Barbara

I'd love to get opinions from those of you who have read the various Nureyev bios. At my local public library one of the book groups is considering reading one of the recent dance bios (Jenifer Ringer and/or Misty Copeland) but some of the members suggested that for non-ballet goers those names are not well know and perhaps a book about Nureyev would appeal more. I've read the negative comments here about the Julie Kavanaugh book so I would definitely steer them away from that one. For these same reasons should they steer clear of Colum McCann's "Dancer: A Novel"? Is there a Nureyev bio that would appeal to a general audience? Thanks!

Should he be added to the poll list of next ABT AD? Maybe he was already on the list, can't remember.

And Cynthia Harvey tweeted, "I didn't know the job was up for grabs!"

I'm very late in posting my thoughts on the documentary Ballet 422. I thought it was a well intentioned film and Justin Peck was shown to be a serious and supremely focused young man. The rehearsal sessions looked to be later in the process where mostly fine-tuning of the principals was being done. He was working with Tiler Peck, Amar Ramasar and Sterling Hyltin. His corrections were in "ballet shorthand" that was instantly understood by the dancers. They were as focused as he with a few bits of levity. Always by his side was Albert Evans. No one was identified by the film makers and there were no talking heads. This was later explained by them in the Q&A following the film. They said they admired the work of Frederick Wiseman and were emulating his verite methods. But this was much shorter than Wiseman's films and I feel the audience could have benefited by some identification and explanation. In the Q&A one audience member asked if Albert Evans (without knowing his name) was also a choreographer and why he was always present. It was never explained why Justin was chosen at his young age to choreograph this 422nd ballet for the company since the audience was not informed about his discovery during the Choreographic Institute (I think this is the name) and the fact that he had made other ballets for the company. Sterling Hyltin was present at the Q&A, looking lovely and in answer to a question about how it was to accept corrections from a dancer that in the hierarchy of the company is your underling, said that they all feel part of a family and they are all thrilled at his success. She also charmingly pointed out that she did "push back" at one time, very gently, over one of his suggestions. I must mention one bit in the film that was quite uncomfortable to witness. The pianist accompanying the rehearsals (again, not identified so I don't know who he is. He seemed to be an orchestra member as well) took Justin aside and suggested he ask the conductor if he could address the orchestra before the performance. According to him the orchestra was not initially happy with the music chosen for the piece and were thus not fully engaged and perhaps not understanding how important that the performance be a success for him. Justin takes him up on his suggestion and when he approaches the conductor about addressing the orchestra he is met with a very cold reception and only reluctantly allowed to do so. When questioned the film makers said they left this piece in the film because it was illustrative of Justin's youth and that one often makes these kind of faux pas early in your career as had the film maker himself. The film ends with the performance very well received then follows Justin immediately to his dressing room where he changes from his tux to his costume for the next ballet, which he will perform in. Despite the reservations I mentioned I did enjoy the film. I hope when the premiere was over Justin was able to relax a bit and take a break from the intense concentration (he rarely broke a smile, that was shown at least). PS - Peter Martins was nowhere to be seen or at least filmed. I would have thought he would have been on hand to congratulate Justin after the premiere. Again, perhaps he was but it was not caught on film.

I was also at the Sunday matinee - what a wonderful way to spend Mother's Day! The performances were delightful with magnificence thrown in by Ashley Bouder and Sarah Mearns. I'm becoming reacquainted with NYCB after following ABT almost exclusively and am finding the experience well worth it to say the least. One question since I'm not familiar with the personalities of the dancers. I couldn't help notice that Megan LeCrone seemed to have a sour look on her face; especially noticeable in Symphony in C where all the rest of the dancers looked to be having best time in the world. To me she didn't look happy to be there.

I would add Roddy Doble to those dancers who were going nowhere fast at ABT. He's now at Boston Ballet. What a loss for ABT - a tall dancer with beautiful line and a fine actor to boot.

I'm on the same page - I sincerely wish Stearns a good recovery (he was out most of the season before last as well, right?) - however, I do have tix for Parts Wed matinee SL and I'd love it to be with Gomes. I saw them together in Nutcracker in December and they are glorious together! PS - I wouldn't mind Bolle either!

My daughter who works at the Mayor's Film Office is taking me to this - yippee!

I arrived just before 10:30 and was number 16 in line. The issue today was that for whatever reason we were kept waiting outside in the very cold weather until 11:30. As soon as the box office opened at noon it went very quickly. But the line had grown very long by then.

Aha, just saw the news on the Nutcracker at BAM link, which answered my question. This is a real pity in my opinion. Maybe not for the company but I will personally miss it very much.

Does this mean they won't present at BAM starting in 2015?

Not to be shallow but I can't help but get a visual of Vasiliev as Puck jumping into the arms of Oberon and taking both of them out. But then Gomes could probably handle it. Sorry.

Fingers crossed the tba slots will be filled before the March 23rd beginning of exchange week!

My fantasy: ABT AD and thus principal artist promotion for Ms. Abrera!

I'll so miss seeing her posts. I'm sorry not to have met her in person. Adding my condolences to her family.

One of the female dancers was Obratsova (I'm pretty sure). Was there a separate section that honored the great composers? If there was then nbc did not show it!

This is very sad, and so young really. Such a beautiful man - I'll never forget his Giselle with Makarova.

Well this is shaping up to be a very busy spring/summer on the plaza!

Abatt, I agree - it looked like Filin to me too!

It makes me sad to think of Hallberg as a de facto guest artist at ABT. Although I understand his hunger to challenge himself artistically I miss the opportunity of seeing him as often as before he joined the Bolshoi. The coming years will be interesting to follow.

Loved Lola Versus, this not so much. But did like that she was/is a dancer!

Cristian, I applaud your gumption! I'm a 'fraidy cat and would worry the entire time that I would be caught and deported.

What a loss - an excellent character actor and dancer. I'll miss him as Bottom and so many other things. Best of luck to him in his next pursuit!

I think Xiomara Reyes is the only female Cuban? I sincerely hope he comes for another visit to ABT although at the moment he's not on the schedule.

Michael, I can see the similarities - same beautiful line, gorgeous feet, noble bearing; but with Gorak in a smaller package.