The LA Times reported tonight that BOTH Viktoria Tereshkina and Alina Somova will miss the LA engagement in early October at the Segerstrom because BOTH are pregnant.
Wow, this will turn things upside down at the Mariinsky for the next year or so.
Here's the new LA casting; we'll just have to wait to hear about the changes in DC:
The new principal casting is: Oct. 2 — Oxana Skorik (Odette-Odile),
Vladimir Schklyarov (Prince Siegfried); Oct. 3 — Ekaterina Kondaurova,
Evgeny Ivanchenko; Oct. 4 — Skorik, Timur Askerov; Oct. 5 —
Kondaurova, Ivanchenko; Oct. 6, 2 p.m. — Anastasia Kolegova, Danila
Korsuntsev; Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m. — Skorik, Schklyarov; Oct. 7, 2 p.m. —
Kolegova, Askerov.
30 responses to “Mariinsky babies!”
I’ve read through the twitter grapevine that A.Matvienko and Yana Selina are out on maternity as well. I guess the waters are fertile in the theater right now.
I have tickets for Kondaurova and Kolegova currently. I would like to see Schklyarov so I may brave the Skorik opening night performance as well.
I’ve read through the twitter grapevine that A.Matvienko and Yana Selina are out on maternity as well. I guess the waters are fertile in the theater right now.
I have tickets for Kondaurova and Kolegova currently. I would like to see Schklyarov so I may brave the Skorik opening night performance as well.
What a surprise, although I would not have been surprised if Vishneva had been on the list. Maybe there is a Maternity Conspiracy afoot — not everyone is especially happy with Fateyev.
Had Obraztsova stayed, she would probably now be in a position to get everything she wanted.
Perhaps Fateyev would like to borrow our Veronika for a bit – although not from May through July.
Skorik is going to be far more than fine – eventually. Maybe you will be pleasantly surprised although I would not venture to her opening night performance.
What a surprise, although I would not have been surprised if Vishneva had been on the list. Maybe there is a Maternity Conspiracy afoot — not everyone is especially happy with Fateyev.
Had Obraztsova stayed, she would probably now be in a position to get everything she wanted.
Perhaps Fateyev would like to borrow our Veronika for a bit – although not from May through July.
Skorik is going to be far more than fine – eventually. Maybe you will be pleasantly surprised although I would not venture to her opening night performance.
Can someone tell me who the baby-daddies are?? Isn’t Tereshkina married to a ballet dancer?
Can someone tell me who the baby-daddies are?? Isn’t Tereshkina married to a ballet dancer?
I don’t know about Obraztsova getting everything she’d wanted had she stayed. Word was that Fateyev dislikes her dancing a great deal, to the point of easing her out of even her natural repertory of Aurora, Don Quixote, and Giselle as she was pegged as a soubrette. She had to go elsewhere to dance Aurora because Fateyeve began giving Sleeping Beauty to Tereshkina and Somova on an overwhelming and regular basis. Had Obraztsova stayed, she would have danced more this season, but cast aside for the “real” ballerinas to return from leave next season. She will never Fateyev’s type of ballerina (that would be Ms. Somova) so regardless it was a good move to the Bolshoi where, let’s face it, the reputation and repertory are now better than those of the Mariinsky.
I think the dancers who are going to benefit are those who can dance the roles both Tereshkina and Somova can dance. Probably the second tier dancers like Skorik and Shirinkina are rejoicing. I would take the much maligned Skorik over the limp dancing of Shirinkina, who has no “shine” to her presentation onstage on top of barely passable technique judging from videos. Both dancers are no where near where they should be given their featured prominence and rank in the company.
I don’t know about Obraztsova getting everything she’d wanted had she stayed. Word was that Fateyev dislikes her dancing a great deal, to the point of easing her out of even her natural repertory of Aurora, Don Quixote, and Giselle as she was pegged as a soubrette. She had to go elsewhere to dance Aurora because Fateyeve began giving Sleeping Beauty to Tereshkina and Somova on an overwhelming and regular basis. Had Obraztsova stayed, she would have danced more this season, but cast aside for the “real” ballerinas to return from leave next season. She will never Fateyev’s type of ballerina (that would be Ms. Somova) so regardless it was a good move to the Bolshoi where, let’s face it, the reputation and repertory are now better than those of the Mariinsky.
