"ABT Gala"
American Ballet Theatre
Metropolitan Opera House
New York, NY
May 19, 2008
As good galas go, this one went quickly, with a lot of variety, and a couple of sets of fouettes to count. It was, by and large, a preview of the season to come, with excerpts from various works. The novelty was Antony Tudor's Judgment of Paris, a preview, so to speak, of the upcoming Tudor homage in the fall City
"Symphony in C", "Symphony in Three Movements", and "Western Symphony"
New York City Ballet
New York State Theater
New York, NY
May 3, 2008, matinee
One of the few-all Balanchine programs in this Robbins-fest season was also an all symphonic program, an immersion into Balanchine's astounding variety; three completely different responses to three different symphonies, all developed from the majestic geometry of the Russian classical ballet in which he grew up. "Symphony in C" and "Western Symphony" both, in
Miami City Ballet
"Raymonda Variations", "Sonatine", "Tarantella", and "In the Upper Room"
Tilles Center for the Performing Arts
Long Island University, New York
April 25, 2008
The Miami City Ballet made one of its too rare and too brief visits to the New York vicinity, appearing for two days in the spacious and well-designed Tilles Center of Long Island University; the company has yet to appear in Manhattan. This visit confirmed the virtues seen in earlier performances, and showed
"Suite from Mazurkas", "Jardin aux Lilas", "Little Improvisations", Pas de Deux from Romeo & Juliet", "Judgment of Paris"
New York Theatre Ballet
Florence Gould Hall
New York, NY
April 4, 2008
The enterprising New York Theatre Ballet celebrated two 100-year anniversaries in their recent performance of works by Jose Limon and Antony Tudor. The company has long been known for its dignified revivals of Tudor works (Sallie Wilson, the famous Tudor dancer, has worked extensively with the company)
"Raymonda, Act 3", "Paquita, Grand Pas", La Bayadere, Act 3"
Kirov Ballet
New York City Center
New York, NY
April 1, 2008
A reduced contingent of the Kirov danced on the inconvenient and unfamiliar City Center stage offering outtakes of three of Petipa's wonderful ballets; not the ideal way to judge a company's artistic strength.
But the opening scence of "Raymonda", with the magnificent Vladimir Ponomarev summoning the dancers with a majectic sweep of his arm, promised much.
Matters of the Heart
"Raymonda Variations", "The Steadfast Tin Soldier", "The Nightingale and the Rose", "Robert Schumann's 'Davidsbundlertanze' "
New York City Ballet
New York State Theater
New York, NY
February 14, 2008
Pity the poor marketing person who thought this program was a celebration of love--the audience saw tragedy, insanity, indifference, abandonment, and death. The opening ballet, "Raymonda Variations", however, was more like it, a Valentine by Balanchine to the luscious Gazounov music. Ashley Bouder danced with Andrew
"Apollo", "Flower Festival in Genzano", "Zakouski", "Cool", "Western Symphony"
New York City Ballet
New York State Theater
New York, NY
February 10, 2008
New York The packed and appreciative audience said goodbye to Nikolaj Hübbe in a cowboy hat, flirting with Maria Kowroski, while being saluted by his colleagues—the applause backstage could still be heard as the audience was leaving. This cheerful and cheeky final farewell was some compensation for the loss of that great artist. Loss
"Traditions"
"Square Dance", "Prodigal Son", "The Four Seasons"
New York City Ballet
New York State Theater
New York, NY
January 29, 2008
The marketing department has apparently decided there is more than one Tradition to be celebrated in the Balanchine and Robbins program, but the tradition of great choreography coherently danced is the most important tradition of all, and fortunately this program had that to offer. The inevitable tradition of dancers retiring was also, quietly, celebrated, as Nikolaj Hübbe gave
"Jewels"
New York City Ballet
New York State Theater
New York, NY
January 11, 2008
Each jewel on Friday night had a new facet, some glowing more than others. “Emeralds” saw Abi Stafford’s debut in the Mimi Paul role, a somewhat unexpected piece of casting, since she is a compact and rather un-lyrical dancer. She may improve with experience, but so far, she seemed to concentrate on the steps, with some rather deliberate arms (which while there
“Jewels
New York City Ballet
New York State Theater
New York, NY
January 2, 2008
The evergreen Nutcracker was finally put to rest for another year, as NYCB opened the dance part of the Winter season with the even more evergreen Jewels. Green is the operative work for “Emeralds”, in the redesign (or re-redesign) by Peter Harvey; the slightly oppressive mass of green with its strings of gaudy baubles gives the impression that the miraculous choreography
Riedel Dance Theater
A Journey of Redemption
“Inferno”, “Out of the Silent Planet”, and “The Four Loves”
Joyce Soho
New York, NY
December 13, 2007
Jonathan Riedel, who danced with the Limón Company from 1996-2006, has set up his own company with some very fine dancers affiliated with Limón, Bill T. Jones, and other companies. His earlier choreography, danced both by Limón, and his own small group, was notable for its interest in characterization, mordant humor, and an unusual interest
New York City Ballet
“The Nutcracker”
New York State Theater
New York, NY
December 11, 2007
Fortunately, there is nothing new to report about the NYCB production of “The Nutcracker”. It continues weaving its magic, unexaggerated and unchanged, its glorious details intact. The first act is full of bright activity, the children are well-rehearsed, and the adults generously stay out of the spotlight. It is a true ensemble work, but there were some standouts. In the