I saw American Ballet Theater’s production of Swan Lake a few weeks ago. Between the wonderful staging, Paloma Herrera’s glorious interpretation of Odile/Odette and the perfect live music I barely knew where to start swooning.
Swan Lake is my favorite of the Classical / Romantic ballets. For a more modern touch I adore Balanchine’s Jewels. The first act is sublime, the second witty and the third magnificent.
What other ballets/ballerinas/companies do Dopers like?
I haven’t gone in years, but I’ve seen the Nutcracker approximately 18,465 times.
I’ve seen the Boston Ballet do Romeo and Juliet, which was a so-so redition. I saw them do Le Sacre du Printemps, and I loved it. The reworked score wasn’t great. Seriously, don’t try to improve on Stravinsky’s orchestrations. That way lies sadness. But the choreography was fantastic.
Well, I happen to hold a special place in my heart for “The Nutcracker”, since it was the first ballet I saw live (at age seven, with my mom). It was just a little Salt Lake City, Utah ballet company (I don’t remember the name), but since then, I’ve seen “The Nutcracker” two more times.
And, it just so happens that I’m going to the ballet tomorrow night - the Israel Ballet’s production of “Don Quixote”. I think it should be interesting to see how the story can be adapted for ballet. I especially can’t wait for the windmill scene!
What, Strauss’s?
Strangely enough, I can’t stand the Nutcracker.
I think it’s because I live in Seattle. And PNB’s Nutcracker is really, really odd, and I just don’t like it. And that dislike has translated to all Nutcrackers everywhere. Still like the music, but I can’t watch it.
I do like them usually and they’re doing Jewels next spring. I guess I’ll remember to go see it.
I know it’s considered tired, but I adore Swan Lake .