I think the dancers who are going to benefit are those who can dance the roles both Tereshkina and Somova can dance. Probably the second tier dancers like Skorik and Shirinkina are rejoicing. I would take the much maligned Skorik over the limp dancing of Shirinkina, who has no “shine” to her presentation onstage on top of barely passable technique judging from videos. Both dancers are no where near where they should be given their featured prominence and rank in the company.
Hi Genna. It’s troubling to watch this decline at the Mariinsky.
Skorik and Shirinkina might initially rejoice, but the pressure will be on them in a big way. From what little I’ve seen of each, it seems that neither handles pressure very well.
Hi Genna. It’s troubling to watch this decline at the Mariinsky.
Skorik and Shirinkina might initially rejoice, but the pressure will be on them in a big way. From what little I’ve seen of each, it seems that neither handles pressure very well.
Hi A. — I have no idea who the daddies-to-be are. No clue.
Hi A. — I have no idea who the daddies-to-be are. No clue.
I forgot to mention that it appears that the D.C. Ratmansky Cinderella is not selling well at all. Maybe the Mariinsky could take those two performances which were assigned to Somova and insert something more palatable to the classically-biased audience – preferably with Lopatkina or Kondaurova in the starring role.
I forgot to mention that it appears that the D.C. Ratmansky Cinderella is not selling well at all. Maybe the Mariinsky could take those two performances which were assigned to Somova and insert something more palatable to the classically-biased audience – preferably with Lopatkina or Kondaurova in the starring role.
Haglund (and anyone else), could you point out which cast/casts are the best one/ones? I’m still new to ballet and don’t really know the various dancers involved, I’d like some guidance before I buy my tickets to the OC run. Thanks!
BTW, I had a great time at the Hollywood Bowl last Friday, thanks to my boss who has a killer box seat, dead center. Part/Gomes in “The Nutcracker”, Herrera/Sterns in “Swan Lake” pas des deux + the orchestra playing excerpts from each beforehand (and, of course, the 1812 with fireworks to end it all).
I loved Ms. Herrera, she was wonderful, Mr. Stearns did a great job partnering her. This newbie didn’t really feel that Ms. Part and Mr. Gomes had much chemistry, though they danced beautifully. What glorious, glorious music Tchaikovsky wrote!
It just made look forward to the Mariinsky in OC even more.
Haglund (and anyone else), could you point out which cast/casts are the best one/ones? I’m still new to ballet and don’t really know the various dancers involved, I’d like some guidance before I buy my tickets to the OC run. Thanks!
BTW, I had a great time at the Hollywood Bowl last Friday, thanks to my boss who has a killer box seat, dead center. Part/Gomes in “The Nutcracker”, Herrera/Sterns in “Swan Lake” pas des deux + the orchestra playing excerpts from each beforehand (and, of course, the 1812 with fireworks to end it all).
I loved Ms. Herrera, she was wonderful, Mr. Stearns did a great job partnering her. This newbie didn’t really feel that Ms. Part and Mr. Gomes had much chemistry, though they danced beautifully. What glorious, glorious music Tchaikovsky wrote!
It just made look forward to the Mariinsky in OC even more.
Hi Henry. Thanks much for the report on the Tchaikovsky Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl.
I really think that you will go crazy over any cast of Swan Lake that you see when the Mariinsky visits OC. If I were buying tickets, I would probably buy cheap tickets to see all three casts instead of splurging on one. However, my first choice would be Kondarauva & Ivanchenko. The other two casts have up-and-comers as Odette/Odile and established and very experienced men as Siegfried. It’s generally always a treat to see the Mariinsky’s Swan Lake because the corps de ballet in Acts II and IV is so exceptional. I mean, REALLY exceptional.
Here’s a link to the English section of the Mariinsky website where you can read about the soloists. http://www.mariinsky.ru/en/company/ballet/troupe/
Hi Henry. Thanks much for the report on the Tchaikovsky Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl.
I really think that you will go crazy over any cast of Swan Lake that you see when the Mariinsky visits OC. If I were buying tickets, I would probably buy cheap tickets to see all three casts instead of splurging on one. However, my first choice would be Kondarauva & Ivanchenko. The other two casts have up-and-comers as Odette/Odile and established and very experienced men as Siegfried. It’s generally always a treat to see the Mariinsky’s Swan Lake because the corps de ballet in Acts II and IV is so exceptional. I mean, REALLY exceptional.
Here’s a link to the English section of the Mariinsky website where you can read about the soloists. http://www.mariinsky.ru/en/company/ballet/troupe/
Hi Haglund, I’m new, 🙂 but I just had to comment on the announcement of these multiple blessed events. Besides Tereshkina and Somova, there are other Mariinsky ladies who are expecting as well. For example, Yana Selina is one of the soloists who is expecting too.
