by Amy Brandt | Mar 18, 2013 | Company Life
To watch Irina Kolpakova coach Swan Lake is to witness a true artist at work. Although long retired from the stage, the American Ballet Theatre ballet mistress still possesses a commanding presence and an instinctive artistic spirit. “Don’t think about...
by Amy Brandt | Feb 18, 2013 | Company Life
Don Quixote ’s Kitri—feisty, independent and free-spirited—explodes with personality from the moment she leaps onstage. Fiercely stubborn, she and Basilio cleverly plot to marry against her father’s wishes. While Kitri is no demure princess,...
by Alexis Branagan | Jan 23, 2013 | Company Life
At first glance, all summer intensives seem similar: days full of dancing. Yet the opportunities actually vary widely. The right teacher could plug you in to key directors. A prime performance opportunity could lead to a traineeship or even a company position. But how...
by Amy Brandt | Nov 28, 2012 | Company Life
Sisk worked most on the simple moments, like walking and posing. Photo by Luke Isley. Paquita’s variations are some of ballet’s most celebrated examples of 19th-century classicism—and some of its most difficult. Interestingly, the solos we see today never existed in...
by Ashley Rivers | Sep 25, 2012 | Profiles
BROOKLYN MACK Company: The Washington Ballet Age: 26 Top prizes : Boston International Ballet Competition, Helsinki International Ballet Competition, USA International Ballet Competition, Seoul International Dance Competition, Varna International Ballet Competition...
by Zachary Whittenburg | Sep 25, 2012 | Company Life
The schedule at most summer intensive auditions is simple: Show up early, get a number, warm up, take a class and do your best. Merde! But trying out for a conservatory or Bachelor of Fine Arts program is a different ball game: Ballet class is only the first step of...
by Alexis Branagan | Jul 29, 2012 | Company Life
You’ve rehearsed for weeks for this competition, and it’s finally here. You’re up, you ate your Wheaties…now what? Class is offered in the morning, but you won’t go on until hours afterward. Competition days are tricky. How should you...
by Amy Brandt | Jul 29, 2012 | Company Life
Terrified doesn’t quite express how Boston Ballet’s Kathleen Breen Combes felt when choreographer Helen Pickett chose her to dance the opening solo for Pickett’s new ballet, Etesian: One and a half minutes of pure improvisation. In deafening silence....