Sarasota Ballet Review of Balanchine Program (Digital)

[Cherilyn]

I felt the company was a lot stronger in the Ashton works than in Balanchine's, but I suppose that's to be expected? There is definitely some young talent to keep an eye on, though! Here's my review of Program 2.

[Jeannette]

Rep 2 - Balanchine excerpts were a disappointment. Other than the brief part of Four Ts, these were mostly “Balanchine lightweight” pieces, weakly performed (poor musicality, emphasis, watered down steps)...the two younger women in the solo variations  from Who Cares? Suite being particularly wrong. I realize that it’s tough to coach via Zoom but...what the ????

 

Other than Four Ts, the dancers never quite let loose. It felt as if they were overly careful, tiptoeing through tulips. Kate Honea In Tarantella was an exception; bravo to her!

 

There also seemed to be a slight mismatch (film synchronicity issue?) between the dancing and music...or maybe it was just the inexperience of some dancers.

Edited November 23, 2020 by Jeannette