Barbara

1 hour ago, ABT Fan said:

The lark section is so beautiful and I’d prefer to see it as a stand alone.

1 hour ago, ABT Fan said:

I don’t need to see this ballet again. Some lovely parts but not enough dancing (and by the adults). 

I agree with you here, ABT Fan.  

Very cool! I love the mommas!

I think she was one of the best criers on screen. I was always moved to tears myself while watching her. RIP Doris.

So did I, canbelto! Kelli O'Hara was divine and the Too Darn Hot number was exhilarating! Try dancing that 8 times a week - whew!

21 hours ago, volcanohunter said:

Catazaro appeared with the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich. Simkin and Semionova are members of the Berlin State Ballet.

Thanks, volcanohunter!

For those in the know: I'm confused by the various German ballet companies. Is this the one Daniil is now with? Where does Polina Semionova dance? Can someone enlighten me? Thanks in advance!

I think a co-AD situation would work with Jonathon Stafford and Wendy Whalen. He's had the years experience and she is the much-loved former ballerina who could be the "face" of the company/fundraiser. I realize this is an extremely simplified definition and doesn't tick all the job description boxes.  But this would allow others in the interim team to get back to their original jobs full time and by keeping Stafford would recognize the effort they've put in over the last year. 

Thank you, Cristian! And I echo your sentiments to one and all!

I must agree re Ashley Laracey. In a recent IG post with Troy on a Nutcracker gig, she looked alarmingly thin. 

Me too, Nanushka! This is my dream partnership!

I believe it was Nick Palmquist, Marcelo's husband.

I fell in love with the Ratmansky Nutcracker from the first time I saw it! I love the opening scene in the kitchen and then opening up to the party scene. So much good acting goes on, it's hard to decide where to look. And I think the snowflake scene going from lovely to sinister is masterful. The young Clara and the Nutcracker prince dancing alongside their adult selves always moves me. I also love the colorful costumes. I'm sad it's left the east coast and keep hoping there might be some way to perform on both coasts at some point.

I feel much the same way California does about the Balanchine version - I'd be happy to see clips, especially Dewdrop. Sorry to be bah humbug, I know legions of ballet goers love this version and always will!

Cristian, I believe it's next weekend in NYC. I thought about going but also thought it seemed a bit iffy and what with all the craziness of the season, I decided to pass on it. I hope someone goes and look forward to their report. 

I agree with the Washington Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet suggestions, probably weighted more toward Washington and Julie Kent. She's never mentioned it but I think she'd look lovely in the Ashton rep so maybe Sarasota Ballet?

Immediately put on my wish list!

I must admit that I've never heard her sing but have always thought she had the most beautiful sounding name. RIP. 

I'd rather see Shevchenko or Teuscher get a Manon with Hallberg rather than Boylston.  But if he does indeed do Swan with Boylston I'd give that a go based on reviews. 

8 hours ago, vendangeuse said:

Especially if Hallberg is only dancing two ballets! I'm excited to see Manon, but can't help but be a little salty that his participation in the Spring season will be minimal. And this after skipping out on the Fall season entirely (though with the ballets they've chosen, I can't really blame him.)

Salty, I like that description and share it.

7 hours ago, ABT Fan said:

Well, he certainly deserves the distinction of "guest artist" as opposed to "principal dancer" now more than ever. (Along with Bolle....)

So, he's returning to Swan Lake with ABT; I wonder with whom? And, I wonder if this means that Giselle will be retired for a season or two, since he didn't mention it, or if he's simply not doing it this time around.

Guest artist, I'm afraid so.

6 hours ago, abatt said:

I assume Manon will be the next stop on the Ferri Comeback Tour, and that Bolle would be her partner.  No doubt Misty will ge the role too.  Does that leave open one spot for another Manon?

Misty/Manon - No!

abatt, I don't choose Boylston in the tragic romantic roles but she did get very good reviews in Swan Lake or Giselle (can't remember which) last spring season. I'm still skeptical though, and frustrated that she'd be cast with Hallberg who is a much better fit with Stella imo.

18 hours ago, cassieallison said:

It has always made me a little uneasy to see all of the senior male principals with young corps dancers, the power differential is huge. Besides Ramasar and Maxwell there is Veyette and Hod and De Luz was engaged to Gerrity. It doesn't bother me as much when company dancers of similar rank and age date.

This has troubled me too. 

8 hours ago, On Pointe said:

 But the end result is a lot of wild speculation on the part of company fans,  which may prove to be more detrimental than the truth.  

I realize the dancers don't owe the public anything but I think what On Pointe says is true. I would appreciate seeing some kind of press release or social media statement from the dancers with even a vague explanation. I assume someone is advising them about this kind of action. 

Has anyone mentioned Philip Neal as a possibility? (It maybe up thread) I heard him interviewed on Conversations on Dance and he was very interesting and passionate about passing on his expertise and growing the "next generation"  but he also did sound very happy where he was. Also I'm not sure of his age.

https://www.strazcenter.org/Next-Generation-Ballet

Thank you, FauxPas. I did see this post but did not take the time to read the hashtags or the comments to understand fully what she was saying. I'm very sorry to hear this and wish Elina all the best in the future. 

This is the first I've heard about Elina Miettinen leaving the company. I always noticed her and will miss her presence. I follow her on instagram and must have missed any mention of it. She does seem to do a little acting/modeling and product endorsement so perhaps that's what she'll pursue. Has anyone knowledge of her plans? 

I'm intrigued by many of these suggestions but with one caveat. There is sure to be poor morale if someone is brought in IF some of the current taller male soloists aren't also given opportunities in the full lengths. I'm thinking of Hoven but Forster in particular. My choice would be to hire someone exciting from outside who knows the full length rep, promote Gabe Shayer to soloist this year, give Forster and Hoven real opportunities to test them out, and if one of them seems to have the goods, promote them pronto. Also hoping Lendorf can return soon. I believe he could partner both the shorter and taller women.