MakarovaFan Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 I recently watched a 1980 video of Natalia Makarova's production of LA BAYADERE at Lincoln Center Library. Makarova danced Nikiya and Anthony Dowell danced Solor. I hadn't seen this staging since watching it on Live From Lincoln Center 24 years ago and it brought back many happy memories. I'd forgotten how stunning the production looked, but I was really wowed by Makarova's gorgeously danced Nikiya. In my opinion, her Bayadere is up there with her portrayals of Giselle and Odette. Who are some other memorable Nikiyas? Melissa Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted May 24, 2004 Share Posted May 24, 2004 I can only judge the Shades scene, but - Kaleria Fedicheva. Link to comment
art076 Posted May 30, 2004 Share Posted May 30, 2004 This is a newer one, but I will never forget Diana Vishneva's Nikiya. Link to comment
mohnurka Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Yes, it was interesting to watch Nioradze, Gumerova and Vishneva when they danced Nikiya on their tour... They visited Detroit in 2003, and performed La Bayadere 6 times... I was backstage and took part of the performance.. It was wonderful to be able to compare the 3 Nikiyas and see each one twice Link to comment
Alexandra Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Martine Van Hamel! I only saw her Shades scene, but I've never seen anyone better. Her dancing was very rich -- vulnerable and powerful -- and when she was on the top of her form, the technique was breathtaking as well. Link to comment
oberon Posted June 1, 2004 Share Posted June 1, 2004 Yes, Martine van Hamel was thrilling...and just last month I thought Svetlana Zakharova's Nikiya at ABT seemed luminous. What I always remember so vividly about van Hamel was her beautifully expressive hands (not that she was lacking anything elsewhere...) She could give master-classes in HANDS, a neglected aspect of dance these days, in my opinion. Link to comment
Cygnet Posted June 2, 2004 Share Posted June 2, 2004 Asylmuratova Altynai was it. Arlene Croce once asserted that Nikiya was as much a triumph for her as the Slave was for Nureyev. Link to comment
colwill Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 Elizabeth Platel of Paris Opera Ballet Link to comment
nysusan Posted July 2, 2004 Share Posted July 2, 2004 I loved Cojocaru's Nikiya when she did it with ABT last year. Such gorgeous line & purity of spirit. I saw Makarova watching from the orchestra, and remember wondering what she thought of the performance! Link to comment
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