cubanmiamiboy

Dear Helene...what would be our lives without you...?

Dear Helene...colon plus capital P gives me this... (which I think also shows a little tongue), but the one I was trying to find-(and is definitely gone)-is the one that would show more or less a "Yikes" expression...like when tasting a bad food, angry face, open mouth, eyes closed and tongue all the way out...it was one of the animated ones... oh, well...thank you for your help in my silly request...

And now...thankfully, someone just posted her OUT OF THIS WORLD Rose Adagio..!! Have to be seen to be believed...(particularly the last set of balances... ) Enjoy!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llq-Ch19CwI

It's here! It's below and above Believe it or not, kfw...that one doesn't show up in my group...

While searching for the one sticking his tongue out, I couldn't find it...is it gone...?

Oh...wow...oh, well...he,he...I mean...WOW...

My friends in Havana are excited to see the return of an old timer, the much beloved ballet "Apollo" during the Havana International Ballet Festival. I'm curious on how the reaction of the participant ABT dancers will be at seeing Mme. Alonso's old version of the choreography-(muses with headpieces and everything... )

One of the highlights of the upcoming XV Miami Ballet Festival will be the launch and presentation of the book “Cuban Ballet” by author Octavio Roca, Former Dance critic of The Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle and Miami Dade College Chair of Arts & Philosophy. "What makes the Cuban dancers stand out, I think, is their ethics. They have a respect for ballet from an early age. It's been said before that no one is born a dancer; you have to want it more than anything. These Cubans want it and feel privileged to be a part of it. They give themselves completely. I know that Octavio Roca's love of Cuba is as profound as his knowledge of ballet, and I know this book is from his heart." Mikhail Baryshnikov "Cubans are dancing people. Dance matters to us, and it matters deeply. Now comes Octavio Roca, whom I have known for decades and who has known us his whole life, and who also has seen our dancers at home and abroad as well as on tour and with other companies. As a guest of the International Ballet Festival in Havana, Octavio Roca was able to observe the Cuban dance movement in its own environment and to witness the Cuban School of Ballet in all its richness. For me, his critical writing on dance carries a unique sensitivity to an art for he clearly loves. The rest I leave to the future." Alicia Alonso “The unique style of Cuban ballet is galvanizing the world of dance in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. This beautifully illustrated book explores the history of Cuban ballet by focusing on the life and career of the indomitable Alicia Alonso. It also spotlights many of the young dancers who are changing the face of ballet with their superb technique, impeccable work ethic, and spectacular performances: Lorena Feijoo, Joan Boada, Taras Domitro, Jose Manuel Carreno, Rolando Sarabia, and Carlos Acosta to name but a few”. Amazon.com Product Description. I think this is the first time that this dancers , who have been oficially considered "defectors"-(with the exception of Carreno and Acosta)-will have Cuban national recognition. Their time was certainly long due. Bravo! http://www.amazon.co...a/dp/1423607589

