According to this article, Sascha Radetsky will be a member of the Fall 2015 class of Fellows at the NYU Center for Ballet and the Arts. John Selya and Basil Twist will also receive the fellowships. Can't wait to see what comes of this effort which is being spearheaded by Jennifer Homans.
As we reported on the blog last year, Frederick Wiseman is using his fellowship funds to create a ballet with choreographer James Sewell (see two posts below) whose artistic environment in Minneapolis recently was enriched with the absorption of the very creative mime/choreographer Myron Johnson. The Wiseman/Sewell ballet is due to have its premiere in the Fall of 2016.
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Here's a recent example of the road to hell being paved with good intentions.
The LA Music Center describes ABT's 3-performance visit in 2016: "[ABT] closes our season with a mixed repertoire program celebrating the greatest choreographer of our time, Alexei Ratmansky" – uh huh.
The three pictures currently planted on the Music Center's website are from Firebird – the second worst piece that he has ever made for ABT – Symphony #9, and Balanchine's brilliant Symphonie Concertante. It seems that audiences will have the opportunity to compare some of Ratmansky's worst to some of Balanchine's best on the same program while under the impression that the former is the greatest choreographer of our time – "our time" being reserved for only those under 32 years old who have never seen any of Wheeldon's, Neumeier's, Lacotte's, or Grigorovich's choreography (all still living and producing).
Hopefully, that planted picture of Symphonie Concertante means that we in New York will be seeing it in the spring of 2016.
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The new Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center site has had its construction budget slashed in half. Instead of a $400 million complex, we will now get a $200 million dollar complex. Supposedly, the new architect has already produced the final plans which will be revealed in about eight weeks. "Starkly simple and meaningful" is how PAC president Maggie Boepple described the new center which will be situated on the block where the temporary PATH station sits. As soon as the beautiful mind-blowing Calatrava PATH Transportation Hub opens fully for business later this year, site clearing for the new PAC can begin.
32 responses to “observations 7-25”
The online brochure for the L.A. Music Center dance series identifies ABT’s program as three Ratmansky ballets: The Firebird, Symphony No 9, and Piano Concerto No. 1. See MusicCenter.org.
The online brochure for the L.A. Music Center dance series identifies ABT’s program as three Ratmansky ballets: The Firebird, Symphony No 9, and Piano Concerto No. 1. See MusicCenter.org.
That’s interesting, J. Did you see the picture of Symphonie Concertante that is now on the website?
Perhaps plans have changed? ABT has another discrepancy with its scheduling at Bard College this fall. The ABT website has always shown The Green Table on the program, but the Bard website shows Ratmansky’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
That’s interesting, J. Did you see the picture of Symphonie Concertante that is now on the website?
Perhaps plans have changed? ABT has another discrepancy with its scheduling at Bard College this fall. The ABT website has always shown The Green Table on the program, but the Bard website shows Ratmansky’s Piano Concerto No. 1.
Yes, I did see the photo. And it wouldn’t be the first time a change in programming occurred. I know we’re stuck with The Firebird, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Gillian Murphy and Stella Abera in Symphonie Concertante. ABT performed Symphonie Concertante at a “gala” at the Music Center several years ago (whatever the year was that Melanie Hamrick joined, as I talked to her later that evening) with Michele Wiles and Gillian Murphy, so maybe the Music Center had the photo on file. We shall see.
Yes, I did see the photo. And it wouldn’t be the first time a change in programming occurred. I know we’re stuck with The Firebird, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Gillian Murphy and Stella Abera in Symphonie Concertante. ABT performed Symphonie Concertante at a “gala” at the Music Center several years ago (whatever the year was that Melanie Hamrick joined, as I talked to her later that evening) with Michele Wiles and Gillian Murphy, so maybe the Music Center had the photo on file. We shall see.
The worst Ratmansky would be “The Tempest,” right?
The worst Ratmansky would be “The Tempest,” right?
Correct.
Correct.
I “understand” why we are getting Firebird (Misty), but it’s too soon. There’s so much I’d rather see and a two Ratmansky ballets seems lopsided. At least with only 3 shows (!!!), it limits the amount. Now the wait for casting for this and Nutcracker begins.
I “understand” why we are getting Firebird (Misty), but it’s too soon. There’s so much I’d rather see and a two Ratmansky ballets seems lopsided. At least with only 3 shows (!!!), it limits the amount. Now the wait for casting for this and Nutcracker begins.
While ABT basks in its Misty-bravado, it seems not to understand that when people see the Firebird and conclude that it’s a waste of time & money, they may choose not to come back for The Nutcracker which is a fine production. I wouldn’t walk across the street to see that Firebird again.
While ABT basks in its Misty-bravado, it seems not to understand that when people see the Firebird and conclude that it’s a waste of time & money, they may choose not to come back for The Nutcracker which is a fine production. I wouldn’t walk across the street to see that Firebird again.
Thanks for the info on the arts center, Haglund! I commute through the WTC PATH station every day, and I’m always trying to wrap my head around how exactly the site is being developed. That said, info on the arts center has been so sketchy as of late, so I’m really glad to hear that plans are going forward. They seem to be making quick work of dismantling sections of the old PATH station that are no longer in use, so that’s a good sign. I think the arts center will be a WONDERFUL thing for the neighborhood and will be a big step forward in truly making the area feel like a neighborhood — not just a 9-to-5 office space and tourist site.
I’d love to see Symphonie Concertante again, but I suspect LA was just being sort of sloppy in posting it. But I’m still crossing my fingers that ABT may in fact perform it.
