Ah! The Kirov Is Here
Swan
Lake (Konstantin Sergeyev production)
The Kirov Ballet
Opera House
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
December 30, 2003
by
Alexandra Tomalonis
copyright © 2003 by Alexandra Tomalonis
There’s
still a freshness about Konstantin Sergeyev’s production of Swan
Lake even though it’s more than 50 years old. The first act
is especially lovely, the dances flowing gently from one side of the stage
to the other like leaves blown by a spring breeze. Seeing this Swan
Lake directly after the company’s new design-heavy Nutcracker
brings home how revolutionary it must have been back in 1950 when
it swept dramballet aside and turned the focus on the dancing. It’s
as much part of the post-World War II swing to neoclassicism as Balanchine’s
Palais du crystal and Ashton’s Symphonic Variations.
The production is of its time, and perhaps ahead of its time. The Neoclassicism
of the 1950s gave way to the psychodrama of the late 1960s, and now designo-drama
is rearing its head. But last night in Washington, neoclassicism was queen,
and the company, led by Daria Pavlenko and Igor Zelensky, looked gorgeous.
read review
Review of the Kirov Ballet's Nutcracker by George Jackson
The Season's Last Nutcracker
The
Nutcracker
The Washington Ballet
Warner Theater
Washington, DC
Sunday, December 28, 2003
by George Jackson
copyright © 2004 by George Jackson
On
the last day of its run this year, Mary Day's The Nutcracker
attracted family. Not only did persons from the dance world attended but,
by and large, the general audience, too, knew what to expect. Even the
children regarded it as something of a holiday habit. It seemed they had
been to Miss Day's show before or had heard of it as cherished lore. By
the time they left the theater, the not-so-young and the not-that-old
alike had feasted their eyes and ears a little. The juniors may also have
learned to pay attention and had the chance to practice their manners
by not talking during the dancing and not applauding out of turn.
The production is a traditional Nutcracker with original touches.
It is modest in an American way and has roots in a Washington that was
still innocent of Kennedy Center. In the memories of old timers the images
of certain dancers in certain roles flicker persistently, no matter how
vital the current cast.
read review
What's On This Week
01/06
Russian National Ballet
The ballet company performs Swan Lake.
Ballet
8 p.m.
Montgomery College Performing Arts Center
51 Mannakee St.
Rockville, MD
01/09
D.C. Area Dancers - Men's Project
Local dancers and choreographers, including Vladimir Angelov, Daniel Burkholder,
Reggie Cole, Paul Emerson, Reggie Glass, Ludovic Jolivet and Helanius
Wilkins perform group and solo works.
Dance
6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9
Millennium
Stage - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Map & Directions
Foggy Bottom/W. End
01/10
D.C. Area Dancers - Women's Project
Local dancers and choreographers, including Karen Bernstein,
Sherill Berryman-Johnson, Mary Buckley, Gesel Mason, Cathy Paine, Carla
Perlo and Deborah Riley.
Dance
6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10
Millennium
Stage - The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Map & Directions
Foggy Bottom/W. End
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