A BALLET BLOG

I'm here to share my enthusiasm of ballet to anyone willing to listen! And other occassional thoughts...

[tikitania]

Thoughts on Masha Bulanova's O.O debut. I watched some videos, and I really like them, she did an amazing job!

Hello Anon! I also thought Bulanova had a strong debut, but it wasn't easy to find footage from the entire performance. Clips of Bulanova's Odile were plentiful while Odette not so much. I did eventually find some — and pored over them. For Kuznetsova'a debut the opposite was true! Obviously, people were sharing the best impressions of each. Anyway, what I liked is Bulanova's characterizations—she didn't play Odette as this fragile, tremulous victim, but she entered the stage as a Swan Queen who never surrendered her regality even under Rothbart's spell. Her Odile was beguiling without the wholly unnecessary vampiness that some dancers embrace. (Khoreva is the worst culprit of this…I really do not like her Odile.) Bulanova's epaulement was very sophisticated and she was technically assured throughout. Were the turns a ala seconde necssary, no? But they were exciting and well-executed. BUT…a critique that I had throughout was that Bulanova sometimes lacked the plasticity in her back that gives Odette/Odile such lush, swan-like movements. And there were quite a few moments when her hands lacked the right texture. They looked flat like she was doing Leonid Yacobson's "Dying Swan" (see photo below of Daria Kulikova.) But there were times when she had beautiful hands, so It's not a consisistent critique. Someone with Bulanova's level of training should have a gorgeously pliant back and fluttering fingertips that make Swan Lake such a revelation. However, between her fanbase and her current form, I'm sure that she'll get more chances his role at tand I look forward to seeing improvements.

📹: Хлеба и зрелищ via TG (Bulanova's debut in Swan Lake, Mariinsky) 📸: Stas Levshin (Daria Kulikova in Leonid Yacobson's Dying Swan, Yacobson)

[miss-mollys-ballet-blog]

6 years ago today, October 22, 2017, I saw my dream performance: my favorite ballerina with my favorite partner in my favorite ballet with my favorite company. I still dream of this performance.

[tikitania]

I'm not great with faces, but pictures from the Hermitage performance of the VBA graduation performances are out and this is what I can recognise of the casting:

Classical Symphony: Irina Sukhanova as lead for Suite 2. No pictures of the other suites yet.

Children's Pas de Deux: I don't know who it is, but she's in a lilac leotard, so she's in the middle grades, 3-5.

Ballades: I could be wrong, but I think it's Irina Sukhanova again, along with Daria Prudnikova having solo roles.

Don Quixote: Daria Pankova is Kitri. Ilona Rikhter is Cupid. I cannot recognise Queen of Dryads to save my life, she's too far from the camera. Based on the pictures, the suite comprises at least the Dream Scene as well as the Act 3 PDD.

There are also character dances which I cannot place - it doesn't look like anything from any act of DQ, but I guess we'll find out? I think the character lead looks like Veronika Zhupakova. One of the character demi-soloists looks like Kamilla Knysheva.

There are two girls in long character skirts who could be the Flower Girls, if this DQ suite includes them. They look vaguely like Yasmina Aziz and Natasha Furman, but it's difficult to tell because their faces are tilted up in the only picture. I don't see those two anywhere else.

Again, I'm quite bad with faces so please someone look at the pictures VBA posted on Telegram and fact check me :)

Thanks, Anon!! Putting this out there for the hive mind to help.

📸: Andrey Lushpa via Vaganova TG account

[tikitania]

Lyubov Olylmpievna Kunakova has passed away at the age of 75. May she rest in peace.

She coached so many of the theater’s stars and upcoming talents. The impact at the Mariinsky will be felt for a long time: Tereshkina, Illiushkina, Evseeva, Kuznetsova, Savalieva…I’m sure there are more. 🕊️

📸: Ira Yakovleva

[tikitania]

Hi!

I have recently learned about the Spartacus ballet after listening to my teacher’s stories about his time at the Mariinsky. I’ve been looking for versions to watch of it online but have only seen recordings of the Bolshoi. Do you have any favorite performances you’d recommend? Or any dancers in the lead roles that are a must see? The music is phenomenal I’m sad it’s not a ballet you see performed much outside of Russia.

