God, I can’t believe I haven’t posted in such a long time! I’m going to post more often, but I’m going to post much shorter pieces. Unfortunately, it’s all I have time for. Let’s see, today’s topic is…
ABT’S PERFORMANCE OF SWAN LAKE, Sat., Feb. 21, 7pm.
Nina Ananiashvili as Odette/Odile, Jose Manuel Carreño as Siegfried.
My impressions: The corps was phenomenal. Loved them. The performance of the Pas de Quatre was stunning. But the leads disappointed me. I went into the performance willing to forgive 48-year old veteran ballerina Nina Ananiashvili’s technique, sure that because of her age, she might not have the extensions and power, but that her experience and wisdom will result in great passion and drama instead. She was wonderful as gentle Odette, but her Odile totally lacked fire and drama. Totally left me flat. And Carreño’s performance equally disappointed. I expected a lot more power and aplomb from him. Instead I got…meh.
If I’d known when I’d bought the tickets which performances starred which leads, I would have picked either the Michele Wiles or the Gillian Murphy show. Ah well. Lesson learned.