Miami Hispanic Ballet and American Airlines presents the XV Ballet Festival of Miami From August 27th through September 12th, 2010. The XV Anniversary International Ballet Festival of Miami will take place August 27th through September 12th, 2010. The Festival will open with the Official Poster Unveiling by Spaniard Artist Pilar Cossio with her personal exhibition "La Leçon de Danse" dedicated to the Festival and the launching of the Dance Film Series at the historic Tower Theater in Miami on Friday, August 27th. The Film series continues at the Lehman Theater, Miami Dade College North Campus. The IBFM also includes a unique spot for young talent organized with the foremost competition organization "Youth America Grand Prix" Director, Larissa Saveliev: the International Young Ballet Medalists Performance at the Lehman Theater in Miami is on September 3rd and Contemporary Performances at the Colony Theater in Miami Beach on September 4th and 5th with the first appearance of the Balleto Teatro di Torino and other national and international companies. The Etoiles Grand Classical Gala will take place at the great historic Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater on September 11th, where the Lifetime Achievement Award "A Life for the Dance" will be presented to Milorad Miskovitch. Miskovitch is a famous dancer/director of the 20th century. The Festival Closing Gala at the Jackie Gleason Theater will take place on September 12th where a second award, Criticism & Culture of Ballet, will be presented to the famous Danish dance critic and author, Erik Aschengreen. EVENTS CALENDAR. Friday, September 3rd, 2010. 11:00 a.m. schools and 8:00 p.m. General public International Young Ballet Medalists. Medal Winners of International Ballet Competitions in Collaboration with Youth America Grand Prix. Lehman Theater. Miami Dade College North Campus Saturday September 4th, 2010. 8:00 p.m. Modern and Contemporary Performances. Balleto Teatro di Torino, Italy Colony Theater, Miami Beach Sunday, September 5th, 2010. 5:00 p.m. Evidence A Dance Company, New York Move: The Company, Canada; The Dance Now! Ensemble, Miami; The State of Hellectrick Danse Theatre, Miami Colony Theater, Miami Beach Saturday, September 11th, 2010. 8:00 p.m. Etoiles Grand Classical Gala & Presentation of the "Lifetime Achievement" Award, presented to famous dancer/director of the 20th century Milorad Miskovitch Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater Sunday, September 12th, 2010. 5:00 p.m. Festival closing gala of the Stars Performance Criticism & Culture of Ballet Award will be presented to the famous Danish dance critic and author, Erik Ashengreen. The Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater PARTICIPATING COMPANIES: Arena di Verona Ballet, Italy; American Ballet Theater, USA; Alberta Ballet, Canada; Australian Ballet, Australia; Ballet Estable Teatro Colon, Argentina; Ballet do Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janiero, Brazil; Balletto Teatro de Torino, Italy; Balleteatro Nacional de Puerto Rico; Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami; Compania Nacional de Danza Nacho Duato, Spain; Compañía Nacional de Danza, Mexico; English National Ballet, England; Hungarian National Ballet, Hungary; National Ballet of Canada; New York City Ballet, USA; Stuttgart Ballet, Germany; and Vienna State Opera Ballet, Austria. THE FESTIVAL WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES: Friday, August 27th, 2010. 7:00 p.m. Opening and Official Poster Unveiling the Spaniard Artist Pilar Cossio and Exhibition "La Leçon de Danse" Tower Theater Friday, August 27th, 2010. 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. Invitation only Poster Unveiling and Dance Films opening film presentation "Cuban Ballet" Book Launch and Presentation by the book's author Octavio Roca, Former Dance critic of the Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle Miami Dade College Chair of Arts & Philosophy Tower Theater Saturday, August 28th, 2010. 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Open to the Public Diccionario Biografico de la Danza Mexicana Presentation and discussion with Patricia Aulestia, Dance Critic and Journalist from Mexico Patricia Aulestia: Cuatro Decadas en la Danza Mexicana Presentation and discussion with Orlando Taquechel, Miami Herald Dance Critic CubaOcho Art and Research Center August 27th, 2010. 9:00 p.m. August 28th, 2010. 6:30 p.m. August 29th, 2010. 2:00 p.m. Dance Film Series; Variety of new dance films - Miami Premieres - from NYC Dance Films Association Tower Theater August 30th - September 1st, 2010 Monday, 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. Dance Film Series; Variety of new dance films - Miami Premieres - from NYC Dance Films Association Lehman Theater. Miami Dade College North Campus August 1st - September 11th, 2010. 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dance Workshop: Ballet Modern Dance Hip Hop, Lyrical and Ballrooms. Guest teacher Manny & Lory Castro from Chile-USA DanceTown Dance Studio September 11th - 12th, 2010. 12:00 p.m. Ballet Master Classes (Only for guest festival dancers, available for student observation) Featuring Guest International Ballet Masters Lazarro Carreño from Cuba. Rehearsal Studio at Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater September 4th - 30th, 2010 September 10th - Fundraiser Artist sale benefits Festival Opening exclusive Art Exposition by 15 recognized local artists dedicated to the XV Anniversary International Ballet Festival of Miami Rodezart.com Gallery Sun-Thurs 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. VENUES & TICKETS INFORMATION: Lehman Theater, Miami Dade College North Campus 11380 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Tickets at Miami Hispanic Ballet 305.549.7199 Rodez Art Gallery 3015 Grand Avenue. Suite 237, Coconut Grove 786.467.7111 www.rodezart.com Colony Theater Miami Beach 1040 Lincoln Rd Tickets 1.800.745.3000 www.ticketmaster.com Or at the theater's box office: 305.674.1040 Tower Theater 1508 SW 8th Street, Miami www.mdc.edu 305.642.1264 Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater 1700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach Tickets: 1.800.745.3000 www.ticketmaster.com Or at the theater's box office: 305.673.7300 Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater Studio September 11th and 12th, 2010 Master Classes Guests Ballet Master from Spain: Lazaro Carreño CubaOcho Art & Research Center 1475 SW 8th Street, Miami 305.285.5880 DanceTown Dance Studio 11355 NW 34th Street Doral, FL 33178 305.468.8668 Call for specific class time International Ballet Festival of Miami Ph: 305.549.7711 http://www.internationalballetfestival.org/index.htm