Hello Anon! This is such a great question, and really one for an expert in Soviet ballet, which I am not. What I do know is that Spartacus is very much a ballet associated with the Bolshoi, although other theaters in Russia (and former Soviet Republics) do perform this every so often…it's a Bolshoi ballet in every sense. I'm not aware of the Mariinsky ever performing this work, though they do perform the version by Leonid Yacobsen. Just last summer, the Bolshoi thrilled St. Petersburg audiences when they brought this production to the Mariinsky in one of their exchanges. It wasn't until 2016 that a European company even attempted to tackle this work when it was staged in Munich. In my mind, Grigorovich's Spartacus is the ultimate expression of Soviet ballet, where the common man is the hero against evil powerful forces —and the emphasis is on dramatic storytelling, muscular choreography, and male bravado. Historically, I believe this role was originally created for Vladimir Vasiliev, who many assert was the very best Spartacus. He recently passed away not long after Grigorovich, and the two greats of Soviet ballet dying within months of each other was significant in the minds of Russian ballet fans. Truly the end of an era. I've included a gift 1975 NY Times review of Vasilev's performance here, and here's a screen grab which might be too small to read. I also wanted to share this amazing article by Clive Barnes, the preeminent NY Times ballet critic, who describes Grigorovich's impact on Russian ballet.

And lastly, I would start with this movie version of the ballet with Vladimir Vasiliev and Ludmila Semenyaka. Start with the OG's and then you can find more recent recordings on YouTube of which there are quite a few. Phyrgia's adagio starting around 01:02:00 and the subsequent pas de deux gets me every time. Enjoy!

[tikitania]

Children's PDD seems like such an odd choice for VBA's grad performance. Isn't it usually danced by younger students?

I agree..but I think it could be a very poignant as an opener danced by 4th or 5th year students as a reminder of how far they've come. But yeah…it's an odd choice. Or maybe they have a "standout" younger student that they want to feature?? Whatever the reasons, we'll find out who's dancing this PDD soon.

[tikitania]

Did you see that Sofia Valiullina is set to debut Jeanne in Flames of Paris?!

So happy for her!!!!!!

Hello, Anon!!!! Thank you for the update — and also to the many other Anons who write in to let me know. I AM THRILLED! Valiullina is a natural for the role of Jeanne and I CANNOT WAIT to see clips!

I think it was universally agreed that she was more of a Mariinksy style dancer—and I remember watching a Ballet with Isabella video where she also remarked on Valiullina's presentation during the Vaganova exams. Maybe Valiullina will eventually make it back to her "home" theater, but I really want to celebrate her current successe at the Mikh, which is no small feat. Now about Flames of Paris…it's one ballet that I have not seen fron start to finish, and I cannot really tell the the difference between the Bolshoi's version ostensibly by Ratmanksy, and the one at the Mikhailovsky that is credited to Messerer. I know they both heavily rely on the original Vaionen choreography…but are there any real material differences? But given how familiar the main variations are, one would think that The Flames of Paris would be more frequently performed in the West, but it's not…anyone know why? Is it a licensing issue?

In the meantime, I'm hoping that I can find some Mikhilovsky fans on TG who liberally share their footage. But until the debut, enjoy this little clip with Oksana Bondareva and Ivan Vasilieyev from the Mikhailovsky.

[tikitania]

Hello:)

Do you know who will dance at this year graduation performances at VBA and BBA? VBA is doing 4 performances: Ballades, Children pas de deux?, Classical Symphony and Suite from Don Quixote (is that the first act or the third act?). They have good 7th graders and 8th year graduates so the solist roles will be interesting.

And do you know if there will be promotions at the Mariinsky theathre? I have a feeling they lack of young women and men solists.

P.S This summer is Moscow ballet competition and it will be interesting to see who will go there from VBA and BBA. Some 7th year girls from VBA follow it at instagram. And I think that Maria Koshkareva will participate in a senior group.

Hello Anon, answers in order below: 1) Vaganova & BBA casting... I have no idea! I'm assuming that the names bandied about as the top girls and boys will be cast in the leads, but I have not paid a lot of attention. I am, however, very excited that Classical Symphony is one of the chosen ballets. I love the Prokoviev score, and it's great for showcasing Vaganova students. Love this choice.

