Why did you leave the Bolshoi for the Mikhailovsky? It’s one of the only companies led by a major choreographer today. I worked with Nacho Duato for Kings of the Dance, and had been dreaming of collaborating with him again. I also value the freedom I have now to expand my repertoire and perform with […]
Since being named chief dance critic of The New York Times more than four years ago, Alastair Macaulay has become one of the most talked-about people in dance. His reviews, whether passionate or critical, generate instant buzz. Before his move to New York, Macaulay was chief theater critic for London’s Financial Times, and covered dance […]
New director Yuri Burlaka is leading the historic institution into the 21st century. Even on a Friday morning in the midst of a three-week tour to London, the atmosphere in a Bolshoi company class is reverential. There’s no chatting or laughing at the barre. The soft-spoken coach, Marina Kondratieva, enumerates steps calmly and thoughtfully. Each […]
Six Bolshoi Ballerinas Take California Six Bolshoi-trained primas perform new works by Mauro Bigonzetti and six other choreographers in “Reflections” at OCPAC. Picture this: You’re standing in a studio with world-famous ballerinas Maria Kochetkova, Yekaterina Krysanova, Natalia Osipova, Polina Semionova and Yekaterina Shipulina, and they’re all waiting for you to make a dance for them. […]
What’s it like to dance in a company like American Ballet Theatre that has so many excellent men? Having stars around you is a good thing. It creates an energy that drives you to improve. What’s different for you when you dance a ballet without a plot? It’s a more physical experience. In a certain […]
A Prima’s New Role Coming full circle, Chan Hon Goh recently became director of Goh Ballet Academy, the Vancouver school run by her parents where she trained. The former National Ballet of Canada principal will keep the ballet syllabus intact, but has added Pilates, musical theater and choreographic labs. She plans to increase performance opportunities, […]
New USA IBC Prizes This year, dancers will vie for six one-year company contracts. The stakes will be higher than ever at the USA International Ballet Competition this June. While entrants in the prestigious contest, held every four years in Jackson, MS, have traditionally competed for medals, cash awards and scholarships, this year […]
Cuban Panache Comes To DC Ballet Nacional de Cuba returns to the Kennedy Center. By Abi Stafford This May, Ballet Nacional de Cuba will perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, for the first time in 10 years. New York City Ballet principal Abi Stafford, who danced in Havana at the […]