Let's hope that things just got a bit brighter for ABT's homegrown artists.
My favorite part of this article from Ismene Brown's Arts Desk:
Kommersant reports that ABT's director Kevin McKenzie has reacted with frustration to the news of [Osipova's] Royal Ballet contract.
From Kommersant (via Google translator)
[Osipova's]
manager said, "I was able to discuss the new situation with Kevin
McKenzie, he did not hide his frustration, as the spring season in
London coincides with New York, but this is a new reality that will have to somehow deal with. It
is difficult to say how it shall be settled in the future, but the fact
remains that there is a conflict of interest, let's hope for the wisdom
of the leaders of the two campaigns. ". . .
However, according to "Kommersant", Ivan Vasiliev also going to leave a regular place premiere of the Mikhailovsky Theatre. However, in contrast to his partner, while remain a freelancer, not under contract with any particular troupe. Impresario artist said that the next few months Vasilyev fully itemized. In
particular, in the spring season, ABT, he will perform in different "Le
Corsaire" three different parties – Ali, Conrad and Lankedema. Scheduled
to debut in the third part of George Balanchine "Symphony in C" in
"Sleeping Beauty", he will dance the Blue Bird in "Swan Lake" –
Rothbart, and will take part in a Los Angeles tour ABT, while Osipova
will dance Odette-Odile in "La Scala".
The biggest joke in this is that the Royal Ballet's announcement features a picture of Osipova in Swan Lake as though to imply "This is why we want her so badly." Oh Lordy. And yet, it's pretty clear that their plans for her revolve around Carlos Acosta's new Don Q, a ballet that she has indicated she's tired of performing. Reportedly, she may have other "commitments" which would conflict with her performing in this new production, but Natalia's definition of "commitment" is, well, you know….
Should we hope that McKenzie will see some light and instead of spending money on flakey principal imports, he will spend money on importing a battalion of superb, completely qualified coaches so that ABT can grow its artistic product organically?
Just throwing this out there: Georgina Parkinson's daughter-in-law, Leanne Benjamin, a stellar principal with the Royal Ballet, is set to retire this year. Let the bidding begin.
28 responses to “Miss “This stage is not big enough for me” jumps from ABT to the Royal Ballet beginning this fall”
“a picture of Osipova in Swan Lake as though to imply “This is why we want her so badly.”
Haglund I actually laughed out loud at that. Seriously though, is there a case of contagious bad-taste-itis going from ABT to RB? Because this is so hilarious and absurd that there’s no other explanation. Why is Osipova’s brand of unclassical, gymnastic dancing so bent on exercising a monopoly on major companies? She’s becoming ubiquitous and generic even in her celebrated athleticism in that she has become a caricature of herself. McKenzie should take this traitorous action as a wake up call of sorts. These Russians aren’t interested in becoming part of a company, least of all respecting the history and the fans. Polunin, Osipova, Semionova, Vasiliev, and others, all they’re interested in are their huge egos and paychecks which are disproportionate to their actual talents as true artists.
“a picture of Osipova in Swan Lake as though to imply “This is why we want her so badly.”
Haglund I actually laughed out loud at that. Seriously though, is there a case of contagious bad-taste-itis going from ABT to RB? Because this is so hilarious and absurd that there’s no other explanation. Why is Osipova’s brand of unclassical, gymnastic dancing so bent on exercising a monopoly on major companies? She’s becoming ubiquitous and generic even in her celebrated athleticism in that she has become a caricature of herself. McKenzie should take this traitorous action as a wake up call of sorts. These Russians aren’t interested in becoming part of a company, least of all respecting the history and the fans. Polunin, Osipova, Semionova, Vasiliev, and others, all they’re interested in are their huge egos and paychecks which are disproportionate to their actual talents as true artists.
Forgot to add, it seems like Trock Odette’s manager basically told McKenzie to suck it up.
Forgot to add, it seems like Trock Odette’s manager basically told McKenzie to suck it up.
True. True. True.
True. True. True.
This is a shame. The Royal boasts some of the best female dancers in the world, and one of the best 20th century traditions that require years of training to acquire. They are tasteful, above all. I guess one Kevin is like the other.
BTW, McKenzie may want to remind himself that if he wants people to invest time in the company, he should probably try to let the people whose main priority is ABT dance.
This is a shame. The Royal boasts some of the best female dancers in the world, and one of the best 20th century traditions that require years of training to acquire. They are tasteful, above all. I guess one Kevin is like the other.
BTW, McKenzie may want to remind himself that if he wants people to invest time in the company, he should probably try to let the people whose main priority is ABT dance.
Really, if she and Ivan would just leave ABT for good, I’d chip in for the plane ticket.
Really, if she and Ivan would just leave ABT for good, I’d chip in for the plane ticket.
Ha! I’d buy a farewell bouquet for them.
(By the way, the technical problems that some may have encountered with commenting here today “are not in your set.” The TypePad network is experiencing some hiccups or something. Even if you get an error message, your comment has probably posted correctly. Just refresh your screen to see.)
Ha! I’d buy a farewell bouquet for them.
