Buddy

“The Swan” A principal work from which a definition of “Lyrical Dance” can be derived is, for me, ballet’s transitional masterpiece, “The Swan,” by Mikhail Fokine. It will always be identified with Anna Pavlova. This in turn was probably derived from perhaps ballet’s most beautiful, overall masterpiece, ’The White Swan Duet’ from Swan Lake. This is “The Swan” by one of its most beautiful performers -- Oxana Skorik. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf9AqDajr_0&t=39s As for a Fred Astaire element in “Lyrical Dance,” well, he certainly possessed many of the superlatives that you’d use to describe a ballet star, even though he excelled in a totally different dance form. And he had a charm that was captivating. I would guess that he was one of the greatest dancers of all times and he created an artistic style and aura that could permeate and add life to other ones. I don’t post it because it’s been unofficially put on the internet, but…. Once again a work and a performance that might be definitive ones for a “Lyrical Dance” art form — Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers — "Let's Face the Music and Dance."

“Lyrical Dance” — Swan Lake Meets Fred Astaire This is an element of it all that I like very much. 😊

Thank you, Beryl. If I were to put something at the summit of the “Lyrical Dance” pantheon it would probably be this. For me it’s the Swan Lake Duet of “Lyrical Dance.” Christopher Wheeldon —“After The Rain” — start at 14:10 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D316-KMBU8 This video features Wendy Whelan and Craig Hall. Probably no-one could interpret it better, especially since Wendy Whelan most likely had a hand in its creation. If you want to view another take, this is an interesting example. It features the Mariinsky’s Maria Khoreva and Vladimir Shklyarov. I tend to focus somewhat more on Maria Khoreva’s performance because of her young age and sensitivity. Considering that they come from a different artistic background I think that they both do a very respectable interpretation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az4IZUTtm2c Another performance that suggests the essence of what I call “Lyrical Dance” would be, once again this. I think that it’s an absolutely lovely representation. Jerome Robbins -- “Dances At A Gathering” — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoigxYt5Hgk I hope to be able to find more video examples. This is an area of dance that’s somewhat specific, one that combines much of the beauty and ‘style’ of ballet, especially, with a more natural physicality. Two companies that I have an eye on for the moment in this regard are The San Francisco Ballet and The Atlanta Ballet. I hope that it’s an area of dance that continues to grow.

Thank you very much, Beryl. And here they are. They are indeed beautiful skaters. They both seem to have an elegance that reminds me somewhat of Fred Astaire, a rare quality, especially in a man. Here’s a quote from another video poster that says a lot. “Beautiful skating from the Protopopov's in front of their home crowd to win the European title for the first time. Artistically light years ahead of their competitors.” Ludmila Belousova and Oleg Protopopov (SU) - World Championships Prague 1962 - ISU Archives For the skating start at 1:40, but the introduction is also very interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U4O4uI82us Maybe we can get back to this later, but I did want to post the video now. There’s always John Curry as well. And Hi ! , Sim. Thanks. 😊 Does anyone else have a “Lyrical Dance” example that they really like or any other related thoughts ?

I’d like to say that my use of the term “Lyrical Dance” is based on my impression and use and not on a strictly agreed upon or precise definition. One element that might be totally personal and what I hope for is a sense of pleasantness, even joy. I think of what I’m writing to be within a general concept of what is and what could be called “Lyrical Dance.” I do consider “Lyrical Dance” to be a phenomenon of the last fifty years or so as illustrated by certain works, dance artists and choreographers. Two of the works and choreographers that I’ve mentioned are… “After The Rain” by Christopher Wheeldon -- (Start at 14:10) -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D316-KMBU8 "The Legend of Ten” by Lar Lubovitch -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gk-6cmpoMs I’ve also listed some individuals as being “influences,” such as Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis, Jerome Robbins and Fred Astaire. What I was delighted to find was that among them were artists and works that I feel would fit in perfectly in today’s world of Lyrical Dance. A favorite choice is Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers — "Let's Face the Music and Dance." Others could be Jerome Robbins “Dances At A Gathering” — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoigxYt5Hgk -- Ruth St. Denis “Incense” and George Balanchine “Der Rosenkavalier” from “Vienna Waltzes (1983).” I’d even go as far afield as Torville and Dean “Bolero” in figure skating. If anyone could add some more I’d be glad to hear about them.

