Barbara

I have the dubious distinction of having a good-natured husband that fell asleep, ASLEEP!, in a Giselle with Makarova/Nagy!!!! Now, 30 yrs later our daughter is my dance buddy; problem solved

Puppytreats, you make a good point. If budget would allow I would see everything ABT presents. But having to apportion funds over the season I must see my favorite classics, sometimes more than one cast and so I have to draw the line somewhere. I really wanted to see Bright Stream but simply could not do it - especially with RDB and Kirov to consider. I fervently hope Mr. McKenzie doesn't think empty seats are simply a matter of disinterest.

...and Erin Baiano.

Yes,indeed Amy - I had the same recollection about Bolle's early departure last year. I'm sorry to say it left me with a bad impression of him and wondering about his commitment to ABT. After all Gomes and Hallberg can't be expected to cover all of these kinds of absences without risking injury to themselves.

On the issue of tights/no tights - didn't Jared Matthews wear tights when he and Yuriko did a pdd on SYTYCD last season? Same audience demographic, right? Maybe ABC worries about these things more than FOX?

As of yesterday my credit card has been billed for the individual tickets I ordered, but so far no tickets have arrived. I'm awaiting the Carreno Swan Lake and the Swan Lake with Semionova and Hallberg. Crossing fingers I get decent seats.

I've been a fan of his for many many years. He was the most deliciously handsome man and a pleasure to watch. RIP Mr. Granger.

Just a typo, puppytreats - the Carreno farewell is June 30.

Anyone planning to be in line at the box office on Sunday to exchange tickets? This is an annual pilgrimage for me. This year I am exchanging every one of my subscription tickets and hope hope hope I'm able to get what I want, where I want, and especially WHO I want.

I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, Bart. Photos are on the text pages.

I thought both programs were delightful and am immensely grateful that the Guggenheim/Works & Process streams these evenings. I was not able to get a ticket but thankfully didn't have to miss a preview of this wonderful company. John Meehan asked astute and interesting questions and seemed as captivated by the dancers as was the audience. Nikolaj was full of personality - I especially enjoyed his description of the unique class taught by Stanley Williams who, they said was a man of few words but created an almost sacred or mystical atmosphere. Some of his few words were said to be "Big toe, big toe. Point your knee. I turn, you up, up, up." This probably loses a lot in translation (I hope I have quoted accurately) but it was simply charming. Bravo, RDB, Nikolaj Hubbe and John Meehan!

Fascinating, Quiggin - I learn something new every day at Ballet Alert - thank you and rg too! My personal preference is "smooth" (non-deckled?)edges. One sharp exacto knife, a son with a steady hand and problem solved. Now, on to the reading....

I just received my copy of I Was A Dancer ordered through the Amazon link here. The pages are cut in such a way that some pages are wider than others - I bet there's a bookbinding term for this but I don't know it. Anyway a small number of the wider-sized pages are extra wide, almost as if they are not fully bound - yet they do not seem loose. I'm tempted to return the book but I want to start reading today! Have any of you found this in your book?

Haha - yes, WEDNESDAY! Please post or pm if a meet-up point is arranged.

Just booked my ticket for Tuesday 7/13 matinee of LHH, hopefully with Obraztsova! I've never met any Ballet Alert members and would definitely love to connect if possible.

I've had several friends send me the link to this performance because I'm "the one that likes ballet". I have thanked them and agreed that the circus acrobats in question were indeed amazing. And then in a few cases I've invited them to attend a real ballet. So far my guests have seemed to enjoy the evening but were in no hurry to return. Ah well, and this is why I love this board because my passions are reciprocated. Thank goodness for Ballet Alert!

My son felt the same way. He had to explain to me about Banksy.

I have an old videotape of The Royal Ballet doing MacMillan's R&J with Wayne Eagling and Alessandra Ferri - don't know the year offhand. The moment during the balcony pdd where he catches her hand, their eyes meet and he kisses her for the first time, is breathtaking. He literally lifts her off her feet and brings her to his lips. Ahhhh - so romantic!

Dirac, the only time I spotted Ben Millepied was when he escorted Natalie to the stage to accept the Oscar, which I thought was thoughtful and chivalrous. The camera did not cut to him when Natalie mentioned him in her speech. PS - Jacquie Reyes looked glamorous in the audience with Aaron Sorkin. Also, must agree with all about the Kirk Douglas appearance.

Oh my heavens - that's adorable! Yes, ballet can be hard but she obviously has the persistence that may pay off in the long run.

I waited too long to order tickets for the Royal Danish Ballet Works and Process event at the Guggenheim on March 20 and March 21 and now they are all sold out. I spoke to the box office and learned that I can arrive when the box office opens at 6:30pm to get a stand by number and then when the door opens any available seats will be sold according to the drawn numbers. BUT, I thought it couldn't hurt to ask here if anyone ends up with an available ticket for either evening, please pm me and I would love to buy it from you. Thanks in advance!

Jane, thank you for posting these links. I enjoyed the 2 parts very much. I only wish that I could have understood much more of what was said; especially by Mr. Hubbe who has such an expressive face. This really now whets my appetite for the RDB visit to NYC in June. I received tickets in the mail this week!

Marc, since ABT is the company I follow, any dancers with that connection are the interviews I watch first. Then NYCB. But have also enjoyed others such as Rubinald Pronk. Wonderful interviews.

Thank you, Marc! I've enjoyed several of the season 1 interviews and the season 2 line up looks excellent.

golden_slave, I'm in the suburbs of New York City so I do get to see ABT quite often. I'm very much looking forward to Hallberg's Swan Lake with Polina Semionova (have never seen her)during the ABT spring season at the Met. I know Mr. Hallberg is amassing many many fans from around the world as he continues to tour outside of the ABT home seasons. We who have been following him since his soloist days are very proud! He is a lovely young man and a serious artist who is always a pleasure to watch.