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Jillykins

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  1. Jillykins
    Sorry I didn't bump into you on Monday, I enjoyed meeting up with you once before LinMM. I agree with all your comments, loved Tereshkinas evil Odile and liked the backdrop swans and like you prefer the dramatic end of the jump into the lake. Overall as a rather aged balletgoer I enjoy the sort of dated production, there is an Imperial feel about it. It is ballet as I remember it from my childhood. However I love our dramatic approach, like life ballet is full of contrasts. Wish I had seats for Maryinsky Contrasts!
  2. Jillykins
    Thank you Johnpw, you have said it all for me! I had a wonderful evening and like you enjoyed Shumakov contribution as jester. He was a real person and managed to appear to be a man with feelings as well as perform some amazing feats. Tereshkina was a beautiful Odette, such a contrast to last weeks Kitri, and Shklyarov Showed technique and characterisation. A lovely partnership for me. I :do like the swans in tutus, although I had a little giggqle in act 4 when they all posed, back to the audience, kneeling, one leg extended behind, and all we saw was a rear surrounded by a frill. Difficult to describe clearly! However what a magnificent corps. I did hear some shoe squeak but the overall impression of Russian dancers on pointe is one of glorious line where legs and shoes blend as one. No ugly feet, no soft shoes. Is there something different in their shoes? Again I was troubled by some of the men's landings from jumps by a heavy sound. It seems worse just forward from centre back. In other areas they are almost soundless. It has puzzled me before. Have so enjoyed ballets by Russian dancers and the slightly old fashioned feel and am now looking forward to our home company in the Autumn.
  3. Jillykins
    Last night at Marinsky Swan Lake as the music started in act 4 an usher, in stalls circle, had to shout loudly"turn off your phones please". Previously he had to ask a couple in front row three times to remove scarves and bottles from the ledge. Another woman in very heavy shoes clumped round the outside of seats very loudly during the performance. Don't know where she went. Never been in such a restless audience before. In contrast a small girl abou 5 years old watched quietly and didn't make a sound. She enjoyed it!
  4. Jillykins
    What a terrific season it has been! Thank you Kevin O'Hare, dancers and musicians. Enjoyed last night enormously, loved Laura's Titania, an elegant , gracious fairy queen. I am a great fan of Alexander Campbell and he danced beautifully despite one or two wobbles. However he lacked the lightness and twinkling movement of McCrae. Not quite supercilious enough. Please don't change the costumes, they are part of the Ashton feel. It is how ballet was for me as a child in the 1940's and still is. A Magical dream. SV love the costumes,music, set and choreography. It makes me think of Sir Fred. The dancers did it justice. There seems to me to be a spot on the stage that make all landings sound heavy. Is it my imagination? It is almost an echo. For me the ballet is timeless. Pleased to see Lauren dancing so beautifully , loved Reece and the talent of young Sissons. What a future for us! i am so glad we are allowed to be different on the forum because I stand alone feeling unmoved by Osipova. Sorry despite her beautiful dancing I did not feel the passion. She didn't convince me of her illness or of the courtesan nature of her past. Beautiful line, clean neat dancing but just didn't move me. Armand ( sorry can't spell his name) did convince me after a bit of a wobble in the first two arabesques. A lovely caring partner and really devastated at the end. I think my introduction to this ballet by Fonteyn and Nureyev has made it difficult to accept current performances, I can only say how I feel! Poor Marguerite must be exhausted after the quick costume changes! I think Sir Fred would have been thrilled to see this run of his work. Will miss my trips to Covent Garden until the Autumn, not completely as I have a Don Quixote and Swan Lake to look forward to. Ballet gives me so much joy and I love reading all the views on the forum. Thanks to those who provide the arena.
  5. Jillykins
    Really enjoyed cinema relay last night. I won't add much to comments made. Loved the Dream, loved SV and was moved by Marguerite and Armand. Still feel my first viewing with Fonteyn and Nureyev was most emotional. I found Bolle too mature for the role. I wanted the contrast of a courtesan and less experienced young man. However many thanks to O' Hare for giving Zen such a wonderful send off. Now looking forward to seeing it live on Saturday, cast changes and new approaches. What a terrific season.
