#TBT: Natalia Makarova and Ivan Nagy In the White Swan Pas de Deux (1984)
One could argue that Natalia Makarova’s career never ceased to flourish—from joining the Kirov Ballet in 1959, to winning a Tony award in the Broadway performance of On Your Toes in 1983. She never left audiences unsatisfied, traveling as a guest artist around the world for American Ballet Theatre, Paris Opera Ballet and The Royal Ballet. In this recording from 1984, she is 44 years old and reunited with her former partner, Ivan Nagy, in this mesmerizing performance at the Metropolitan Opera House.
Their pas de deux reveals the intimacies two partners can share, whether conveying a narrative or becoming a singular dancing body. Makarova and Nagy, who passed away last year, share a beautiful connection in this reunion. They meld into each other’s movement and the music, especially at 3:06 when they introduce a new theme. Try not to grow emotional when they embrace at 6:12, mastering both the timidity and romance of Odette and Prince Siegfried as they continue. Happy #ThrowbackThursday!