International Day of Dance

[Pamela Moberg]

At least in Europe today has been proclaimed International Day of Dance. Well, now it is past midnight here so it was yesterday.

Swedish TV really outdid themselves for a change and sent "Jewels" - all three parts, Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds. The work was danced by the Paris Opera Ballet and it was absolutely marvelous. I have never seen even short bits of Jewels before so I have nothing to compare with, but I was stunned.

It would be nice to hear from you who have seen both the original American versions with the NYCB and the Paris version. How do they compare?

[atm711]

I suppose this is what Balanchine meant when he said his ballets would look different after he was gone. I am glad that you saw the complete ballet, Pamela---I guess from my perspective it was better than not seeing it. If you really want to see what 'Diamonds' should look like, you can still find a copy of Farrell's performance at Amazon.

[bart]

Pamela, there's a long thread on the Paris video -- as broadcast on US public television -- here.

Paris Opera Ballet "Jewels" tv broadcast

The first 2 pages are in anticipation, but once you get to page 3 you get posts from people who actually had the chance to see the video.

[Pamela Moberg]

Thanks, Bart, for making me aware of that thread. I have seen it briefly long ago - now I read all 11 pages of it. Well, cant have much of an opinion here now, can I? As I have never seen the original, I did on the one hand agree with some of the posters on some details, but I still remain very impressed. Can just imagine the original live, good Lord - yet, this POB offering will be a very treasured item in my DVD collection.

I really do think that this is a work that will survive for as long as there is ballet. (That cant be said about a lot of what we are treated to today )