dirac Posted January 28 Share Posted January 28 Reviews of Alina Cojocaru in "La Strada." The Times Quote It’s the brainchild of the ballerina Alina Cojocaru, who commissioned the production, and her performance as Gelsomina, the naive heroine who is groomed and brutalised by the ageing Zampano, is a gem. If only one could say the same for Natalia Horecna’s overpadded, undernourished choreography and her wayward, surreal storytelling. The two-act ballet is just over two hours yet the long-winded, ambiguous ending, in particular, seems to go on for ever. The Stage Quote In the role of Gelsomina, the former Royal Ballet and English National Ballet principal (who was made an honorary OBE last year) is undoubtedly the main draw. This incredible ballerina has always excelled at bringing put-upon, pure-hearted, plucky characters to life – and at 42, she has retained extraordinary technique and strength, feather-light with a core of steel. The Daily Telegraph Quote The latter is Cojocaru’s partner of more than 20 years now, and back in the day the two of them formed one of the most magnificent partnerships the Royal Ballet has ever known. She is 42 now, he 51, ages (especially his) by which most dancers have long since hung up their tights. But they here make an astonishing case for brilliance over youth. Link to comment
dirac Posted January 28 Author Share Posted January 28 More. The Guardian Quote Enchanted by Gelsomina’s otherworldly goodness, one of the world’s leading ballerinas, Alina Cojocaru, has brought that story to the stage with her own production company. Cojocaru is incredible to watch whatever she does, and, as ever, she gives her heart and soul to the character. Choreographer Natalia Horečná captures the naive Gelsomina in slightly awkward, puppet-like gait, and Cojocaru provides the expressive features, her misery and confusion at being packed off with strongman Zampanò suddenly transforming into hopeful optimism, the chance to see the world, find her freedom. The Reviews Hub Quote This is a beautifully conceived, exquisitely danced piece of theatre, with some thrilling pas-des-deux and trois, and sometimes cinq. The only cavil is the significance of the trumpet. It didn’t seem to be a very valued gift and becomes something of a tripping hazard in the finale. But that is a very small criticism. The show is beautiful and Alina Cojocaru is a wonder. CultureWhisper Quote To know Alina Cojocaru is to love her; and so it pains me to have to report that she is wasted in her latest project, La Strada, produced by her own company Acworkroom Ltd. Link to comment
dirac Posted January 28 Author Share Posted January 28 A piece in Vogue on San Francisco Ballet's gala party, with slideshow. Quote Among the dinner party guests were the legendary Rita Moreno (who sported tinsel in her gray hair for added flair), actor Ana de la Reguera (who was wearing a sculptural jacket she found at a vintage store in her native Mexico), Nancy Pelosi, and her husband, Mr. Paul Pelosi, who together served as this year’s honorary chairs. Link to comment
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