little-junkie Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I'm interested in what you think of Daniil Simkin, one of the current ABT soloists. I have no word but feeling a chill by watching his performance of Fallen Angle. Link to comment
Natalia Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 We've discussed Simkin quite a bit on ABT and competition threads. He is a very special artist - so angelic-looking, yet technically brilliant. I believe that most of our reports when he joined ABT noted that he might be limited in his repertoire because of his relatively small heighth and his bravura style but he seems to have proven to be more than just 'the little whiz kid' who can crank-out small competition solos like Les Bourgeois or Flames of Paris pdd. He garnered good reviews for his debut as one of the leads in ABT's version of Ratmansky's Bright Stream, for example. Link to comment
vipa Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I'm interested in what you think of Daniil Simkin, one of the current ABT soloists. I have no word but feeling a chill by watching his performance of Fallen Angle. In case you don't know - there is a very nice interview with Simkin on Ballet Pulp - http://dancepulp.com/2010/08/27/daniil-simkin/ Link to comment
little-junkie Posted February 24, 2011 Author Share Posted February 24, 2011 vipa, yes I have seen that clip. I was very intrigued. Link to comment
janeintucson Posted May 28, 2011 Share Posted May 28, 2011 So, size is a consideration? Didn't think that when it came to Mischa, his size was anything to consider? At the time when he defected, he was the greatest thing since sliced Nureyev. Link to comment
little-junkie Posted July 24, 2011 Author Share Posted July 24, 2011 Found this clip on youtube, it's all in Japanese: Link to comment
Mel Johnson Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 So, size is a consideration? Yes, it is. It's always a limiting factor when determining who you're dancing with. There's a pas de deux in Balanchine's "Bourree Fantasque" for a short man and a very tall woman (originally Jerome Robbins and Diana Adams), but you can't count on that kind of role always being available. Simkin is also a very strong and able dance actor, so that somewhat offsets the height issue. Link to comment
Amy Reusch Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 So, size is a consideration? Yes, it is. It's always a limiting factor when determining who you're dancing with. There's a pas de deux in Balanchine's "Bourree Fantasque" for a short man and a very tall woman (originally Jerome Robbins and Diana Adams), but you can't count on that kind of role always being available. Simkin is also a very strong and able dance actor, so that somewhat offsets the height issue. Also, the average height of professional dancers has been increasing since Nureyev and Baryshnikov. Simkin would have had an easier time regarding his height 30 years ago. Link to comment
innopac Posted June 24, 2012 Share Posted June 24, 2012 This shows the development of an artist over time Le Corsaire: Revisited - by Daniil Simkin Link to comment
diane Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 Thanks! I recognise in a few of those excerpts the "kleine ballettsaal" (small studio) in the Wiesbaden theatre, where I danced many, many years ago. He is indeed a remarkable dancer. -d- Link to comment
Natalia Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 ....Also, the average height of professional dancers has been increasing since Nureyev and Baryshnikov. Simkin would have had an easier time regarding his height 30 years ago. Also, the initial concerns about Simkins' petit size had to do with overall small musculature and bone structure (narrowish shoulder line) and not just height. He was more the delicate type, like Sarafanov at the start of his career. Baryshnikov, Cornejo, Batalov and others may be/have been shortish but never 'delicate.' My understanding is that Simkin has bulked up, so this may no longer be a problem. Looking forward to his first Prince Siegfried on Wednesday. He has always been an exciting dancer but I have not seen him since Flames of Paris pdd in DC 2-3 yrs ago, so I am really looking forward to viewing the transformation for myself. Link to comment
Drew Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 ....Also, the average height of professional dancers has been increasing since Nureyev and Baryshnikov. Simkin would have had an easier time regarding his height 30 years ago. Also, the initial concerns about Simkins' petit size had to do with overall small musculature and bone structure (narrowish shoulder line) and not just height. He was more the delicate type, like Sarafanov at the start of his career. ...My understanding is that Simkin has bulked up, so this may no longer be a problem. He still seems very slight and boyish to me... Link to comment
Amy Reusch Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 There used to be talk in the old days about SAB rejecting students because their heads were "too big". I always thought it was silly, but I think I see how it makes us see Daniil Simkin as boyish... seems like just something to learn to work off of, but might mean trouble in stereotypic casting... Link to comment
aurora Posted June 25, 2012 Share Posted June 25, 2012 ....Also, the average height of professional dancers has been increasing since Nureyev and Baryshnikov. Simkin would have had an easier time regarding his height 30 years ago. Also, the initial concerns about Simkins' petit size had to do with overall small musculature and bone structure (narrowish shoulder line) and not just height. He was more the delicate type, like Sarafanov at the start of his career. ...My understanding is that Simkin has bulked up, so this may no longer be a problem. He still seems very slight and boyish to me... And even with his more virile type, Cornejo has had a real struggle getting the princely principal roles (I don't mean doing them, I mean being seen as right for them). And partnering is still his weakest point. Link to comment
Natalia Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Drew, I hope you're wrong about Simkin still looking too slight. We'll see on Wednesday. I certainly wish him the best and, of course, 'his best' would benefit dear Isabella in her own debut. I have a crazy feeling that their pairing will yield some unexpected surprises. Link to comment
Drew Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 Drew, I hope you're wrong about Simkin still looking too slight. We'll see on Wednesday. I certainly wish him the best and, of course, 'his best' would benefit dear Isabella in her own debut. I have a crazy feeling that their pairing will yield some unexpected surprises. Very much hoping so! Link to comment
Birdsall Posted June 26, 2012 Share Posted June 26, 2012 When he did do the Bronze Idol in Bayadere he looked very thin but danced wonderfully. He looked like a little doll though, and that works for the Bronze Idol (looked like a statue instead of a human). Please report how he does....he deserves leading roles b/c he's talented, but his look might hold him back. Hope not! Link to comment
Natalia Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Well, 'The Kid' became The Man yesterday, in his Swan Lake debut. Kudos and tons of RESPECT to Danil' Simkin. That was extraordinary...not matter how young he looked. He gave the role of Siegfried a totally new twist and made it work for him. I had hoped for the best but honestly didn't expect to see what I saw. Link to comment
Birdsall Posted June 28, 2012 Share Posted June 28, 2012 Well, 'The Kid' became The Man yesterday, in his Swan Lake debut. Kudos and tons of RESPECT to Danil' Simkin. That was extraordinary...not matter how young he looked. He gave the role of Siegfried a totally new twist and made it work for him. I had hoped for the best but honestly didn't expect to see what I saw. Great to hear! Hope he dances it next season again. Maybe I can catch it then! This is very heartening news! Link to comment
Helene Posted October 30, 2014 Share Posted October 30, 2014 Simkin retweeted the following post with a wonderful photo portrait: https://twitter.com/AlbertAyzenberg/status/527192216876638208 Link to comment
Helene Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Simkin is in Buenos Aires for Don Q with Maria Kochetkova: https://www.facebook.com/daniilsimkin/photos/a.661219130581995.1073741829.658722760831632/761862997184274/?type=1&theater Link to comment
Helene Posted November 7, 2014 Share Posted November 7, 2014 : https://www.facebook.com/daniilsimkin/photos/a.661219130581995.1073741829.658722760831632/762232197147354/?type=1&theater Link to comment
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