abatt

I went in with low expectations for Kochetkova and high expectations for Sarafanov. Maria's performance exceeded my expectations. She was much better as Nikiya than in either the Swan Lake or SB I saw her in at ABT during her ABT debut season (two years ago?) She does have very strong technique, and seemed to be well coached in every aspect of the role, including the acting and the port de bras. I thought she came off pointe during the scarf dance, but other than that she gave a good performance. She is certainly not one of my favorites in the role and lacked the spirituality and grand style for the Shades scene, but she did an admirable job. Sarafanov fell short of my expectations. There was a lethargy last night that I had not ever seen before from him. Low jumps, slow spins. As Amour said, the bravura that I recall from him during years gone by was frequently missing. Also, Sarafanov and Kochetkova were a mismatch. He litterally had to bend in order to spin Maria and reach her waist. That's how significant the height difference was. There's one scene where Solor goes down on his knees and Nikiya stands next to him. Maria standing upright was as tall as Sarafanov on his knees. It looked silly. No complaints about Bella, although she was not nearly as powerful and Gillian.

Here's a link to B&N re the book. http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/roberto-bolle-roberto-bolle/1121325593?ean=9780847846740

Any reports on the Tuesday evening show?

Last night the highlight for me was the Act II Divert. w. Tiler and Tyler. Peck was ethereal. It was breathtaking. A very impressive cast overall. DeLuz is pumping out a lot more effort to get through the killer variation of Oberon, but he still looks good in the role. Maria is definitely filling out now, so I suspect the extra weight is a factor in her wobble.

The audience seemd to love Kim and showered him with very generous and loud applause. I was surprised there was not a bigger turnout. The house did not seem to be well sold. But it was a miserable weather day, so maybe that kept people away.

Could this relate to the fact that NYCB is beginning their New York City Spring season much earlier than usual in 2016. The NY City Koch season ends on May 29, 2016, so perhaps a Saratoga visit will occur in early June, before the Paris engagement?

I think Neil Patrick Harris has had enough of hosting for the time being. He has said in interviews that the preparations for the Oscars hosting gig earlier this year were very stressful. Also the ratings for the Oscar telecast were dismal this year, and he caught part of the blame for it.

The NY Times article mentioned an SAB student Emma Von Enck. I assume this is Claire's sibling?

The Astaire Awards were held last night. Robbie Fairchild tied with Tony Yazbeck (On the Town), and Christopher Wheeldon tied with Josh Bergasse (On the Town). http://www.showbiz411.com/2015/06/02/harvey-weinstein-gets-the-astaire-award-we-need-new-voices-on-broadway-we-need-guys-like-me-on-broadway

Here is a book review from Sunday's NY Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/books/review/they-told-me-not-to-take-that-job-by-reynold-levy.html?ref=review

That was a highlight of my ballet going experiences. I still remember it, and I doubt I will ever see anyone do that again.

Lovely news. Congratulations to them.

We can split hairs about the definition of the verb poach, but it seems clear that one of McKenzie's strategies is to use established stars from other companies, including the RB, for the Met season, most likely with the permission of the RB. Good evening.

Osipova, Nunez.

Tonight was my first viewing of Kimin Kim. He is a thrilling dancer. Great technician. Breathtaking "hang time" in his jumps, which were very high. Elongated, beautiful lines. Good partnering skills. More of him, please.

If Osipova can't perform her Juliet, I would not be surprised if McKenzie attempted to poach another RB ballerina for the role. The company will be in the US already anyway.

The only new recent addition to the Morgen cast was Preston Chamblee. Everyone else had danced it in the fall season. Chamblee did a good job, especially considering it was a debut. He needs to look more relaxed on stage. You could see his intense concentration on the difficult partnering. This will probably come with more experience. Can't believe this is the last week of the season already.

I don't think Hee Seo is being given all these assignments to improve her technique (tough love). I think McKenzie is now between a rock and a hard place in terms of casting, and Hee Seo probably would never say no to these outlandish demands regarding her schedule. By the way, R&J is a good role for Hee Seo, based on what I saw a few years ago. I get the feeling that if McKenzie asked some other members of the ABT team to undertake this killer schedule, they would probably tell him where to go.

The Clintons were at AIP this weekend. Great photo of the two leads posing with them. http://www.playbill.com/news/article/from-the-white-house-to-the-palace-the-clintons-take-in-an-american-in-paris-350261

I was seated in the balcony, and the gold ornamentations shown hanging at the top of the above photo are not visible from the balcony level.

The Drama Desk awards were announced yesterday. Unfortunately, American in Paris lost out to Hamilton for Best Musical. The good news is that Hamilton is not eligible for this year's Tony Award. Other good news is that R. Fairchild won for best actor in a musical, and Wheeldon won for best choreography. Bob Crowley won for set designs of AIP http://www.playbill.com/news/article/drama-desk-award-winners-announced-hamilton-wins-seven-awards-350267

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/style/for-robert-fairchild-and-tiler-peck-a-partnership-that-stays-in-step.html?_r=0#

I was at the matinee yesterday and agree that Pereira was very good.

So if Osipova can't dance her Juliet, who will get it?

Lane and Cornejo didn't do this ballet in CA because Herman was still recovering from an injury and did not go on the tour. Whiteside also did not go on the tour due to injury.