Ruth St. Denis — Take a look at her “Inciense” (Incense) video. As far as dance enchantment, it doesn’t get much better. And once again, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers — "Let's Face the Music and Dance." It’s as good as it gets.

I just realised that it’s still Saturday night where I am. Want to step out for a moment ? — outside the box, that is. Lyrical Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNCSij0hUp8

For me, Lyrical Dance can vary from a Swan Lake type of refinement and ethereality, perhaps well represented here by Christopher Wheeldon’s “After The Rain,” to an almost jazzy feel. At the moment I search most for something in between, something with a Fred Astaire feeling, perhaps. He could tap or ballroom dance with the look and effect of a classical ballet artist. He was George Balanchine’s favourite male dancer. He had a charming, airy perfectness and excitement. And then there’s Ginger Rogers 😊 Swing Time ('36): “Pick Yourself Up” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06RlwN0nddQ

These are several names that I would consider to be large influences on what I would call Lyrical Dance. Isadora Duncan — Ruth St. Denis — Jerome Robbins — Fred Astaire This is a charming example from Jerome Robbins, who was acknowledged by Christopher Wheeldon as being a large influence on his own work. I would say that this is noticeable in perhaps the most lyrically beautiful parts of Christopher Wheeldon’s works, his highly praised duets. New York City Ballet MOVES: Dances At A Gathering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoigxYt5Hgk Isadora Duncan was acknowledged as a significant, personal influence by both Anna Pavlova and Sir Frederick Ashton. There’s hardly any visual record of her dancing, but this is a rather nice video of a young dancer doing her impression. This also is another pleasant example of what I would call Lyrical Dance. Starts at 1:10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnMLvYJ2Xjo There’s an ‘unofficially’ posted video with a very brief segment of Isadora Duncan dancing (not authenticated) followed by Anna Pavlova dancing perhaps her most famous performance, “The Swan.” This is intended to show Isadora Duncan’s influence on Anna Pavlova. Also John Hall has posted an interesting collection of photos and some film that he thinks could well represent her.

Lyrical Dance -- A combining of the lyrical beauty and style of the classical with the natural. It has the dreamlike quality that I can associate with Swan Lake, Giselle and even Far Eastern Classical. It’s a direction that I’d really like to see more developed. Here’s one nice example. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIKo7HqHdRs It’s an area that Christopher Wheeldon moves in and out of with some very good results, this one being perhaps one of the finest works in all of dance. “After The Rain” (Start at 14:10 ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D316-KMBU8 It’s a style used by some choreographers that in group presentations can take on an orchestral dimension. Here’s one example from Lar Lubovitch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gk-6cmpoMs Stylistically, here’s a more high energy one from Lar Lubovitch that I like very much. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmGJh0LfGiQ (all videos were already officially posted)

You leave no corner of the earth unnoticed, Sabine. Cheers.

There’s a nice, airy quality to this staging imparted throughout by Christopher Wheeldon, starting with the performances of Sasha De Sola (Cinderella) about halfway through the 40 minutes devoted to the rehearsal (especially starting at 30:35). Wona Park and Dores Andre (Cinderellas) also have nice, similar qualities and Max Cauthorn (The Prince), towards the end, has a noteworthy grace that’s impressive for a male dancer.

I haven’t had a chance to watch this, but since it’s ending in about five hours, I’d thought that I would rush it through. It’s Christoher Wheeldon coaching the San Francisco Ballet for his Cinderella. It starts at 15:20: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g22G7od_HWY (thanks to Pherank and AG at Ballet Alert!)

