American Ballet Theatre
|
Photo by Marty Sohl
|
By Don Kolman
American Ballet Theatre opened its current run at Segerstrom Hall with a rather bland evening of rep, which included Apollo, choreographed by George Balanchine, music by Igor Stravlinsky; Gong choreographed by Mark Morris, music by Colin McPhee; and John Cranko’s Jeu de Cartes staged by Jane Bourne with music again by Igor Stravinsky.
The evening was far more successful as a dance fest than as celebration of ballet. Of the three ballets presented, only Apollo utilizes the full range of ballet movements. Balanchine, early in his career at New York City Ballet, created a new type of dance that placed traditional ballet steps at the absolute mercy of the music. Virtually every musical note is accompanied by a dance step. Apollo epitomizes this type of dance. Maria Riccetto as Calliope is lovely...
FULL STORY
A Lovely Nutcracker at Media City Ballet
|
Ryan Jones
Photo by Chris Komashko
|
By Don Kolman
There are times when being a dance reviewer is not fun – this is NOT one of those occasions. Media City Ballet and Artistic Director Natasha Middleton-Kettebekov can be justly proud of their recent production of the Nutcracker at the Alex Theatre in Glendale.
The choreography by Askar Kettebekov is just right for this company. It is quite lovely yet simple enough that the company is able...
FULL STORY
State Street Ballet
By Joseph N. Feinstein
The State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara found its way to California State University at Northridge for a sold-out, one night performance on Saturday, April 2. The thirteen member company, nine females and four males, designed a program called "Ballroom, A Salute to the Swing Era" which was both very pleasant to watch and even more pleasant to listen to.
The program opened with a "Salute to Sinatra" with Ol' Blue Eyes belting out some of his most famous hits...
FULL STORY
Russian Ballerina Makes U. S. Debut
|
Semionova
|
By Julie Brossy
In her U.S. debut, Russian ballerina Polina Semionova danced the role of Princess Aurora with exquisite grace, dazzling power, and an expressiveness that made the normally stately scenes of Sleeping Beauty crackle with excitement.
Just 20, the Bolshoi-trained Semionova performed three shows March 5 and 6 as guest artist in California Ballet’s production of Sleeping Beauty at the San Diego Civic Theatre. Her partner was David Makhateli, first soloist of London’s Royal Ballet, and an elegant Prince Desire. The production was staged...
FULL STORY
|
