It’s always been a dream of mine
to just flee for a month, travel around the world to watch as much ballet and
broadway as I possibly could. My seemingly unattainable bucket list entry
usually depresses me a bit but shining opportunities like the Hong Kong Arts
Festival gives me quick fix with a succulent
fill of my addiction. Aligned with their resolve to show Hong Kong
precious art nuggets from the global community, they invited American Ballet
Theatre to represent the dance industry. American Ballet Theatre stayed in the
Grand Theatre of the Hongkong Cultural Center for two weeks showing three
different programs. The first two programs were
a mix of classical and contemporary ballet. The third program was a full
staging of Romeo and Juliet. Just to pick which program to watch was quite
difficult. The deciding factor was the cast for each of the program. We ended
up watching the first two programs.
I expected ABT to be outstanding.
I flew thousands of miles to see them precisely because I knew they were good.
But I was curious to learn about their company dynamic and style. Moreover, I
was curious to see who will be the most memorable dancer in the crop of all
stars.
Having seen two programs, a total
of 7 choreographies and a total of 10 Principal dancers in two days my mind was completely
overwhelmed. I was thoroughly pleased. Both gala shows did not disappoint. If
there was anything I took home to Manila, it was the realization that American
Ballet Theatre has successfully collected
some of the most brilliant dancers of this generation.
Marcelo Gomes stood out for me. I’ve
had the opportunity to share the stage with him when I was younger and I must say
he has grown. He was already an excellent dancer then but he now completely
owns the stage. His beautifully sculpted body is enough to stare but his
technique is en pointe too. It must be a
challenge to have to perform side by side such a strong presence. His artistry
is moving. On the second night he danced in
The Moor’s Pavane and he literally broke my heart. He created beautiful
moments and that for me is the mark of a real star.
Julie Kent was every bit the
prima ballerina. She was stunningly beautiful . I want her feet, her legs, her
neck. A few seconds of port de bras and I was already having “Life is unfair”
conversations in my head. She was actually injured and did not perform the
previous night so I was rooting for her in the audience. She performed on flat
as the piece dictated but it was as if she were walking on point. Her feet melt
in to the floor with each step. Her port de bras is perfect. I dare say
perfect. Her role that evening did not require much technicality. It did not
have fouettes, giant leaps perhaps a few penchees but that’s about it. But her
performance for me did not need those because she was every bit an artist. She is the perfect match
to Marcelo Gomes. How I wish I were able to see them do the last offering which
was Romeo and Juliet. Surely the two of
them would move me to tears.
Herman Cornejo on our first night
at the theatre just made me lose all my poise when he danced in Symphony #9. He was ridiculously good. He
did en dedan tours and defied gravity
with his quick powerful leaps some of which ended in kneeling position. My
husband, usually a very reserved kind of person started whooping. Truly a few
moments of embarrassment but moments of insanity come hand in hand with moments
of greatness.
Memorable to me was Daniil Simkin’s
Stars and Stripes. His exhuberance and energy seemed never ending. He has a
certain boyish charm that’s hard to resist. His youth for a lack of a better
term was captivating. Technically he was
very proficient with cabrioles and beats. His legs were literally like scissors
in the air. His multiple pirouettes were noteworthy not because they were
plenty but because they were done with flair. I am now a certified fan. Most definitely this
boy is google worthy. I must note
however that he would sometimes slip on his partnering skills. Fortunately,
Principal Sarah Lane was able adapt to the many surprises.
Polina Semionava, such an angelic
face. Her body alone is to die for but what makes her special is the way she
extends her body even more. Nature in its generosity has endowed the gifts of grace and flexibility
to this woman. When she executes a step it is always with a certain ethereal
lightness. Ballet after all is about beautiful lines and the girl has got
plenty. I’m not surprised that the crowd went wild as she exited the stage’s
back door.
Lastly, I adored ballet couple
Stella Abrera and Sascha Redetsky. Though they did not at any point dance
together, they basically were very striking dancers in the sea of technically competent dancers. They had
style .
It was exciting for me to see the
new stars but it was fulfilling for me to see the mature talents of the company.
Yin and Yang , ABT is a wonderfully balanced company who has not lost its
touch. Thank you for allowing me to silence the mind and let the eyes marvel at
beautiful things. Bravo! Til We Meet Again.
with lucas jacinto and marcelo gomes
marcelo and lucas
polina semionova with a whole herd of followers
I couldnt ascertain her name but she was uh-maaaazing. She's one of the soloists but she wore different wigs during the shows so I couldn't match the face with the name.
American
Ballet Theatre
Gala 1: Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes / Black Swan pdd / Stars &
Stripes pdd / Shostakovich Symphony #9
Gala 2: The Leaves Are Fading / The Moor’s Pavane / Symphony in C
Romeo and Juliet
Hong Kong, Cultural
Centre, Grand Theatre
21, 22, 27, 28
February 2013
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