience's reaction to VP's Adagio, the majority (or at least, the vocal majority) thought it was fantastic.