  6. Jillykins
    What a wonderful programme to get us all talking! Terrible weather last night, not conducive to wheelchair travel. However for me a great evening, especially as I had a bad day on Wednesday. Thought I would have to miss it. I think I benefited from being at the Insight day on this programme. Loved Vertiginous, slight doubt at start about Lily leaf tutus but soon changed my mind. They worked really well, loved the speed though at moments I was aware of pressure to the wonderful dancers. Such a cast, McCrae really impressed me, no cheeky boy but man with terrific technique and amazing batterie. Then Tarantella, exquisite dancing, I felt as if I had been transported to the sunshine of Italy. Personally I don't think Hayward and Sambe could be bettered. Thank you Mr Balanchine, I loved the quirkiness of some of the choreography but the true character of the dance sustained. What a challenge for the dancers who appeared to love every minute. Sorry, Strapless is not for me. I admired the dancers but did not enjoy the story and choreography. Only emotion I felt was concern about Watsons wardrobe malfunction. He coped well and soon harnessed his flying collar. Just an unmemorable ballet for me. i really enjoyed Symphonic Dances. Great contrast to Strapless! Dramatic start with amazing red dress, a preparation for the male whirling skirts. How we will miss Yanowski but I would love to see Moreras performance. I do agree there were shades of other choreographers, however the whole gave me enjoyment and that is what it is all about. I am looking forward to seeing more of Reece Clarke what a talented company of young dancers we have, not forgetting our experienced dancers. I am looking forward to Liam Scarlett In Conversation this evening.
  7. Jillykins
    I was in the audience for this event sitting next to Peter Wright! A thrill to see close up a man I have admired for many years. Another thrill was shaking hands with Alex Campbell who was presenting with skill and developing confidence. I wonder how he was chosen or did he volunteer? Sad in many ways to watch Zenaida working in part of her farewell work to the company. Such a talent. Lovely to see Jonathan Cope coaching and to watch Gary Avis preparing another great character role. Then the joy of watching the amazing Lesley Collier coaching Francesca and Marcelino. It almost felt as if Lesley could dance a beautiful Titania! The two young dancers worked so well together, a perfect pairing. It was interesting to see how Lesley,while complimenting Francesca's beautiful musicality, turned a graceful movement into a movement with meaning. Kevin joined in with coaching at one stage. Continued to do so after live screening. Wish I could see this young couple in performance but I will Laura and Alex, very happy with that. Roll on June 10th! What a great evening and I can watch it all again on ROH utube.
  8. Jillykins
    Looking forward to being there! Thanks to my lovely friend who pushes my chair up Bow St.
  9. Jillykins
    Les Patineurs---- memory of first visit to ballet after the war and a good contrast to sand and sun. Chroma---because it hit me hard and I still can't believe how much I enjoyed it. Midsummers Nights Dream---a story of contrasts, fairies, fools and romance. June Brae, Pamela May and Brian Shaw for Patineurs if such exists! Watson and Cojacura in Chroma and don't mind MND. If I really thought I am sure I would change this but I give instant reaction. Will enjoy reading others choices and will resist changing mine. (Finding it hard not being able to add Winter Dreams!)
  10. Jillykins
    I knew my memory was flawed! I think it might be Galeazzi I was thinking of! Thank you.
  11. Jillykins
    I won't say it all again! I agree with nearly all the posts about the power and drama of all members of the company. Osipova didn't quite do it for me, I remember Rojo so well with Watson and the effect it had on me as the audience. Spine tingling. Osipova was very convincing and technically very strong, I don't really know why I was a bit disappointed. I was in Elizabeth's bedroom at the Hofberg last Autumn and seeing her wall bars on set reminded me of her character and the sort of woman the history of the palace led us to understand. Yanowsky gave us a truly powerful performance. I do wish I had a ticket for her Marguerite! Watson gave a powerful performance and he is an amazing partner as well as fine actor and technically strong dancer. Years ago at his first Romeo with Cuthbertsons first Juliet I feared partnering might be a problem, how wrong I was! Can anybody tell me, or did I imagine it, if he did Remanso with Cope and possibly Maloney before he became well known? My memory plays tricks with me these days. I think I have said before how much I am looking forward to him In Conversation. Friday was another treat, thank you to all the talented dancers,coaches and musicians who make the performances possible.
