abatt

Surprised Gabe was left off the list. But congratulations regarding all these well deserved promotions Now it's time for ABT to find another tall, strong guy to promote. I think Hammoudi may be out of the running permanently for promotion. Time to try out Hoven and Forster in some more lead roles

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/07/arts/dance/american-ballet-theater-promotes-4-dancers.html Lane, Shevcheko and Teuscher to principal Royal to solosit

Unfortunately, the dancers are not necessarily first and foremost artists, at least at ABT. They are equally, or perhaps primarily, fundraising and or ticket sales commodities. The better you are at increasing ticket sales, attracting publicity to the company, or and attracting money to the company, the more secure your position, regardless of artistry or lack thereof.

The house was packed last night. Given that the program was substantially similar to the one on Wed evening (when the house was half empty), I can only attribute the ticket sales to Misty's presence. No matter what else you want to say about her, she sells tickets. Her fans screamed and cheered when she came out on stage. It was like being at a rock concert. I thought Shevchenko and Hallberg both performed Mozartiana much better on Thursday night than on Wednesday night. However, neither one is up to the standards set at NYCB. I liked the new Ratmansky work a bit more on second viewing with the same cast, but this is not top drawer Ratmansky. Seeing Misty perform Nutcracker on Thursday only 24 hours after seeing Hee Seo's brilliant performance on Wed, I felt like I was watching a student workshop performance on Thursday. The difference in skill, attack, breadth and characterization was very apparent. I skipped AfterEffect.

Paul Taylor dancers also collect unemployment during their off season. Not unusual at all.

Since the ethos of NYCB is that the choreography is more important that the dancer, I hope we never, ever see the ABT style sponsorship of dancers at NYCB.

I was seated in the balcony, and I agree with Macaulay's statement. The lighting was a big problem in this ballet. Obviously, I'm so familiar with the individual dancers that I was able to identify them based on height, hair color and so on, regardless of the poor lighting. Also happy that he noted Hee Seo's triumph in Nutcracker pdd, because she was excellent and deserved the praise.

The July 7 program has changed. Nutcracker pas replaced by SL pas from Act II, with Herman and Misty. No jumping required for Herman, just partnering. Gorak replaces Herman in Aurora's Wedding on July 8 evening.

Boylston has great speed and attack in footwork, and a high, big jump. However, those positive attributes are often overshadowed by her other numerous problems, which have already been discussed in this forum. I liked her very much in Don Q this season, which I thought showcased her strengths. SL, on the other hand, highlighted her problems. There are so many ABT ballerinas who have part of the overall package, but are sorely lacking in some areas. If we could combine Hee Seo's lyricism with Boylston's attack, we would have a complete, wonderful Ballerina.

I had the exact same reaction. Remember, this is written by the same critic who thinks Misty is a great actress.

Exactly what I was thinking!

Hallberg was often behind the music last night in Mozartiana, trying to catch up. Maybe being off stage has impacted his stamina and speed. Loved Seo and Gomes in Nutcracker. Also was very happy w. Murphy and Whiteside in Tchai pas.

Fascinating. Thanks for the tax return. Is the 2016 return available anywhere? I'm in the wrong line of business. Director of Marketing Timm makes $176,000?! Is he the mastermind behind prohibiting subscribers from buying additional tickets during subscriber priority week? Pure genius!!

Exactly, Tschai pas should be dangerous and exciting, not dull and boring. Too many memories of great performances of the past made me cringe during most of last night's performance. Agree with fond of fouettes that the Ratmansky was uncharacteristically gimmicky. It is definitely far from his best work. Here's hoping that his new ballet in the fall is a winner.

I thought the new Ratmansky ballet was fine, but definitely not among his best. With only four dancers, it looked swallowed up on that gigantic stage. It might look better at the Koch. Loved the dancers, though. Tschai pdd- I thought Boylston looked good, except that she opted for the easier version of the fouette section. Gorak was not impressive. (Simkin should have been doing the Tschai pdd, not Gorak.) The fish dives were so safe they were boring. Part was ethereal in Mozartiana. Hoven keeps surprising me. He seems to be ready for bigger assignments. Simkin looked like a little boy in that costume, but he danced well. I decided to skip AfterEffect, since I will see at Veronika's farewell on Sat afternoon.

I agree w. Vipa. Union rules require that management provide several months advance notice to a dancer as to whether their contract will be renewed.. Part has probably known about it for several months.

Well if it is a typo, then they have a real idiot in charge of drafting the press releases. I normally never boo at a performance, but if McKenzie shows his face at her farewell, I might just have to discard etiquette and boo.

Prayer is jut the first section of Mazartiana. That is strange. No other female dancer is listed for Mozartiana, so I assume she's doing the entire ballet.

It's possible Veronika did not want a big send off, particularly since she is being forced out.

I can certainly believe that she is being forced out, because McKenzie has pulled that stunt before (Reyes, for example).

I don't have an Instagram account, but perhaps someone who does can diplomatically write a comment on Part's page asking about these developments.

Mozartiana has never been a closing ballet. The signs are pointing to retirement on July 8 for Part.

Just back from tonight's performance. There were no post performance promotions tonight from the stage.

Since Misty is probably the only ballet dancer in history who held a press conference upon her promotion, I'm sure McKenzie notified Copeland well in advance to give her publicity team time to prepare.

Thanks. Mussel, has your crystal ball been activated yet regarding next season at ABT?