I’m ITA with Genna re Evgenia Obraztsova, and the fact that she has done best out of all the languishing females that remain in the Mariinsky. Re the primacy of the Bolshoi, there’s no doubt of this fact. Olga Smirnova, had she opted to join the Mariinsky, would have languished for at least a minimum of four seasons in the corps de ballet.
The Bolshoi Theatre is the main stage of the Russian Federation: Their artists perform for Heads of State. There has always been a pecking order in Russian theatre, where one hails from has escalating prestige, as it was in the Soviet era and right now. That said, as a result Genya and Olga and their Bolshoi colleagues are considered “above” their Mariinsky colleagues (in Russian culture that is), and all of the lesser opera houses in the Federation. The Bolshoi Theatre is on the 100 rouble bill. They dance in the shadow of the Kremlin.
IMO Fateev has proven to be an incompetent boob, and nothing would have changed for either Obraztsova or Smirnova. He also has presided over the steep decline of the men, where he now has a roster of male soloists and Principals where 2/3 of them are close to their pension, such as Korsuntsev, Zelensky (who is the Artistic Director of the Stanislavsky in Moscow, and still collecting a Mariinsky salary), and Andrei Batalov who should have happened but never made Principal and sadly, it’s too late for him now. This is the story of many 1st and 2nd soloists on roster.
My take away is this: These mutliple maternity leaves will bring deserving and in many cases superior ballerinas back to center stage. It’s ironic that Fateev’s short sighted policies have now backed him into the mother of all corners because of his failure to develop the ranks and cast in depth. Now he has little choice but to use his under-utilized artists. Happily, I learned this morning that none other than Daria Pavlenko will be coming to DC for the “Cinderella” engagement! Yesterday, I had to take quick action to exchange my ticket from Kolegova to Kondaurova’s “Swan Lake” coming up in October here in Los Angeles. Of the active Odette/Odiles remaining, her’s is one of the three best interpretations in the Mariinsky Ballet. IMO they, are in this order: Lopatkina, Pavlenko *(when she was active in the role -hopefully she’ll make a comeback now), and Kondaurova. Best Regards.
Hi Haglund, I’m new, 🙂 but I just had to comment on the announcement of these multiple blessed events. Besides Tereshkina and Somova, there are other Mariinsky ladies who are expecting as well. For example, Yana Selina is one of the soloists who is expecting too.
I’m ITA with Genna re Evgenia Obraztsova, and the fact that she has done best out of all the languishing females that remain in the Mariinsky. Re the primacy of the Bolshoi, there’s no doubt of this fact. Olga Smirnova, had she opted to join the Mariinsky, would have languished for at least a minimum of four seasons in the corps de ballet.
The Bolshoi Theatre is the main stage of the Russian Federation: Their artists perform for Heads of State. There has always been a pecking order in Russian theatre, where one hails from has escalating prestige, as it was in the Soviet era and right now. That said, as a result Genya and Olga and their Bolshoi colleagues are considered “above” their Mariinsky colleagues (in Russian culture that is), and all of the lesser opera houses in the Federation. The Bolshoi Theatre is on the 100 rouble bill. They dance in the shadow of the Kremlin.
IMO Fateev has proven to be an incompetent boob, and nothing would have changed for either Obraztsova or Smirnova. He also has presided over the steep decline of the men, where he now has a roster of male soloists and Principals where 2/3 of them are close to their pension, such as Korsuntsev, Zelensky (who is the Artistic Director of the Stanislavsky in Moscow, and still collecting a Mariinsky salary), and Andrei Batalov who should have happened but never made Principal and sadly, it’s too late for him now. This is the story of many 1st and 2nd soloists on roster.
My take away is this: These mutliple maternity leaves will bring deserving and in many cases superior ballerinas back to center stage. It’s ironic that Fateev’s short sighted policies have now backed him into the mother of all corners because of his failure to develop the ranks and cast in depth. Now he has little choice but to use his under-utilized artists. Happily, I learned this morning that none other than Daria Pavlenko will be coming to DC for the “Cinderella” engagement! Yesterday, I had to take quick action to exchange my ticket from Kolegova to Kondaurova’s “Swan Lake” coming up in October here in Los Angeles. Of the active Odette/Odiles remaining, her’s is one of the three best interpretations in the Mariinsky Ballet. IMO they, are in this order: Lopatkina, Pavlenko *(when she was active in the role -hopefully she’ll make a comeback now), and Kondaurova. Best Regards.
