There is an abundance of gold in Alexei Ratmansky’s production of Sleeping Beauty. Many if not most of the court costumes designed by Richard Hudson flaunt the excess of wealth (without the underlying stigma of evilness) through generous bold gold designs and detailing. But gold has other meanings besides prosperity and extravagance. It is associated with the sun, optimism, the melting away of obstacles, justice, achievement, high quality, and wisdom with age. The gold cast on the stage last night embodied all of those precious elements.
Stella Abrera, Marcelo Gomes, and Veronika Part, in a performance that marked both Stella’s 20th Anniversary and the first time she has danced Princess Aurora at this particular company, gave us the old-school/best school, 24 karat version of Sleeping Beauty last night. Stella and Veronika on stage at the same time billowing their classical port de bras is more intoxicating than 176-proof vodka on an empty stomach. Your eyes go goo-goo at the first sip.
Act by act, Stella transformed her Aurora from young royal to ethereal vision to beaming bride with clarity. In Act I she bounded out onto the stage with royal grace and as much freshness as a young royal is permitted. A soft glow enveloped her throughout her variation. The ronde de jambe hops, the changement on pointe to double pirouette with the foot below the calf, the curtsies in attitude on pointe that she bourreed back and forth to each Prince – all performed exquisitely with supple softness in the feet. The challenges of the Rose Adagio nearly bested her but her grip on the importance of the moment and on her Princes' arms was unyielding in the attitude positions and promenades. She saved her one balance for the final arabesque. Lanky arms and legs (Abrera, Part, Kent, Vishneva, Lopatkina, Zakharova) burden Auroras more than do the compact physiques of the likes of Herrera or Cojocaru, but it’s not impossible for the long & lankies to soar in this section – Darcey Bussell did, although some might not characterize her as all that lanky. We wish we could go to Paris in September to check in on Stella’s next performances of Aurora…
Our Lilac Fairy’s Act I variation was glorious in its spaciousness and grandeur. Veronika performed the variation known as the Marie Petipa variation that includes grand jetes and more luxurious movements than the one done by other Lilac Fairies. Their variation excludes big jumps but inserts battement fouettes that evolve into en dedans pirouettes.
The Act II Vision Scene, performed to some of the most beautiful phrases ever composed by Tchaikovsky, took our breath away. An Aurora of the dreamiest, most limpid quality, Stella was in her element most in this act. The overhead horizontal lifts by Marcelo made her look like she floated up over him by herself. In retrospect, if these lifts were in the Stepanov notes for Sleeping Beauty and were frequently performed early on, this may be where the Bolshoi got the idea to insert the stirringly beautiful lifts into Act II of Giselle in the mid-20th century.
A highlight of this act was Aurora’s step into the shell and her extraordinary long balance in arabesque. Her prince set her up by holding her hand high and then turned and walked away with a smug smile that said, “She’s got this, folks, just watch.” And yes, she certainly did.
The Act III Wedding Celebration showed our couple in blissfully beautiful classical form. Marcelo knocked out a chain of a dozen brisés volés while traveling on the diagonal like he ate them for breakfast everyday. The fish dives were smooth with the final fish pose simply and quietly effortless – it almost snuck up on us.
There were fine performances in the supporting cast as well. Devon Teuscher’s Candide Fairy and Luciana Paris’ Fleur de farine were highlights. Why we’re not seeing Luciana in more high profile roles is a mystery. She’s got the goods; she’s got the experience. Not all of our princes were optimal height for Stella in the Rose Adagio, although Sterling Baca in his three roles last night (Fairy Cavalier, Italian Prince in the Rose Adagio, Prince Fortune) made a good case for our getting an apartment in Philly where he is headed for next season. What a loss that will be to ABT, but who couldn’t see it coming – besides McKenzie?
Christine Shevchenko glistened brilliantly and quietly as the Diamond Fairy. What a beautiful dancer, but we wish her arms were longer so that we could think about her as Odette. Skylar Brandt, in her debut, and Gabe Stone Shayer as Princess Florine and Bluebird really made it all look too easy. Exceptionally well-coordinated not just in their dancing but in their bright dispositions and sunny joy of performing. Stephanie Williams was exquisite as the Gold Fairy – her aplomb, quiet happiness, and extremely respectful technique are always a joy to watch.
Within the corps, it was hard not to notice the extraordinary gifts of Courtney Lavine, Kaho Ogawa, Blaine Hoven and Patrick Frenette. We’re happy to see Courtney getting a few opportunities and appearing more downstage in the corps. Those long limbs are to die for and there is a softness in the way her feet meet the floor that reminds us of Stella and of Julie Kent.
