Cherilyn

The partnership between these two companies has basically created a dream vacation for me!  I'm going to do my best to make it happen!

Hi Jan,

Than you for your honesty.

As the NYT article relates, there are now two versions of "Chinese" for the Balanchine version of The Nutcracker, the more recent considering the issue of stereotyping. Companies who present Balanchine's The Nutcracker have a choice between which version they perform. And as I mentioned, Ballet West has inserted the San Francisco Ballet version of "Chinese" in lieu of the original choreography (which, by the way, I am excited to see next month when the company is here in DC). It has not yet been brought to my attention other companies that have made any adjustments, so if you hear of any I would love to hear about them.

In general, I think it is important for - and the responsibility of - choreographers to study histories and cultural traditions when their subject matter relies on them. So I suppose the particular sensitivity to the Chinese dance in The Nutcracker is part of a much broader issue.

After reading an article in the NY Times the other night, I felt inspired to share a bit of my story from the perspective of a Chinese American dancer. Does anyone else have thoughts about this topic?

Monday night, I went to see a performance that is part of the DEMO by Damian Woetzel series at The Kennedy Center; it was so unique and unless any other theatre experience I have ever had. The collaborative effort of the artists - dancers, musicians, poet - was quite interesting and the venue (Terrace Theater) was just perfect for this type of intimate event. Here in more detail are specifics of the evening as well as my thoughts. I look forward to seeing what the March show brings!

Has anyone else here been to DEMO in the past?

You're so welcome, and it makes me happy that you learned some new things about Edwaard! I love seeing first-hand the successes of my former classmates

Here's my thoughts on Program B. I'd say overall, my preference is for Program A.

Hello! Anyone else out there in the Washington, DC area who has seen San Francisco Ballet at The Kennedy Center? I reviewed the opening night performance and look forward to seeing the other three pieces on Friday evening. Would love to hear your feedback...is it as positive as mine?

I had the opportunity to interview Edwaard Liang, a former classmate of mine at SAB, and am so excited to his piece in a few days!

Have you all seen this cool collaboration called Pli.é Project?! I wish I were in Montreal to see the exhibition. If any of you are in that area, I would love to hear your feedback!

4 hours ago, fromthebalcony said:

The All Balanchine program features four of my favorite ballets.  Symphony in C should not feel in disarray, so hopefully it was just an off night.  Please do give it another chance.

From feedback received by many, it may just be that it was an off-night. I may have the opportunity to see it again when the company is in DC

4 hours ago, FLOSS said:

Perhaps recent events have finally caught up with the company and that is the reason why you found the performance of Symphony in C unsatisfactory. Like Jewels, Symphony in C is a test of a company's depth and strength because of the number of dancers which it requires. Perhaps it was a mistake to programme both works so close together. Do not give up on Symphony in C. It is one of Mr B's greatest works and would, I suspect, be in most ballet goer's top five ballets if they were asked to name the five ballets from his output which  they would save if it was only possible to preserve five of his works. 

Perhaps this is so. As I communicated in my Jewels review as well, there were moments when I felt that the corps was under-rehearsed. And perhaps I am a stickler for perfect lines and formations, or maybe it's because I love watching a beautiful corps de ballet and I felt this was missing in Symphony in C. I am encouraged by the confidence with which you speak about the ballet and the references to others that I, too, appreciate as significant works of art. Thank you!

I had the fortune of being in New York to see two of NYCB's programs and I wrote reviews on both of them - Jewels and All Balanchine. I would love to hear your opinions, especially about Symphony in C because it's a ballet that I wanted to like but just didn't. Do I give it another chance?

Thank you so much! I appreciate your encouragement

Thank you, Geoff!

I am based in the States (thus the spelling of "traveling" as you so keenly noted) and for the listings, I am working my way through adding companies native to all regions where English is the predominant language - US, Canada, the UK, Australia, etc. For the news, I endeavor to write about any relevant happenings that I hear of regardless of location. And I will share reviews of all ballet performances I attend.

Please keep the questions and feedback coming as this helps me as I continue to develop the site. Thanks again!

Hello Everyone!

I am former professional ballet dancer, ABT National Training Curriculum Affiliate Teacher, and recently-established ballet magazine editor! I have just created a website called The Traveling Ballerina as a resource dedicated solely to all of us ballet lovers out there. It includes a growing database of performances as well as a magazine containing relevant news and reviews.

I'm also an avid traveler who loves to attend performances whenever possible. Have you ever been planning travel or already in a place and wondered if there’s a ballet performance near you? You can search The Traveling Ballerina by location, company, or date to find the answer! Or...if there is a particular ballet or choreographer you want to see or a specific theater that you want to visit, you can filter results by those keywords as well. You can also leave ratings and reviews for any of the ballet performances listed. Perhaps you have seen that company or ballet before, or maybe you’re on the fence whether to go or not.

I hope you all will have a look - thank you for your support!