I mentioned in my previous post that I thought that whatever directions she pursues her beautiful Vaganova (Mariinsky school) manner will still be there. She does say in the interview that she’ll be performing a Swan Lake in March. It’s always good to hear this sort of thing. And as she pursues new directions, could anything be done lovelier. From back in September…. John Neumeier’s “Third Symphony of Mahler.” https://www.instagram.com/p/Cis1zRjI8UP/?hl=en

Here’s a video comparison. The Swan Olga Smirnova https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck3N5xlo38W/?hl=en Oxana Skorik (both videos officially posted)

Having mentioned Oxana Skorik, I could add something. Many consider Olga Smirnova and her to be the two best ballerinas in the world. They are probably my two favorites. Which one do I think is the best and like most ? I can’t really say. They have wonderful, contrasting qualities. I consider Olga Smirnova to be more of an expressionist. I feel that she moved increasingly in this direction after joining the Bolshoi, which tends to be more expressive than the Mariinsky. Oxana Skorik is a pure dance beauty, characteristic of her company, the Mariinsky. Whom would I prefer to see ? Again, I’m not sure. I tend to favor the more ethereal dance style of Oxana Skorik and the Mariinsky, but this is totally a personal choice. Both ballerinas and companies are equally fine. When I used to see Oxana Skorik at least twice a year I probably would have chosen Olga Smirnova because I saw her much less and because she might be the more outwardly interesting of the two. Still, my preference being weighted towards a refined beauty, I do like Oxana Skorik very much and when she commits herself to her expression she’s an all around display of magnificence. Olga Smirnova seems to be moving further into expression and perhaps more away from the refined beauty that characterises the Mariinsky school (Vaganova, where she studied) and all the ballet from Russia that I love. The longer duration she spends away from Russia the likelier this may be the case. But her Vaganova refinement will probably always shine through, making her one of a kind and someone very special. It’s also possible that she’ll take on a more international identity which could be very exciting. As an expressively fascinating and compelling ballet artist, she’s probably unequaled. Then comes the next generation. For refinement, I’d chose the Bolshoi’s Alyona Kovalyova. Her Vaganova (Mariinsky school) training and manner shine. For expression, it would be the Bolshoi’s very young Eva Sergeyenkova, who although being very much her own person, is following impressively in the footsteps of Olga Smirnova. Both have been accelerated in recognition because the vacuum left at the Bolshoi by Olga Smirnova. It’s worth noting that Olga Smirnova has expressed her strong desire to be part of a cultural and social renaissance in a someday peaceful and politically humane new Russia. So she could still be a major influence there and I’d love to see that. One other name that I would like to mention is that of Valeria Kuznetsova, still a student at the Perm Ballet school in Russia. She has the lovely grace of Oxana Skorik and Alyona Kovalyova, along with perhaps some of the expressive abilities of Olga Smirnova and Eva Sergeyenkova. I’d be delighted to see her at the Mariinsky.

I guess that it’s that kind of day today. So just one more. Sometimes when an artist presents something beautifully, like Olga Smirnova, and it’s something that you can at all sympathise with, it can be best to just sit back and be carried along.

Hi again, Emeralds. In watching some not too distant video clips I was reminded of her speed of light, across stage spins, which she does seem to take some pleasure in and for which, I believe, she was noted for in her Vaganova school days. I doubt if she’d want to be identified largely with these today, but the physical ability is there, which could produce some interesting results in attempting Forsythe. I sometimes think of what I’d like most to see in a work and it would generally be lyrical grace, but….every now and then things might 'innocently-joyfully start to fly!.'