Oh...just wanted to share this, as I'm listening to this very unorthodox Ray Conniff version-(chorus and everything)- of our loved ballet score via an old vinyl... From the back of the record cover... "In the selection from the Swan Lake ballet, he again keeps a steady dance-floor tempo; the theme itself is the famous basic motif of the ballet, the music of the Swan Queen".

Be aware...this site is highly addictive..!

ABT danced it in D.C. in 2005 and 2007. Hallberg was Part's cavalier, and Erica Cornejo was a beautiful Clara, in the 2005 performance I saw. This danceviewtimes review from 2005 says a bit about the production. Ah...a Snow Queen, three-(and a half)-Ivans for the Russian Dance and a Principal dancer in Clara's role. Well, that sounds familiar.

As it is customary, Mme Alonso has included a couple of old timers to be danced by CNB during the XXII edition of the Havana Ballet Festival. This time, aside from "Apollo", there will be two Agnes de Mille ballets: "A rose for Miss Emily" and "Three Virgins and a Devil". Re: "A rose for Miss Emily". Music: Alan Hovhaness Cast: Miss Emily Her Lover Children of Her Youth (5 girls, 4 boys) Children of Her Old Age (4 girls, 4 boys) Mirror Images (6 women, 6 men) Length: Approx. 30 min. World Premiere: North Carolina School of the Arts, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, performed by students of the school, 10/22/70 Summary: Based on the short story by William Faulkner, this shocking melodrama is the tale of a southern woman entombed in the past. De Mille's ballet focuses on Miss Emily's illusory resurrection of her ill-fated love affair. The ballet unifies the past and present while depicting the inner psyche of a tragic southern belle whose isolation from her present society eventually leads to madness. The passionate and poignant solos and pas de deux provide a psychological portrait of how memory and isolation take a tragic turn. Original Cast: Gemze de Lappe (Miss Emily), David Evans (Her Lover) and students of the North Carolina School of the Arts. re: "Three Virgins and a Devil" Music: Ottorino Respighi's Antiche danze ed arie Cast: Priggish Virgin Greedy Virgin Lustful Virgin Devil Youth Length: Approx. 30 min. Summary: Three Virgins and a Devil was first performed in the revue "Why Not Tonight?" at the Palace Theatre, London on April 24, 1934. With a libretto by Ramon Reed based on a story of Boccaccio the ballet is the comic tale of three young virgins on their way to join a nunnery when they are confronted by a devil who uses each of their weakness to entice them into Hell, the mouth of which is a cave, stage right. Her passion for jewels does in the Greedy Virgin, The Devil uses an attractive young man to lure the Lustful Virgin. Finally the Priggish Virgin, pious and determined decides she will reform the Devil and take him with her to the convent. In the American Ballet Theatre Premiere of the ballet Agnes danced the part of the Priggish Virgin. "I was not the granddaughter of a reformer for nothing," she remarked. The Devil leads her on a merry chase, and in her fervor to convert him she chases him straight into the cave. His mission is complete. Original Cast: Greta Nissen(First Novice), Margaret Braithwaite(Second Novice), Elizabeth Schooling (Third Novice), Stanislas Idzikowski (Devil), Walter Crisham (Dandy)

BTW...the three clips posted by Goro have been "removed by the user"...

