Ask Responses - Misc
A compilation of responses to the questions which came through Ask this week. As always, thank you for asking.
How are the dancers of the soviet generation different from those that came after them, in your opinion? (@cheddarloops)
I talk about the Soviet generation and how they differ from modern dancers here, here, here and here.
Where do the teachers at VBA live? Do they live in the school, or do they live in their own houses/apartments.
Teacher live off campus.
Do you think any of the Russian companies will ever travel to perform in Australia? How big (or small) do you think those chances are?
Bolshoi was in Brisbane a few years ago, and individual dancers come down every now and then to dance with the local companies (Evgenia Obraztsova was in Brisbane recently).
Is Nicholas McKay still dancing in Russia? If so where and how is he doing?
According to his instagram, he is still in Russia, but I don’t know what he’s up to.
Which version of Romeo and Juliet do you prefer more: Lavrovsky or MacMillan?
I actually don’t really like “Romeo and Juliet”. Never have. I don’t know why. I guess that ballet just isn’t my cup of tea. That being said, I prefer the Lavrovsky version. Especially as performed by the great Galina Ulanova.
I just watched the documentary 'Strictly Bolshoi'. I was shocked that Wheeldon seemed to have come totally unprepared to choreograph Hamlet. I didn't know what to think, however, about Tsiskaridze's behaviour. As much as he seemed to be acting uncooperatively, was this justified given how unprepared Wheeldon was? He was shown struggling to make up the choreogrpahy as they went along, seemed clueless and suddenly switched the entire programme. I was wondering what your thoughts are on this.
That doco should be renamed “Strictly Bullshit”. I’ve written about it here.
Beyond Postnova, who were the other 12 BBA students hired by the Bolshoi?
I posted the list here.
I've recently seen it several times that when a ballerina has her farewell performance she takes her pointeshoes off during the applause and puts them down on the stage. Do you know what this gesture means?
I’m sorry, I have no idea. I guess it’s a symbolic gesture of some kind. Like a dancer leaving a part of themselves on stage. If anyone knows the exact origin and meaning of this tradition, please share.
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