Barbara

Very curious if any of our London posters attended the Mariinsky performances. Especially would like to know about David Hallberg's Swan Lakes with Shirinkina, Tereshkina and Kondaurova. Thanks!

Meant to say Tiler Peck (face obscured) next to Joaquin and Tyler Angle in front of Joaquin.

I think that's Joaquin next to her and Tyler Angle in front of him.

I remember a similar situation where I was disappointed not to see Fonteyn/Nureyev when the Royal Ballet visited L.A. Instead I saw a Park/MacCleary (sp?) performance and was told by someone in the know that I had probably seen the better performance. And Merle Park became a favorite of mine thereafter.

Please report on Hoven's Bright Stream, ksk04! I'm hoping it goes well for him and will be his path out of the corps.

Stearns is now listed for the Saturday matinee as well. I for one am glad that Hallberg is staying off pointe lest he re-injure himself and in good shape for Don Q and R&J in Japan!

I also seem to remember seeing the Stuttgart do this in LA many years ago with Haydee/Cragun. Loved it!

I couldn't agree more! A Month in the Country is my favorite Ashton Ballet and I think ABT would do it justice. Hear, hear on the Kudelka/Neumeier comment!

Finally watched both movies back to back yesterday. In agreement with other posters. I found the original "Ballerina", which I had never seen, very emotionally involving. Loved, loved, loved Mia Slavenska! Her icy rage and gradual, thawing toward little Rose was very well-acted. Both the cold and warm emotions made me realize that she must have been a real wonder to see on the stage. And then "The Unfinished Dance" - oh my. I loved this movie as a child but it was really quite horrible in contrast. I do believe that Karin Booth must have had a dance double as evidenced by the many long shots. But you have to admit,little Margaret O'Brien surely could cry on demand, and so convincingly. Also loved Danny Thomas not least because he always reminded me of my father, who was Greek and looked very much like Mr. Thomas (or some said, the young Victor Mature!).

Good to know, and I'll be sitting on that level. When do you meet up - at intermission? Never having met any of you, can you give me a hint as to how I might recognize the group?

Please Kevin, read this thread!

I was happy to see them on Wed night but it sounds like Fri night was even better! My friend that used my ticket was thrilled with the performance.

Would any posters like to meet up before, at intermission, or after the performance to say hello? I'll be at the July 13, matinee.

I have been unable to find this program archived on the Gugg. UStream. Looks to me like the last one available is the interview with N. Hubbe and the Royal Danish dancers. Has anyone else found it?

That's distressing since I paid $80 for a balcony seat

Batsuchan, my feelings exactly. I was hoping, as others did, that I would see Osipova/Hallberg on Wed and Cojocaru/Kobborg on Fri making a lovely end to the season. As it was I feel like the real end of the season for me was the Semionova/Gomes Swan Lake. All in all I'm not unhappy though and hope that Hallberg rehabs quickly and in time for the Japan tour (and certainly for Nutcracker, which will probably be my next ABT visit). And now on to the Little Humpbacked Horse!

A friend of mine would like the ticket so it's no longer available.

I have a single ticket for Friday evening July 8 for the Cojocaru/Kobberg Sleeping Beauty that I would like to sell. It's a $66 ticket that I would sell for $50 or best offer - Dress Circle, Row C, Seat 112. I will be coming into the city via bus for the Wed (tomorrow) evening performance and could meet you with the ticket either before or after that performance. I had been wondering who would fill in for Hallberg never expecting Osipova to be replaced as well! I love Cojocaru but don't really need to see her twice - and neither does my pocketbook! Please send me a private message. Thanks!

I'm very curious about the question of whether or not the Prince stays seated next to the Queen Mother to watch the national dances at his birthday party. I love to watch Marcelo and David as they interact with the princesses while their subjects are dancing. It really gives them a chance to flirt with the Prince and point with pride to their countrymen as they dance. But in the same production I've seen now both Bolle and last Thurs Carreno exit the stage during that scene leaving the poor princesses stranded in their chair alone and quite far from the Queen Mother. Makes no story-telling sense to me. Any explanations?

I'm as blown away as all the other posters about the Polina/Marcelo performance last night. By far the best Swan Lake I've ever seen! She is sublime and he was having the time of his life, dancing to his utmost level and acting up a storm. As was said, the entire company was energized and gave it their all. Kevin MUST bring her back next year - and give David the chance he missed in SL this time around. I can't wait to see her again. Other notes: Sascha has improved his performance as VonRothbart from last year, I thought. Seemed more commanding of the stage (even tho he flubbed the final pirouettes a little). And in my book Roman Z can do no wrong. How he delivered a riveting performance in the swamp monster costume is beyond me, but he did! Bravo, Bravo, Bravo to all the performers last night, you made this audience member very happy! I have a couple of Sleeping Beauties ahead of me but I really feel like last night capped the season for me.

I am in complete agreement that it's time to move Sascha and Stella to principal status. Another dancer I keep noticing in the corps is Roddy Doble. He's tall, looks strong, has stage presence and should be given more opportunities than "peasant". Btw, he easily (along with a partner)lifted Marcelo last night in the SL maypole scene. Oh, and Blaine Hoven too, move him up!

I recorded both but haven't viewed yet. I do remember seeing Unfinished Dance when I was quite young and loving it; probably because I loved Margaret O'Brien. Curious to see what I think of it now especially after seeing the original, which I have never seen. Thanks, volcanohunter for this heads up!

This sounds as if they might be doing a short stint at Bard too like they did several years ago. Anyone know if this is confirmed?

Ok, ok, I can't resist! I vowed not to spend another dollar this season and was sad to miss this event but you've all convinced me. Hallberg in pointe shoes and more Gomes - priceless. I've booked Monday evening.

Finally saw this movie on last night. I enjoyed it, especially the chance to become acquainted with the dancing of Chi Cao. But I must add kudos (to Helene's earlier post) to Bruce Greenwood's Ben Stevenson. I found his work to be exceptionally nuanced and believable. The first time I actually "bought" an actor as ballet master; light years better than Peter Gallagher in Center Stage, Malcolm McDowell in The Company and even Vincent Cassel in Black Swan. I'm a big Bruce Greenwood fan and this portrayal did not disappoint.