Manhattnik

It’s nice to see Odette with a little more agency. Also this sets up some interesting parallels with how Odile handles S.

Talking to a friend today about the two terrific Swan Lakes I saw this week, and one aspect of how they were so special. Usually, Odette is the damsel in distress with feathers, flinging herself at Siegfried as her big hunky (and absolutely not gay how could you say that?) rescuer. Instead, Isabella Boylston suggested, with delicate touches of her fingers, she was subtly instructing Daniel Camargo. Catherine Hurlin kept skittishly pushing herself away from James Whiteside, demanding to be courted, wooed, and respected. In each case, Odette, however subtly, was calling the shots. (I was thrilled—I’ve never seen this made so explicit before, although I do have a gift for missing things which are right under my nose.) “So you could say,” I expostulated, trying to find the right metaphor, “that in each case, not that I would know anything about this personally, Odette is topping from the bottom.” Friend burst out laughing—thank God I didn’t need to explain. But, y’know, there’s even more power exchange in the Black Swan. Except Odile is definitely the pro domme, and always on top. I mean, c’mon. I’d have definitely used this for Dance Tabs.

I think what I said was "As Giselle she's a great Kitri," but the sentiment is pretty much the same!

Here I am back from the dead to say thanks for the kind words. I must admit that review was fun, although another example of the inadequate work of the copy editor who kept refusing to be fired (how many times did I say "command?"). Although Part's Rose Adagio definitely had the white-knuckle moment as described, it happened in blink of an eye. By the time you might've said to yourself "holy sh..." it was over. All the parties involved were experienced professionals and quickly and efficiently averted the potential disaster, and I wish I'd made it clear just how immediately matters were put, if not right, right enough. It wasn't amateur hour, just (apparently) badly underrehearsed. And Part did indeed go on to be a lovely Aurora in that dreadful, dreadful production. Again, thanks to all for the remembrances. (And thank goodness for the Internet Archive!) It has always been a privilege and a pleasure writing for Bruce.