Yoli and Yoelito in "Chopiniana". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nki5g75HP0&feature=related

Definitely. http://www.sceneweb.fr/?p=4734

see...? THAT'S my man...! (great pic, rg! )

I just started "Secret society: Abakuá ", by legendary Cuban ethnographer of Afro-Cuban culture and exiled author Lydia Cabrera-(RIP). Abakuá is an Afro-Cuban men's initiatory fraternity, or secret society, which originated from fraternal associations in the Cross River region of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. The first such societies was established by Africans in the town of Regla, Havana, in 1836, and this remains the main area of Abakuá implantation, especially the district of Guanabacoa in eastern Havana and in Matanzas where Afro-Cuban culture is vibrant. Initially, the Abakua accepted only blacks as members; however, in the late nineteenth century the admission policies of the society were liberalized to include also whites, which was not accomplished without conflict. I tried many times to witness one of such ceremonies-(knew someone who was Abakua)-, and almost succeeded, but at the end it never happened. "The oaths of loyalty to the Abakuá society’s sacred objects, members, and secret knowledge taken by initiates are a lifelong pact which creates a sacred kinship among the members. The duties of an Abakua member to his ritual brothers at times surpass even the responsibilities of friendship; so the phrase, “Friendship is one thing, and the Abakua another” is often heard. One of the oaths made during initiation is that one will not reveal the “secrets” of the Abakua to non-members which is why the Abakua have remained hermetic for over 160 years and is considered to be the most repressed and misunderstood Afro-Cuban religious practice. Attempts to break this oath by a member would result in his physical elimination". Members of this society came to be known as nanigos, a word used to designate the street dancers of the society. The nanigos, who were also called diablitos, were well known by the general population in Cuba through their participation in the carnival on the Day of the Three Kings, when they danced through the streets wearing their ceremonial outfit: a multicolored checkerboard dress, with a conical headpiece topped with tassels.

I've always been so fascinated with this ballerina... Wish there could be a biography on her. Enjoy! Spanish Fiesta http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjx62O_9qU&feature=related Kitri's variation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrpL4ZFyepc&feature=related Swan Lake Act II excerpt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdeRDFVOXW0

I agree. I like my old fashioned Hilarion to be portrayed somehow as a sinister character...probably the guy who has been rejected by all the girls-Giselle included- and who lives some sort of miserable, lonely life-(he doesn't mingle that much with the rest of the happy villagers). One of the things I remember from Alonso's Hilarons was that he's even sort of physically abusive with Giselle when trying to drag her inside her cottage out of Loys' sight. Here he usually displayed some rough technique to grab her wrists, with Giselle clearly hurting when trying to get off him. That's why I was so surprised when I purchased the Bolshoi production with Bessmertnova/Lavrovsky to find the softer, more human approach with the food offerings, and even later on to find him dancing with the rest of the villagers to the Marche des vignerons. Hilarion also ought to be somehow physically unattractive-(loved Markova's story about the read beard. ). I mean...if Hilarion is a guy with noble feelings, Albrecht is no longer a cad, Myrtha starts showing humanity because at the end she's just a victim, then we're left with a whole different ballet...!

So to make sure...would it then be safe to buy the 2nd DVD-(Chaconne, Ballo...etc...)-without the risk of having the sound problems of the first one...?

...and also, let's not forget that the music for the Fugue of the Willis was left intact, without the now common cuts , so he had a lot of dancing to do in this scene. Indeed he looked tired and ready to collapse...

Today I was pairing dancers for my ideal couples for Theme and Variations... J. Delgado/Panteado P. Delgado/Rodriguez Carranza/Reyes Kronemberg/Guerra (in this particular case, thinking of the Adagio section) bart, Jack, vrsfanatic...any other ideas...?

"It was like planting a tree and starting to grow it... where I, just as if having roots, grabbed to the BEST soil ever." Mme. Alicia Alonso on the question on how did she placed Ballet Theatre in her career and her heart.