As the anniversary celebration unfolded at the close of the performance, we wished we had witnessed this Aurora five, six, or ten years ago along with the accumulated artistry that comes with regularly performing a role. It’s not that we couldn’t have; it’s that we were denied the opportunity. As Stella’s colleagues, former colleagues, and husband delivered bouquet after bouquet to her on stage, we were struck especially by one. Gillian Murphy carried a bouquet of huge golden-yellow sunflowers to her friend. Sunflowers signify adoration, loyalty and longevity – our thoughts as well.
(Thanks to Angelica for the photo. More fab photos by Kent Becker at NotMyDayJobPhotography.)
Our Golden First Position Pump Bump Award is bestowed upon Stella Abrera.
28 responses to “ABT 6/30
Golden Sleeping Beauty”
Thank you for this great review, Haglund! I’ve been waiting for it. Especially evocative is “Stella and Veronika on stage at the same time…”. I can really imagine that stage picture. But then the Vision Scene and Wedding Celebration descriptions are equally vivid. I hope that ABT will dance Ratmansky’s Swan Lake … some day.
Thank you for this great review, Haglund! I’ve been waiting for it. Especially evocative is “Stella and Veronika on stage at the same time…”. I can really imagine that stage picture. But then the Vision Scene and Wedding Celebration descriptions are equally vivid. I hope that ABT will dance Ratmansky’s Swan Lake … some day.
Thanks for the review. I wish I could have been there.
Thanks for the review. I wish I could have been there.
Thanks Marta and Jennifer.
Thanks Marta and Jennifer.
Oh, Haglund, after last night’s performance and your terrific review, next season can’t come fast enough for me! Although I truly mourn the loss of Sterling Baca, there is so much to look forward to, hopefully Stella as Nikiya and Juliet, and the younger generation (Brandt, Trenary, Shevchenko, Lavine, Gorak, Royal, among others) stepping up to new challenges with the joy and excitement they radiated throughout the season.
Oh, Haglund, after last night’s performance and your terrific review, next season can’t come fast enough for me! Although I truly mourn the loss of Sterling Baca, there is so much to look forward to, hopefully Stella as Nikiya and Juliet, and the younger generation (Brandt, Trenary, Shevchenko, Lavine, Gorak, Royal, among others) stepping up to new challenges with the joy and excitement they radiated throughout the season.
Thanks, Angelica. Let’s not forget Sarah even though McKenzie has. I’m off to see her Aurora right now. Will have more to say tomorrow.
Thanks, Angelica. Let’s not forget Sarah even though McKenzie has. I’m off to see her Aurora right now. Will have more to say tomorrow.
I hope Sarah NAILS that Rose Adagio this year!
I hope Sarah NAILS that Rose Adagio this year!
Hi Haglund,
So many amazing dancers at ABT. AND up and comers! All very exciting! I knew that you were going to review this performance so was waiting to chime in.
I did want to see Cassandra Trenary the other day who I felt was divine in the role. (oops. almost said roll haha) I think that she’s going to go far. But then, this is ABT, so who knows?
I would’ve gone to see Stella, but this production of SB is not my fave. While I love the solos, as I said last year, think that the stage gets overwhelmingly busy at times and it makes things look amateurish. That opinion hasn’t changed.
And, I’d love to see less mime and more dancing!
As for Thursday’s prince — never mind what would happen if he kissed me. That’s mean; I’m trying to be nice, but it’s difficult.
But man, isn’t Prince Charming supposed to be handsome?
In one scene the prince just stood there looking at the audience like “what am I supposed to do next?” Walked around a bit, gestured. More walking around. No wonder everyone slept for a 100 years!
Here is a clip of the same scene. Same music (obviously different production) danced exquisitely by the dashing Friedemann (hubba hubba) Vogel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeDRLzqBRd8
THAT, IMO, is a prince and a genuine danseur noble!
I was surprised when our ABT prince did dance to see a series of brises with unpointed feet. Many in the audience, not me, showed their appreciation for this underwhelming uhhhh… feat.
We’re still pointing our feet in classical ballet, right?
Hi Haglund,
So many amazing dancers at ABT. AND up and comers! All very exciting! I knew that you were going to review this performance so was waiting to chime in.
I did want to see Cassandra Trenary the other day who I felt was divine in the role. (oops. almost said roll haha) I think that she’s going to go far. But then, this is ABT, so who knows?