  12. Jillykins
    I was there too and felt very privileged to see the choreography still at the working stage. I was in a wheelchair and must say how considerate the lady operating the camera was. She was checking all the time that she wasn't obscuring my view. Laura was so considerate with Giacometti, he must learn so much from working with someone of her experience and talent. A young man to watch. I am really looking forward to the In Conversation with Liam Scarlett next month.
  13. Jillykins
    Me too! Looking forward to Friday. Went to Vienna last October and learnt a lot more of the history. Will feel the benefit on Friday.
  14. Jillykins
    Thank you Capybara, I will watch out for him. I recognise the name.
  15. Jillykins
    I can only agree with Floss that Wednesday night was a very special night. Emeralds was evocative of all the beauty of early classical ballet. Naghdi was delicate, fragile with the most beautiful hands and arms, Ball a charming and elegant partner. The night before in the cinema I had really enjoyed Morera, loved her solo. What a contrast with Rubies erupting onto the stage! The first tableau looked like a rich ruby necklace. Lamb and McCrae sizzled on both nights and were well supported by Heap and the rest of the cast. It was interesting seeing Heap work on Forsythes Veriginous in the Clore last night. Busy two days for her. Diamonds at cinema gave us Nunez at her sparkling best, unfortunately not one of Soares best nights but he was a very good partner. Wednesday live was excellent, I really enjoyed Cuthbertsons sparkle and elegance and Muntagirov was incandescent! The sparkle of diamonds shone in their partnership. Although it is good to see cinema performances because I am usually so far from the stage there is nothing like being there. Balanchine really showed the diversity of his talent in this programme. I was disappointed Lauren got no flowers at the end. Maybe somebody can tell me who the very small man in the corps of diamonds is! It is unusual to be so aware of one member of the corps! It it was good to meet LinMM as I am a bit limited in my wheelchair. Thank you LinMM. I hope you had as good an evening as I did. Now I am looking forward to Mayerling on April 28 and Insight on 25th. However Wednesday Jewels are still buzzing around in my head!
  16. Jillykins
    Really enjoyed last night, agree with Bridiems rs, so won't repeat. The dancers in Seasons were totally committed and gave an excellent performance. I am enjoying seeing Sambe develop technique and dramatic quality. Thanks to this thread I watched more critically than usual and I think this enhanced my enjoyment. The start of After Rain felt a bit like more of the same however the p de d of Yanowsky and Clarke was truly moving. Possibly because ait was the last time I will see Yanowski. Reminded me of the spark we saw in first Fonteyn|Nureyev performances. Flight Pattern lived up to expectations. Dramatic, riveting and some thing special. Wonderful company that can tackle, successfully so many styles of dance. Teamwork by corps and principals. Main dancers and corps working as one. I am glad we were in amphi because floor patterns were so well choreographed, however I missed McNally and Sambe facial expressions. However their bodies told the story so well. Evening made memorable by good health news after a tough year. A night to count my blessings in so many ways!
  17. Jillykins
    Appetite whetted! So looking forward to seeing programme on Tuesday.
  18. Jillykins
    I will never forget seeing Galina Ulanova perform Dying Swan in the Davis Theatre Croydon on the Bolshoi first visit late 1950. I pulled out my programme for Pavlova that I found in my mother in laws papers, she was famous because she toured everywhere and danced in many original situations. Maybe it is difficult to find similar dancers to name as 'famoua' dancers today. Cinema performances may help publicise today's dancers. Only name comes up from family and friends of today Acosta or Bussell.
  19. Jillykins
    I am sad too because I have enjoyed reading all the posts so much. I don't feel knowledgeable enough to post very often but I have learnt so much reading all the posts. I can only manage to see one cast per programme and I feel the posts have helped me to imagine more! The posts set me off to utube and I have spent many happy hours looking at Lilac Fairies et al! However the delicacy, precision and expressiveness of Fonteyn brought back so many happy Aurora memories. This popped up in my search. I am looking forward to all contributions on new programmes!