Hi, Emeralds. I’ve enjoyed very much reading your very interesting post. Thank you. I first saw her in London also, at the Galina Ulanova Gala. I don’t remember at what level she was at, but I wrote that she set a new bar for beginning professionals to achieve. I’m one not to let technical insecurities bother me very much if I see what I consider to be outstanding Overall Qualities or Essence. This was certainly the case with the Mariinsky’s Oxana Skorik at the beginning of her career. I do have to say that I’ve noticed none with Olga Smirnova except for a slight lack of surety when she impressively appeared at a Mariinsky Festival with an injury. Her English is quite fine, which is a real added plus for appreciating her. I once read that she was an all “A” student. Thanks for the insight into the Forsythe works. I basically know the ‘rockers,’ which I’d love to see her try along with some similar Twyla Tharp. It could add a new dimension and be some fun as well as another physical victory accomplished. And thanks, Sim (and Emeralds), for your approval of my particular train of thought in my several most recent posts. It’s somewhat specific, but I hope that it has some validity in defining and suggesting the development of this remarkable artist. I’ve mainly focused on her exceptional qualities of expression. A major factor is facial expression. Ballet, being an art of refinement and subtleties, it can sometimes go under appreciated, but her use of it is outstanding and highly effective. The other important element, perhaps the most important to some, is her physicality. Her’s, once again, is exceptional. I’d like to make an attempt at describing it sometime. What’s most noticeable to me at the moment is her sculptural beauty, the magnificent design and affect of her motion and how well this all combines with what her mind and emotions, shown in her face, are radiating. (You may have some fun counting the number of superlatives that I used here. 😊)

Danila Korsuntsev has moved to Guest Soloist position. What a fine talent and sympathetic presence he is. Daria Pavlenko, I’d follow off the end of the earth as far as human decency is concerned,

I’d love to see Olga Smirnova ascend to the heavens artistically as I believe that she’s doing. I’d also love to see her experiencing as much warmth and joy as possible while doing it. I think that she’s a courageous, greatly talented and caring person. I can only wish her the best.

Thanks to Annamk for posting this. I’d like to put it here as well. Congratulations to Olga Smirnova for winning this award. There’s much insight into Olga Smirnova in what is essentially an interview. I’d like to mention just one facet. This might be much my own tangent at the moment, but it has been touched on by others here, perhaps. She says that she’s now very much into exploring and illustrating Dostoevsky, probably has been most of her artistic life because of her cultural background. What about also artistically exploring, let’s say — Christopher Wheeldon ? From the recently posted video broadcast of his Cinderella, there’s highlighted the delightfully vibrant performance of Madison Young. Here are several photos, the top one being probably the most illustrative. https://www.instagram.com/p/ClI9urKuj2X/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D This is a kind of expression that I’d love to see Olga Smirnova explore — but only if she wants to 😊 as she certainly has a thousand other options at which she can excel. By the way, she also mentions that she might be doing a Forsythe work. That could be a fascinating change and challenge and hopefully some fun as well.

With Olga Smirnova your imagination can run wild. She’s probably the most expressive performer, in terms of theatre, in the art form. She also has had much of the finest training there is in classical dance. In terms of expression, if someone could combine the most poetically beautiful of William Shakespeare with the most charming highlights of Walt Disney, she probably could. I would say that she’s the Meryl Streep of the art form. I would predict that her career will run for decades, with physical demands being replaced by high artistry and theatre. She may go in the direction of Christopher Wheeldon in exploring the possibilities of combining the ethereality of the ‘high arts’ with the delight of the popular ones, or she might remain one of the most refined of all performing artists in the manner of Anna Pavlova and Galina Ulanova. And then there’s the entire world in between. That’s my Scenario #I. Want to give one of your’s a try ? 😊

Yes, Sharon, she really is. For those who might have missed it, this is a video of Olga Smirnova and Victor Caixeta in rehearsal on World Ballet Day at the Dutch National Ballet this year. It starts at 1:19:00. (thanks to Drew at Ballet Alert! and Sophia at Dansomanie)

Considering that Olga Smirnova may have embarked on a journey not too different from one of the most famous in ballet history, that of Anna Pavlova, I’d like to start this topic. This recent video seems quite appropriate. I’m not sure where it was danced. I find her power of expression here to be Remarkable. It’s Fokine's “The Swan,” perhaps Anna Pavlova's most famous performance. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck3N5xlo38W/?hl=en