I would’ve gone to see Stella, but this production of SB is not my fave. While I love the solos, as I said last year, think that the stage gets overwhelmingly busy at times and it makes things look amateurish. That opinion hasn’t changed.
And, I’d love to see less mime and more dancing!
As for Thursday’s prince — never mind what would happen if he kissed me. That’s mean; I’m trying to be nice, but it’s difficult.
But man, isn’t Prince Charming supposed to be handsome?
In one scene the prince just stood there looking at the audience like “what am I supposed to do next?” Walked around a bit, gestured. More walking around. No wonder everyone slept for a 100 years!
Here is a clip of the same scene. Same music (obviously different production) danced exquisitely by the dashing Friedemann (hubba hubba) Vogel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeDRLzqBRd8
THAT, IMO, is a prince and a genuine danseur noble!
I was surprised when our ABT prince did dance to see a series of brises with unpointed feet. Many in the audience, not me, showed their appreciation for this underwhelming uhhhh… feat.
We’re still pointing our feet in classical ballet, right?
Laurel, you meant Wednesday mat’s prince, not Thurs (Marcelo), didn’t you?
Laurel, you meant Wednesday mat’s prince, not Thurs (Marcelo), didn’t you?
Haglund, I’m looking forward to your review of Sarah Lane’s performance! I was disappointed that they skipped the fish dives at the end. Any idea why?
Haglund, I’m looking forward to your review of Sarah Lane’s performance! I was disappointed that they skipped the fish dives at the end. Any idea why?
Ahhh… yes, sorry. Wed. Matinee. is what I meant. Marcello is very handsome and he points his feet too. 🙂
Ahhh… yes, sorry. Wed. Matinee. is what I meant. Marcello is very handsome and he points his feet too. 🙂
Marcelo*
Marcelo*
CM, Ratmansky chose Herman and Sarah to perform the original Petipa choreography instead of the fish dives that were inserted later on.
CM, Ratmansky chose Herman and Sarah to perform the original Petipa choreography instead of the fish dives that were inserted later on.
Thursday night was mt first (and last) Ratmansky Sleeper. I avoided it last year, but with multiple series and so much of the Ratmansky on the schedule, I had to succumb. What a waste of money on ABT’s part. A lecture on the original Sleep compared to the present along with commentary of the differences in dancers then and now would have been great. But every scene was overwhelmed by Frankenstein wigs, dresses and trains that taxed the kids and made the principal dancers look like kids. Typical of Ratmansky, there was very little actual dance and the murder of Lilac’s role is a crime. I sincerely hope Ratmansky does not do in any other classics! Despite this, I loved Stella!!!!!
Thursday night was mt first (and last) Ratmansky Sleeper. I avoided it last year, but with multiple series and so much of the Ratmansky on the schedule, I had to succumb. What a waste of money on ABT’s part. A lecture on the original Sleep compared to the present along with commentary of the differences in dancers then and now would have been great. But every scene was overwhelmed by Frankenstein wigs, dresses and trains that taxed the kids and made the principal dancers look like kids. Typical of Ratmansky, there was very little actual dance and the murder of Lilac’s role is a crime. I sincerely hope Ratmansky does not do in any other classics! Despite this, I loved Stella!!!!!
Hi SherryD. Lots of people had negative reactions to the Ratmansky Sleeping Beauty during its first year. Vishneva’s Aurora at the world premiere in OC sent me up the wall. But the production has gelled nicely over the past year. What other productions that you’ve seen informed your expectations for this one? If NYCB’s SB is a favorite, I can see why you would be disappointed with the pageantry of this one. I happen to like both productions as well as the Mariinsky’s, but my all time favorite is the Royal Ballet’s Anthony Dowell production. The only Sleeping Beauty that I don’t have enough love in my heart for is Nacho Duato’s – oy. You definitely want to stay away from that one.
Hi SherryD. Lots of people had negative reactions to the Ratmansky Sleeping Beauty during its first year. Vishneva’s Aurora at the world premiere in OC sent me up the wall. But the production has gelled nicely over the past year. What other productions that you’ve seen informed your expectations for this one? If NYCB’s SB is a favorite, I can see why you would be disappointed with the pageantry of this one. I happen to like both productions as well as the Mariinsky’s, but my all time favorite is the Royal Ballet’s Anthony Dowell production. The only Sleeping Beauty that I don’t have enough love in my heart for is Nacho Duato’s – oy. You definitely want to stay away from that one.