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penelopesimpson

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  1. penelopesimpson
    Thanks for your point about Osmolkina's fouettes on Weds. I was pretty certain she made a hash of it but as my technical knowlege is still at amateur level, I didn't post it on here, even though it was noticeable to the audience. I am surprised and would have thought that we deserved to see artistes at the top of their game on this tour. As you say, mistakes can be overlooked if the performance has caught fire, but... This makes it even more annoying that having booked for Tereshkina, I now won't be seeing her on Friday but have got Osmolkina again. I think the Hochhauser's may find selling the Marinsky rather uphill next time around.
  2. penelopesimpson
    I would want a dance lesson included. Is there anyone deluded enough to pay for that, other than the Japanese department store whose ads he features in?
  3. penelopesimpson
    Yes, I was wondering the same, Lizbie. As far as I could tell they were excellent technically and the corps were superb. It was just that there was something missing - a bunch of dancers performing splendidly but never really inhabiting the characters or telling the story.
  4. penelopesimpson
    Can you explain a little more, Assoluta?
  5. penelopesimpson
    I'm sorry about that MAB. Do bear in mind that I don't have the in-depth knowlege of many other posters. I also don't think I am talking negatively. I am just expressing my personal viewpoint of a disappointing evening which did not fulfil my expectations of what I look for in a ballet. It is just as probable that for many others, the performance entirely floated their boat. It's a bit like when I went on holiday to a Greek island and hated every minute. Nothing wrong with the island for sun-worshippers, sailors and those wishing to chillax - just absolutely the wrong holiday for somebody like me who looks for culture, architecture, good food and wine and variety.
  6. penelopesimpson
    Thank-you for that, Anna. I do indeed have a ticket for the 11th and having seen Shklyarov in Marguerite and Armand a few weeks ago, so I will certainly attend. I think that for me ballet absolutely has to engage me emotionally, otherwise I feel disconnected. I am not well enough versed in technique to be able to sustain enjoyment on this alone although my amateur eyes could see how absolutely marvellous the technique in the corps is. Their stillness, alone, is breathtaking. However, I used to laugh at their need to take bows and be applauded every five minutes but now it more than irritates me - can they not understand that this habit absolutely wrecks the narrative and destroys any dramatic tension they may have built? I can imagine that Kim is terrific as Solor and there was much to admire in his assured performance last night but little to engage with. The pairing with Osmolkina was non-existent; I saw nothing that told any kind of story although one has to admit that the 'happy ever after' ending does the production no favours. Your point about identifying with performers who you identify with is well made. I am sorry not to have seen Kondaurova but looking forward to Tereshkina.
  7. penelopesimpson
    I can top that, Janet. 02.30 this morning, all because of these wretched breaks for applause. It was noticeable last night how many people got up to leave once it ended rather than waiting to applaud. I think we felt applauded out!
  8. penelopesimpson
    I only saw Assylmuratova once - think it was Bayadere - and was spellbound. What a dancer and somebody who has never been bettered for me. I was so disappointed last night and at times, dare I say it, bored. We had nice seats, the audience was quite well-behaved but the evening never caught fire. It is almost as if the Marinsky interpretation is caught in a time-warp which is difficult for some of us nourished on a diet of RB. It was just some dancing, interspersed with bows and applause; no dramatic drive or tension at all. I shan't bother with the Russians again, I'm afraid. Anyone want some tickets for Bayadere??!!
  9. penelopesimpson
    See my post. Osmolkina was a beautiful dancer but I agree there was zero emotion.
  10. penelopesimpson
    Just home after a not terribly enjoyable performance. Let me preface by saying that my overall feeling was how much I miss RB, their narrative ballets and their modern masterpieces. I know I am still something of a novice so am therefore unlikely to pick up on all the wonderful examples of exemplary technique from the Marinsky, but I was left cold. (It was certainly the only bit of me that was cold - the auditorium was stifling tonight with everybody fanning themselves madly. Has the air-conditioning broken down or did they not bother to turn it on? Everything I was wearing will now have to go to the cleaners tomorrow which is another expense.) Certainly a lot to admire. The corps is absolutely magnificent. I went with a friend who has only seen one ballet before and yet she commented on their impeccable timing and co-ordination. Their lines are perfect and as for their symmetry...A little disappointed with Osmolkina who danced beautifully but for me with very little differentiation between the two roles and zero chemistry or even recognition between her and Kim. I appreciate the Prince has a dull role to play and, as far as I could tell, he was a wonderfully supportive partner, but......Where there should have been drama/sadness there was just, well, dancing. Pretty good dancing, I agree, but never for one moment did I think there was a love affair going on. Act II seemed a pointless exercise in irrelevant sideshows and next time I'll sit it out in the bar! Rothbart was terrific but injected more of a pantomime feel rather than any real menace and, quite, honestly, I was glad when it was all over. The endless applause and bows every few minutes extended the performance till nearly 10.45. Elderly lady next to me had to be helped out as she was faint from the heat which really was uncomfortably sticky. I appreciate others who have a more in-depth understanding will have enjoyed the night but I'm almost dreading Bayadere now!
  11. penelopesimpson
    Good luck with that. After Sadler's Wells, never again.
  12. penelopesimpson
    He made the Today programme! Am seeing Kondaurova tonight and Ivanchenko whom somebody described as 'lumbering!) which I shall be trying not to giggle about. He had better be in first gear!
  13. penelopesimpson
    Lovely pics, thank-you. Anyone there who can give us a review? I am going tomorrow.
  14. penelopesimpson
    You are probably right, but I just don't think I should have to do that. Tickets are expensive enough. I accept not having my pick of seats, but this business where there aren't any seats is getting ridiculous.i i am semi-retired so can spend days checking the ROH website which usually results I my getting something close to my preferred choice of tickets, but others don't have the time. To my mind there should be a ticket price and that's it.
  15. penelopesimpson
    I am sitting here asking the same question? Who has the tickets?
  16. penelopesimpson
    I am sorry to say that the phone problem is always prevalent amongst the audiences for the visiting Russusn companies. It's why I didn't bother with the Bolshoi last summer - and regretted it after reading this forum!
  17. penelopesimpson
    If Acosta's was better, then the Marinsky is surely in trouble...
  18. penelopesimpson
    Did anybody go?
  19. penelopesimpson
    Lovely pictures.
  20. penelopesimpson
    It's time ROH realised the limitations of the buildings and banned fish altogether. The place reeks
  21. penelopesimpson
    Obviously a mistake to bring Don Q
  22. penelopesimpson
    Can anyone give me a heads up on this? I have a fancy to see Wilton's having never been (is it good?) and what is the provenance of this event? Advice appreciated.
  23. penelopesimpson
    But Don Q has been the slow seller of the season
  24. penelopesimpson
    I must have struck lucky. Alagna did turn up and he was absolutely wonderful and gave it his all. Kaufmann - well one of the best nights of my life. Loved every moment so much I impoverished myself to go again. Amazing Otello in all respects.
  25. penelopesimpson
    Looking for two top price tickets if anyone has any to sell. Thanks
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