Thanks for the info on the arts center, Haglund! I commute through the WTC PATH station every day, and I’m always trying to wrap my head around how exactly the site is being developed. That said, info on the arts center has been so sketchy as of late, so I’m really glad to hear that plans are going forward. They seem to be making quick work of dismantling sections of the old PATH station that are no longer in use, so that’s a good sign. I think the arts center will be a WONDERFUL thing for the neighborhood and will be a big step forward in truly making the area feel like a neighborhood — not just a 9-to-5 office space and tourist site.
I’d love to see Symphonie Concertante again, but I suspect LA was just being sort of sloppy in posting it. But I’m still crossing my fingers that ABT may in fact perform it.
Hi FOF.
The WTC PAC will include a 1000 seat theater. Wouldn’t it be nice if it had a resident ballet company? I can think of one that doesn’t have a permanent home.
Hi FOF.
The WTC PAC will include a 1000 seat theater. Wouldn’t it be nice if it had a resident ballet company? I can think of one that doesn’t have a permanent home.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! I wish ratmansky would full stop on trying to set himself with the greats in ballet by re-doing all their masterpieces. PLEASE ENOUGH! you can’t just use marketing for something like classical ballet — that only worlks for Balanchine when the work is born from marketing. I am convinced that deep down these people really hate ballet.. otherwise why would they stand for it. i have yet to see one ratmansky that really moved me the way even a first act of petipa has. sorry people but there needs to be a spirit present. there is a lot of intellect.. but where is the spirit..>???? does no one s=feel a sacradness to the art? a connection to something greater than one’s self?
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD! I wish ratmansky would full stop on trying to set himself with the greats in ballet by re-doing all their masterpieces. PLEASE ENOUGH! you can’t just use marketing for something like classical ballet — that only worlks for Balanchine when the work is born from marketing. I am convinced that deep down these people really hate ballet.. otherwise why would they stand for it. i have yet to see one ratmansky that really moved me the way even a first act of petipa has. sorry people but there needs to be a spirit present. there is a lot of intellect.. but where is the spirit..>???? does no one s=feel a sacradness to the art? a connection to something greater than one’s self?
Hi A trina.
I agree with you. Redoing others’ work is easier than coming up with one’s own original great ideas — and it pays just as well and oftentimes gets more media attention.
Hi A trina.
I agree with you. Redoing others’ work is easier than coming up with one’s own original great ideas — and it pays just as well and oftentimes gets more media attention.
To be fair Ratmansky’s Don Q, Bright Stream and Nutcracker are excellent. Firebird and R&J were mediocre. And as for his original works there has definitely been a steady downward trajectory over the years. I don’t know if it’s a result of trying too hard or not hard enough but it seems in fact that he should stick with lighthearted remakes.
To be fair Ratmansky’s Don Q, Bright Stream and Nutcracker are excellent. Firebird and R&J were mediocre. And as for his original works there has definitely been a steady downward trajectory over the years. I don’t know if it’s a result of trying too hard or not hard enough but it seems in fact that he should stick with lighthearted remakes.
I tend to agree. The problem may be too many commissions on a nonstop basis. He has no time to focus on originality and creativity because of the pressure to produce on an ever-squeezing deadline. I would think, although I don’t know, that Ratmansky’s financial situation is sufficiently secure that he could scale back to making one full length or 2 1-act ballets per year. Less might mean more. Or it might just mean less.
I tend to agree. The problem may be too many commissions on a nonstop basis. He has no time to focus on originality and creativity because of the pressure to produce on an ever-squeezing deadline. I would think, although I don’t know, that Ratmansky’s financial situation is sufficiently secure that he could scale back to making one full length or 2 1-act ballets per year. Less might mean more. Or it might just mean less.
Some thoughts relating to A trina…every time I see Giselle at the Met, I think, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I agree with you! Not every full-length ballet has to be tinkered with to sell tickets. A pure, technically sound production without complicated sets and costumes does it for me. That is why I will buy an orchestra ticket to Giselle again and again. It ain’t broke. (PS- I was at Paloma’s farewell, and I need to give a big shout-out to the Act II corps- they were divine.)
As for Ratmansky’s work at ABT- I was disappointed in all three Shostakovich works, and I didn’t enjoy On the Dnieper. However, Watching NYCB dance Russian Seasons was once of my all-time favorite performance experiences. It moved me so deeply, and I would love to see ABT tackle it.
Some thoughts relating to A trina…every time I see Giselle at the Met, I think, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I agree with you! Not every full-length ballet has to be tinkered with to sell tickets. A pure, technically sound production without complicated sets and costumes does it for me. That is why I will buy an orchestra ticket to Giselle again and again. It ain’t broke. (PS- I was at Paloma’s farewell, and I need to give a big shout-out to the Act II corps- they were divine.)
As for Ratmansky’s work at ABT- I was disappointed in all three Shostakovich works, and I didn’t enjoy On the Dnieper. However, Watching NYCB dance Russian Seasons was once of my all-time favorite performance experiences. It moved me so deeply, and I would love to see ABT tackle it.
I have to disagree a bit with Nickamoto. I think Pictures At An Exhibition is a pretty good work. I think Ratmansky has done much better pieces for NYCB than for ABT. To say his original work is on a downward slide might be overstating things.
I have to disagree a bit with Nickamoto. I think Pictures At An Exhibition is a pretty good work. I think Ratmansky has done much better pieces for NYCB than for ABT. To say his original work is on a downward slide might be overstating things.
Hi, Lisa. I wonder why Ratmansky’s work for NYCB is so much better than what he does for ABT and other companies. What type of interference or obstacles does he experience working with ABT that he doesn’t at NYCB? His Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet, both done for other companies, have disappointed as well.
Hi, Lisa. I wonder why Ratmansky’s work for NYCB is so much better than what he does for ABT and other companies. What type of interference or obstacles does he experience working with ABT that he doesn’t at NYCB? His Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet, both done for other companies, have disappointed as well.