Barbara

I tried the select-your-own method last year for the first time specifically to choose who/when but also to lock in the price. The only reason it worked for me is because I had the tickets mailed to my daughter in NYC who in turn went to the box office to exchange the seats for ones a little more agreeable to us. (She goes with me to many performances so this is something she's happy to do.) I grew tired of my usual Sat matinee series not being anything or anyone I wanted to see and then needing to make the trip into the city (1.5hrs) to wait in line to exchange them. I'll do the select-your-own again this year but I certainly understand how it would not work for those of you out of town and it's ridiculous that ABT makes the process so difficult.

I'll join you in the Sarah camp! Even though upthread I wondered about a possible partnership for Cornejo with C. Trenary, I'd much rather see him paired with Sarah than Maria K.

I thoroughly agree with Stuben about the Ratmansky Piano Concerto in terms of numbers on stage and the excellent dancing. I'd forgotten how good this piece is and look forward to the full length in the spring. The two main couples, Shevchenko/Royal and Brandt/Shayer were on fire!

Off topic, I noticed the heights of the women as they were lined up for bows. Trenary is quite short - she might be a good partner for Cornejo instead of Kochekova who, so far, hasn't made much of an impression on me.

I'm going from memory since the paper is not nearby but I believe it's Lauren Post (or Devon Teuscher) and Paulina Waski.

I so agree, her performance was utterly beautiful - even though my reception was also quite blurry, the artistry shown through. And the encore of The Dying Swan was even more heartbreaking than the first. On a side note, interesting to see the ABT purple VonRothbart music danced in its proper form.

7:43 here we go!

7:40 pm on the east coast and still off air. hmmmm

Hi All,

I have a ticket for an ABT fall program that I can't use. It's for the Sunday matinee of October 25th. The program is Monotones I and II with Copeland, Kotchekova, Simkin, Seo, Hammoudi and Han, Company B (no casting announced), and The Green Table with Gomes. The seat is in the 2nd Ring, seat B21. I paid $70 but would take best offer. Send me a pm if anyone is interested.

Thanks!

Funny, Abatt, I had the opposite reaction to Llana in the role of the King. I went in thinking he looked too young for the role, maybe not giving off an overt virility. But he completely won me over. And definitely beautiful singing across the board. Unfortunately it was an evening that O'Hara was off (so disappointed) but her standby, Betsy Morgan, was really fabulous and I felt had lots of chemistry with Mr. Llana. Go figure!

Natalia, I saw the King and I earlier in the summer and loved it! I was slightly disappointed that Ken Watanabe had left the cast and didn't know anything about his replacement, Jose Llana. Turns our Mr. Llana was magnificent! I believe this is his final weekend in the role so you have something special to look forward to. Please let us know your impressions!

I will be there if only because the one and only time I had tickets to see her dance (her 25th anniv, perhaps?) she was injured. I think she can pull this off with her acting chops and her chemistry with Herman.

I love to see the intermingling of the NYCB and ABT dancers on these smaller projects. And it seems to me they're doing more of it than in the past. Must be fun for all concerned.

I'm so happy for Leann! It's nice for her have a spot in that same "family" as her husband, Tom Forster, and I'm sure she'll be a great asset to the JKO school.

I'm sad to see so many seasoned corps members have left. It really feels like the changing of the guard. I wish them all well in their future endeavors. I'll have to spend time with my binocs to get to know the new group in the fall plus I guess it's time to pick up one of those handy pamphlets!

Thanks, miliosr! It sounds like one I would enjoy.

His instagram account has posts from Seattle, so he's on the correct coast to depart for Japan ;) He's noted many times how much he loves performing in Japan so this will be a wonderful place for him to test the stage again. Trusting all goes well and we see him again sooner than later in NYC!

From what she's posted she'll also have to do a bit of singing in "To Dance", which leads me to think that if Leanne Cope ever leaves AAIP, Katie would be a perfect replacement!

So do I, ick!

Meunier fan, that was fascinating, thank you for posting it! I was especially drawn to his comments about ending a dance career. It makes me want to learn more about him. I see a book called "Erik Bruhn: Danseur Noble" by John Gruen from 1979 on Amazon. Would you (or anyone else) recommend it? And also, belated birthday wishes!

Interesting that Hallberg isn't participating. I was hoping he'd be ready to return. He was scheduled for last fall but had to pull out since he was just beginning to heal and might have even been pre-surgery. I wonder if he's still recovering or has commitments elsewhere. If he comes back for spring 2016 it will be 2 years since he's danced with the company, if I'm not mistaken.

A few more thoughts: I think Brandt really benefited from the stage time that the Bolle and Friends tour allows. Where else can these younger dancers hone their stage craft than actually on a stage. I agree with Faux Pas - I have been up and down about Blaine Hoven over the years but I think this season he really stood out. It looks like he's trimmed down his musculature, toned down his one-time almost platinum hair and overall looks more mature in addition to the improved dancing. Maybe next year.

I'm so so happy for Stella and all the others!! What a nice surprise to have Alban Lendorf - he's wonderful! My only concern is what Sarah Lane will do now. I personally would have rather seen her advance than bringing in Kotchekova, no offense to her.

I'd have to go back and listen/read but my recollection is that David Hallberg has referred to himself as the first American to join the Bolshoi as a principal dancer.

I haven't seen Cory dance it quite a while so I'm curious if I see improvements in his expressiveness/acting skills. I think he partners Veronika well and seeing her luscious O/O is worth the price of admission for me. And cherry on the top is Marcelo as purple VonRothbart, just for fun! (yes, I'd rather see the male roles reversed but we can't have everything) Hope to see some of you at RB on Thurs night!

In addition to Leeann Forster's hinted at departure via Tommy's Instagram, Luciana Voltolini has made similar statements on her public Instagram account. Maybe too many Bathildes for her too. A shame.