I'm also very curious about the Ballades piece as I follow this choerographer couple on TG, Sofia Gaidukova & Konstatin Matulevsky (NEVERDANCEFORCER.) From the few rehearsal clips that I saw, it looks very much like a big ensemble piece that will feature a few couples. As for Don Q, I'm assuming that it will be Act 2 because it has some good character dance sections as well as the Dream Scene that showcases corp formation work and highlights standout students in the three main variations: Cupid, Queen of the Dryads, and Dulcinea. Act 1 feels too much like scene setting and doesn't really pay off in a divertisment program. Act 3 would be asking a LOT of students, and I just dont' see it happening. Act 2 starts around 01:12:00

2) Mariinsky Promotions. I love to speculate on this topic, but given that they've recently promoted Kuznetsova, Enikeev, Baibourdin, Peneva, Gudalev, and Orohovsky to 2nd soloist. Khiteeva, Bulanova, and Borodulina to 1st soloist, I don't really see that much movement. BUT here's what I think should happen just based on each dancer's debuts and workload this past season: Corps —> Coryphée Anastasia Yaromenko Daria Ustyuzhanina Maya Paliolinis Polina Parfenova Veselina Ilieva

Kahlid Mardini Akim Bakaev Anton Osterov Mikhail Barkadidja - He got injured in his Ali debut, but hoping it's not serious Danil Zinoviev

Coryphée / Corps —> 2nd Soloist Maria Chernavskaya - assuming she'll be 100% after her rehab Evgeny Deryabin Ramanbek Beishenaliyev Aaron Osawa-Horowitz 2nd Soloist —> 1st Soloist Anastasia Lukina Maxim Izmestyev - He is way too talented to be 2nd soloist Alexei Timofeev 1st soloist —> Principal Roman Belyakov

Nikita Korneev Christina Shapran ** ** I've been hoping that they give her classic roles again (Giselle, Odette/Odile, Nikiya.) I'd love to see her dancing at the level again next season. If they do, they should make her a principal. I've read that she's prone to injury, but she is so lovely on stage. I'm truly puzzled why she is so underutilized. Lilac Fairy every blue moon doesn't seem fair. Just look at her!

3) MIBC - From the Mariinksy, I think Peneva, Orhovsky, and Gudaleva will be there — the latter two definitely since their coach, Leonid Sarafanov, confirmed it in an interview. All three have something to prove…that their hiring as soloists wasn't a mistake. I'm a huge fan of Gudalev. He's very special. From Vaganova, I have no idea! Your guess is proably better than mine. I'm thinking that any student who wants a contract with the Mariinsky or Bolshoi who already hasn't been offered a contract will enter. But I can almost guarantee that Koshkaryova will not be there. She's already a leading soloist at the Bolshoi and rising star in the ballet world. She has no need. Dancers who enter this competition are trying to get noticed: Either they want to leave their regional companies and work in the major cities. Elena Svinko was a leading ballerina in Krasnoyarsk, and got an offer from the Mikhailovsky after the 2022 competition, followed by a Mariisnky contract; or talented students who are trying to get noticed outside of their school; or corps members looking to advance their careers within their own companies, which Maxim Izmestyev did in 2022. Fateev couldn't ignore him after that!

[tikitania]

Same question but diff. ballet: 5 ballerinas for Giselle?

Thanks! This is another fun one, Anon! And I'm going beyond the Mariinsky for my five Giselles: Alexandra Khiteeva - I have wanted to see her in Giselle for a long time. Her petit allegro is bouyant and easy. Her arms are lovely. I mean…I think she has the capacity to be a great romantic ballerina through and through, and I'm so surprised / puzzled / frustrated that she hasn't danced many romantic roles.

Esenia Anushenkova - She has a winning warmth and connection with the audience that makes me want to see more. Her Masha feels like a precursor to Giselle in terms of conveying a character full of charm and innocence. She looks lovely in romantic roles — Moyna/Zulma, Chopiniana.

Daria Ustyuzhanina - Such a longshot…but she is the epitome of charming. I would love to see her stretch beyond that cute roles she seems to be stuck in: Doll in Nutcracker, Cupid in DQ, The Ballerina in Petruska, Effie. She reminds me of Larissa Lezhnina.

Ulyana Moksheva (Bolshoi) She's a dead ringer for Margot Fonteyn and that alone makes me want to see her as Giselle. But she also has this incredible special quality that exudes soulfulness on stage. Technically, I'm not sure if she's there yet, but I don't care. Viola Pantuso (Royal Ballet) Ah…I LOVE this dancer. She's so unique and commands the stage. I'd basically watch her do plies and be entranced. It's exceedlingly satisfying to see her move quickly through the ranks of the Royal. Giselle, please, and soon! I'm sure if I thought about this longer, I might have five other choices….but this was off the top of my head. Khiteeva as the easiest, most obvious choice for me.