Haglund, thanks for the info, it’s much appreciated.
Haglund, thanks for the info, it’s much appreciated.
Hi Kara!
The current state of the soloists and principals in terms of the Bolshoi vs. the Mariinsky may seem to be moving the Bolshoi to the top, but IMO, the Mariinsky corps in most if not all of the classics is head and shoulders above the Bolshoi. In the past several years I have had little interest in seeing a Bolshoi Swan Lake or Giselle – Zakharova bores me to death in everything.
Also, it would not be difficult to point out Bolshoi soloists and principals who are problematic when it comes to elegance and purity of form. Maria Allash comes to mind immediately. IMO the company has no one who can deliver a performance anywhere near the level of Lopatkina, Vishneva, Pavlenko, Tereshkina, Kondarauva. Eventually Obraztsova and Smirnova and some of the newer recruits may strengthen the Bolshoi’s classical profile which in the past years has taken a turn for the worse with its gymnastic dynamos, but for now, regardless of the good fortune of its recent acquisitions, it still comes in second to the Mariinsky in the classics and Balanchine. An entire ballet company cannot be viewed in terms of two ballerinas — either positively or negatively.
Gergiev’s apparent apathy toward the ballet is really perplexing.
Hi Kara!
The current state of the soloists and principals in terms of the Bolshoi vs. the Mariinsky may seem to be moving the Bolshoi to the top, but IMO, the Mariinsky corps in most if not all of the classics is head and shoulders above the Bolshoi. In the past several years I have had little interest in seeing a Bolshoi Swan Lake or Giselle – Zakharova bores me to death in everything.
Also, it would not be difficult to point out Bolshoi soloists and principals who are problematic when it comes to elegance and purity of form. Maria Allash comes to mind immediately. IMO the company has no one who can deliver a performance anywhere near the level of Lopatkina, Vishneva, Pavlenko, Tereshkina, Kondarauva. Eventually Obraztsova and Smirnova and some of the newer recruits may strengthen the Bolshoi’s classical profile which in the past years has taken a turn for the worse with its gymnastic dynamos, but for now, regardless of the good fortune of its recent acquisitions, it still comes in second to the Mariinsky in the classics and Balanchine. An entire ballet company cannot be viewed in terms of two ballerinas — either positively or negatively.
Gergiev’s apparent apathy toward the ballet is really perplexing.
We now know that Daria Pavlenko will perform Cinderella in place of Somova at the Kennedy Center.
The ladies who I think will benefit the most from the absence of Somova and Terioshkina for the next year or two (as Maternity Leave includes a year of post-birth recovery): Skorik and Kampa. Yes, Keenan Kampa. She is ‘total Fateev style.’ Just remember that you read it here first.
We now know that Daria Pavlenko will perform Cinderella in place of Somova at the Kennedy Center.
The ladies who I think will benefit the most from the absence of Somova and Terioshkina for the next year or two (as Maternity Leave includes a year of post-birth recovery): Skorik and Kampa. Yes, Keenan Kampa. She is ‘total Fateev style.’ Just remember that you read it here first.
Olivera, I’m not surprised to hear you mention Keenan Kampa. It’s kind of a sore spot here because ABT had its chance to nab her but didn’t recognize her potential value. The Mariinsky certainly did – twice. I hope they push her forward and that she succeeds handsomely – for her sake, for the Mariinsky’s sake, and to underscore in bold the incompetence of ABT’s artistic director who couldn’t see the extraordinary talent before his own eyes.
It’s great to hear that Pavlenko will perform but that doesn’t make me want to see this particular Cinderella any more than before.
Olivera, I’m not surprised to hear you mention Keenan Kampa. It’s kind of a sore spot here because ABT had its chance to nab her but didn’t recognize her potential value. The Mariinsky certainly did – twice. I hope they push her forward and that she succeeds handsomely – for her sake, for the Mariinsky’s sake, and to underscore in bold the incompetence of ABT’s artistic director who couldn’t see the extraordinary talent before his own eyes.
It’s great to hear that Pavlenko will perform but that doesn’t make me want to see this particular Cinderella any more than before.
I dislike the Ratmansky Cinderella at least as much as you do, Haglund. And it’s not just the crappy sets and costumes. Everything.
I dislike the Ratmansky Cinderella at least as much as you do, Haglund. And it’s not just the crappy sets and costumes. Everything.