(By the way, the technical problems that some may have encountered with commenting here today “are not in your set.” The TypePad network is experiencing some hiccups or something. Even if you get an error message, your comment has probably posted correctly. Just refresh your screen to see.)
Thank you for the tip, Haglund! (did my comment post 5 times?)
Thank you for the tip, Haglund! (did my comment post 5 times?)
Yeah, but that’s okay.
Yeah, but that’s okay.
Thank you Haglund for your article! I too nearly had a stroke when you wrote this: “The biggest joke in this is that the Royal Ballet’s announcement features a picture of Osipova in Swan Lake as though to imply “This is why we want her so badly.” I believe that Mr. MacKenzie may want imbibe some Pepto Bismal right now. That said, IMHO Osipova is not Royal Ballet material. Her style and schooling do not mesh. Her Odette/Odile is, how can I say it? It’s ponderous – the pointe work and the characterization. There is something to be said
for loyalty. First Iksanov, now Kehkman. Mr. O’Hare won’t be immune either in the future…
Thank you Haglund for your article! I too nearly had a stroke when you wrote this: “The biggest joke in this is that the Royal Ballet’s announcement features a picture of Osipova in Swan Lake as though to imply “This is why we want her so badly.” I believe that Mr. MacKenzie may want imbibe some Pepto Bismal right now. That said, IMHO Osipova is not Royal Ballet material. Her style and schooling do not mesh. Her Odette/Odile is, how can I say it? It’s ponderous – the pointe work and the characterization. There is something to be said
for loyalty. First Iksanov, now Kehkman. Mr. O’Hare won’t be immune either in the future…
Hi Erica. I totally agree that she doesn’t fit at the RB. I clearly recall that sometime following her departure from the Bolshoi, she told an interviewer that she and Vasiliev had wanted to move to London, but that their style was too different. It sounded like they had made an overture to the RB and that perhaps (speculating, here) Dame Monica had turned them down. Well, Dame Monica is gone now, and the new RB head may be more interested in celebrity than style.
Hi Erica. I totally agree that she doesn’t fit at the RB. I clearly recall that sometime following her departure from the Bolshoi, she told an interviewer that she and Vasiliev had wanted to move to London, but that their style was too different. It sounded like they had made an overture to the RB and that perhaps (speculating, here) Dame Monica had turned them down. Well, Dame Monica is gone now, and the new RB head may be more interested in celebrity than style.
Thanks Haglund 🙂 IMO I think that if Mr. O’Hare wanted to do something bold and brilliant, he
should have invited someone with a track record of excellence, reliability and company suitability, namely Evgenia Obraztsova. Dame Monica recognized her talent and gave her two performances a few years back as Aurora. She was fabulous. BTW Osipova will be “back in the Bolshoi” again: She will give a one night stand performance with Vasiliev of “Flames of Paris,” during the company’s Golden anniversary Covent Garden engagement this summer. OTT much?
Thanks Haglund 🙂 IMO I think that if Mr. O’Hare wanted to do something bold and brilliant, he
should have invited someone with a track record of excellence, reliability and company suitability, namely Evgenia Obraztsova. Dame Monica recognized her talent and gave her two performances a few years back as Aurora. She was fabulous. BTW Osipova will be “back in the Bolshoi” again: She will give a one night stand performance with Vasiliev of “Flames of Paris,” during the company’s Golden anniversary Covent Garden engagement this summer. OTT much?
Really, too much.
Really, too much.
I liked Osipova a lot when she was younger at the Bolshoi, but I suppose she was being kept in check by Ratmansky and various coaches. Now, I can’t get over how undisciplined and vulgar her dancing is. It’s a shame that audiences in New York and I guess London aren’t more attuned to this. I guess I also think it’s unfortunate that the west’s perceptions of the Bolshoi are colored by personalities like Osipova and Vasiliev. Dancers like Nina Kaptsova and Ovcharenko are fantastic.
I liked Osipova a lot when she was younger at the Bolshoi, but I suppose she was being kept in check by Ratmansky and various coaches. Now, I can’t get over how undisciplined and vulgar her dancing is. It’s a shame that audiences in New York and I guess London aren’t more attuned to this. I guess I also think it’s unfortunate that the west’s perceptions of the Bolshoi are colored by personalities like Osipova and Vasiliev. Dancers like Nina Kaptsova and Ovcharenko are fantastic.
True, A. Roles that she was denied at the Bolshoi but permitted to dance in the west haven’t been artistic successes (e.g., Sleeping Beauty & Swan Lake) which kind of makes it look like the Bolshoi wasn’t off course. Her attitude that she’ll do whatever she wants to do and doesn’t mind stepping all over people to get her way is really off-putting. Yes, I agree that there are some wonderful dancers at the Bolshoi such as those you cited.
True, A. Roles that she was denied at the Bolshoi but permitted to dance in the west haven’t been artistic successes (e.g., Sleeping Beauty & Swan Lake) which kind of makes it look like the Bolshoi wasn’t off course. Her attitude that she’ll do whatever she wants to do and doesn’t mind stepping all over people to get her way is really off-putting. Yes, I agree that there are some wonderful dancers at the Bolshoi such as those you cited.