[tikitania]

There is also a list floating around of graduating students from the BBA allegedly invited to the Bolshoi on the BBA thread on the same forum, which makes me think the Bolshoi might really be giving out offers early this year.

Boys: Egor Bannov, Vid Vogrin, Artur Gabolaev, Alexander Dmitriev, Ilya Tarbeev, Kirill Travin, Leonid Frolov, Georgy Kharaim,

Girls: Milena Kurinnaya, Polina Madysheva, Eva Moiseeva, Francesca Operto, Sofia Popova, Maria Rashevskaya, Alina Ukholkina, Eleonora Shaidullina, Evgenia Shvidko, Milana Yurkevich Interestingly, a lot of the commentators there seemed quite offended on behalf of Natalia Novikova. I think she might be the top? girl in her year at the BBA - hard to tell given how little footage emerges of the BBA girls dancing - but her casting as one of the Princess Masha's in the Nutcracker this year and in two major roles in the graduating performance (Swanhilda in the Coppelia Suite that will be the First Act/Section and as Jeanne in the Pas de Deux from Flames of Paris which is scheduled to close the performance) would seem to back this up. However, she doesn't seem to have an offer.

Wow! Thanks again for this bit of intel. I wonder if the Mariinsky made an offer to Novikova? I had assumed that Shaidullina was the top girl since she was featured so much in the performance exams. I’ll go back and see jd I can find any clips of Novikova.

I also heard whispers that the grad class this year at Vaganova was not very strong, but that next year’s batch has quite a few prodigious talents. We shall see.

Thanks again!!

[tikitania]

First rumour about graduate destinations from the toxic VBA parent's forum is that three girls have invitations from the Bolshoi this year: Daria Pankova (Kasenkova), Lidiya Sidorkina (Kasenkova) and Arina Tseplyaeva (Kovaleva).

It's early, but the person speaking seemed very confident. If it's true then the Bolshoi is (again) picking up both the stars of the graduating class - Pankova and Tseplyaeva were the two Princess Masha casts this year + Pankova was Fairy Doll.

HI Anon! Thanks for this little tidbit!

In hindsight, I’m not sure how excited people are about this year’s graduates…there wasn’t a tremendous amount of buzz nor did anyone leak graduation videos. Pankova has nice stage presence, but I’ve not seen any videos of Tseplyaeva. That said, I haven’t really been looking. I get more excited when they start their stage careers….

But I also wonder if the invitation is the same as an acceptance? Did you get the sense that the Mariinsky did NOT offer them contracts? Or are they still waiting?

If true, I do find it disappointing that the Mariinsky is not getting Vaganova’s best dancers. And it makes me wonder why…

I would love to go down this rabbit hole though. Do share the link to this toxic forum. I have some spare time on my hands! 👀

[tikitania]

where is angelina karamysheva?? havent seen her for a while now. and she was such a promise

She's still dancing in the corps and stays quite busy, but I haven't seen her cast prominently like she was in her first season. Soon after she graduated, Karamysheva danced the roles given to promising grads: Prince's Friends, Peasant Pas de Deaux, Odalisques. But I haven't seen her in any of these roles recently and I wonder if management has moved on.

[tikitania]

choose 5 ballerinas who'd you like to see debuting as o/o at the mt?

my choices: kulikova, lukina, ionova, peneva and khiteeva

Oh, this is both a very fun question — and it's hard to limit it to just five. At the Mariinksy, my five would be.

EDIT: I've since changed my mind! The longer I thought about it, I made different choices. Maria Chernavskaya, Svetlana Savalieva (her performances elsewhere don't count), Evgania Savkina, Anastasia Yaromenko, and May Nagahisa. (Svinko & Khiteeva are technically capable, and I think Khiteeva has the theatrical chops, but it will never happen.)