  20. Jillykins
    I enjoyed this having seen same cast last week. It is unusual but I think I enjoyed it more second time around! Possibly close ups emphasised the high standard of acting. Given little choreography Saunders and McGorian were regally convincing all the time and convinced me of their love for their daughter. Beautiful mime by McNally and Calvert. My non ballet husband understood what they were saying. I feel I was a little harsh on Claire Calvert in my previous post, last night she gave a more confident rendering of her first very difficult solo. I still don't feel it is really her role especially when she is given what appears to be a toilet brush as a wand. I can only endorse the praise given to all the dancers especially Sambe and Takada and Campbell. Loved Beryl Grays contribution especially her mention of Violetta Elvin. I remember Beryl in Beauty so well, loved her gracious praise of current dancers and the production. Cinema relays give us an opportunity to relive and visit these great performances.
  21. Jillykins
    I experienced the magic of Sleeping Beauty last Thursday. I just relaxed into the joy of the music and beautiful dancing. I still experience a rush of tears as the conductor raises his baton and the red curtains glow. I have been like this for 75 years, I never grow up and lose the magic (well it didn't cope with Multiverse!). However nobody I have seen comes up to the glorious interpretation of Margot Fonteyn for me. She seemed so young and joyous, bourrees like silk, expressive face. No over extension but such expressive arms. Sorry I digress. Such poise from courtiers and royals. Tiny pages in perfect step, knowing exactly what to do. So many young, talented soloists. I think Sambe replaced Hay as Florestan. I admit to some disappointment in Nunez' Rose Adage, she didn't seem confident and was struggling to finish with music. However she soon settled and gave a good performance with the talented Vadim. My real disappointment was Calvert as lilac fairy. A stumble at start of her first solo may have affected her confidence but she never convinced me she was a fairy. She is a talented dancer but I don't think this is her role. That is just me! I have read all the previous historical information, thank you all so much. Am I misremembering, as I often do, a sparkling performance in years gone by of Graham Usher and Antoinette Sisley as bluebirds? So the magic of the fairytale lives on for me!
  22. Jillykins
    I had an email from the Opera House with this information. Disappointed can't make the new date.
  23. Jillykins
    I enjoy so many ballets, different styles and choreographers but one ballet was a real hate! Only seen once but hated it! Think it was called This House Must Burn. Can't remember choreographer. The only classic that I don't enjoy is Firebird, already mentioned on this site.
  24. Jillykins
    LinMm I am going to Sleeping Beauty 23 Feb. Have wheelchair space Stalls Circle left. My lovely husband is trundling me up to London. Really looking forward to it!
  25. Jillykins
    I really enjoyed Saturday matinee, more than first time round. I am not a McGregor fan, although I love Chroma! I find his work repetitive choreographically although I do like the way he combines dance, music, costumes, sets and lights. The first section on Saturday was beautifully danced --Ferris is just amazing. This was my favourite, I loved the combination of modern and classical style. A very moving piece of dance. Part two, colourful, great lighting and music and some terrific dancing. Got a bit gymnastic for me at times but very enjoyable. The final piece moved me to tears, especially the letter so beautifully read at the start. So much pain, the joy of children on a beach and the pain of adulthood. I am a Samaritan volunteer and the pain of mental illness and the guilt that goes with it were so well portrayed to the audience. I am now going to revisit the Insight on WW on web site. One distracting thing for me was the behaviour of som of the orchestra! Now my eyesight is not as good as it was I book lower down in Grand Tier and I was very conscious of players getting up and going out and coming back when their section came into play. This happened more than once. My musical companion assured me it was normal. I thought it rude and distracting. Thank you all members of this site it is such a joy to be a part of such a knowledgeable group. Cancer is a vile illness, with wonderful careers, with ongoing pain. Here I forget illness as I do at performances. This is not a comment for sympathy just to let you all know how much pleasure a place to learn, disagree and agree can give. I am now looking forward to Jewels Insight and Sleeping Beauty in my wheelchair ! Thanks ROH wonderful Access Scheme.
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