While I love Ionova's style and lines, but I don't really see her as a very emotional or dramatic dancer, so I don't see her as an Odette. I think that's why she excels in variations — she's quite lovely to watch dance inserts, but I don't see her carrying three acts. Nagahisa could be a totally transformative Odile/Odette. I think she looked a bit small in outing as Nikiya, but I think it was beacuse the costume didn't sure her. She is possibly the best Aurora currently at the Mariinsky and I could see her as a swan. Not sure why they haven't given her a shot... And here are a few thoughts. While Savkina and Yaromenko have been dancing a lot of character roles, they also dance the four swans and two big swan variations in Swan Lake. Both are mesmerizing dancers to watch onstage. Anastasia Yaromenko's recent Zarema makes me want to see her as Nikikya, too. Chernavskaya has incredible lines and, althought sidelined with an injury, she's been on a very upward trajectory. Savalieva is a born swan, who can hopefully relax on stage to fulfill her potential. Knowing the Mariinsky's preference for very slim and willowy swans, Khiteeva would never get the role as it's not within her emploi, but I think she has the technical and theatricality to make for a memorable Odette. Honorable mention: Honestly, if Peneva keeps getting principal castings at the current pace, it won't be long until she's given O/O. She's very technical and has the willowy body type that the Mariinksy prefers. I may be hung out to dry for this, but I get a Tereshkina vibe from her. Her aplomb on stage comes thorugh on video, and she's seems capable of ALL OF THE THINGS. I'm pretty excited to see how her career develops. They haven't announced the cast for the upoming Romeo and Juliet on May 31st — and I wondered if they were going to do a double debut of Peneva & Orohovsky. However, my preference would be for a Khiteeva & Malyshev debut. Those two have firey on stage chemistry. I am trying to manifest this! Another honorable mention. Plotnikova has been sidelined with injuries and we haven't seen her since the Nutcracker run. She has danced the White Swan PPD in a divertisment once or twice, and seemed to be groomed for this role, but not sure what's going on with her career.

CORRECTED to Elizaveta Kulikova, which is where my mind went, and I thought "what an interesting prospect." Duh, ANON meant Daria Kulikova, who is still very much at the Mariisnky ! ⬇️ BTW, I'm not sure if you're aware but Elizaveta Kulikova has left the Mariinsky after ten years in the corps de ballet for the Sevastopol Theater, so I'm hoping this change gives her more solost opportunities there. Wishing her luck. NOW…the real question is who would you pair each of the dancers with? There is a current shortage of Prince's in the theatre. No word on Stepin. Ermakov is gingerly making his way back to the stage. Same with Kim. Konovalov has been out. Who can dance Prince Siegfried other than Askerov, Korneev, and Jeon. They need to develop some men — and STAT!

[tikitania]

Alexander Sergeev has just been promoted to Principal

Way overdue! I thought it would never happen to be honest. My thinking was after two decades at the Mariinsky that ship had sailed, so it warms my heart that he’s been given this recognition. But why not an on-stage promotion in front of an audience?? That would be so fitting for an artist who is a so beloved by theatre goers and global audiences alike!! ✨

[tikitania]

i love koshkaryova's carmen, flirty and sultry, with strong technique and bravado. (p.s. i dont like rodkin, wish she couldve had diff partner)

She was phenomenal, fully living in the character. Nikita Kaputsin (Torreador) impressed me. I actually liked Rodkin’s portrayal of Jose…especially the final scene. It was so, so good. A very strong trio.

Koshkaryova’s growth as an artist this year has been remarkable. She’s so assured in every role across so many styles—Giselle, Carmen, Aurora, Mehmene Banu—and dances each with the ease and command of a prima. I’ve always been a bit leery of the hype around prodigies because talent doesn’t always translate into a successful career on stage. But she’s the real deal. I’m waiting for her Nikiya!

[tikitania]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guYCNtcV1Bg&list=RDguYCNtcV1Bg&start_radio=1 Hello! What version of the Dryads variation is this? I don't think I've ever seen this choreography before. The costumes are gorgeous though!

Good question Anon! Years ago the @melmothblog explained the difference here:

Post by @melmothblog · 2 videos

💬 0  🔁 7  ❤️ 16 · Do you know why the choreography for the Queen of Dryads variation in Don Q is so totally different between the Bolshoi an

Shocker…but I prefer the Mariinsky version. It’s so unique and instantly recognizable. The Bolshoi version feels like a series of steps that could be dropped into any ballet.

[tikitania]

Maria Bulanova is cast in Swan Lake…finally!

EDIT: I know this casting is controversial, but Bulanova has a lot of the attributes for a Mariinsky swan. Her strengths as Odile are obvious, but I think she’ll might surprise as Odette.