ABT 2019 - The Sleeping Beauty

Oh, much sadness fills the land because ballet season is over for another year.  At least ABT has announced some very cool stuff for the fall season, so I have that to look forward to.  But knowing that I had ballet every week has been getting me through some trying times in the office.  Hopefully, they will now blow over (though I'm so worn out, this report will probably be a very short one)...

Last night was The Sleeping Beauty; I've missed it since it's been gone!  You may remember that I enjoyed it when they presented this remounting - here are my reviews from 2015 and one from 2016.  I know some people find this version a little less enjoyable because it doesn't really have any bravura dancing, since it's done in late-19th-century style.  But I love it.  I'm such a plot girl, and this version beautifully tells the story of how love can conquer all.  I find the detail and richness of the steps just mine all of the beauty out of Tchaikovsky's score.  The miming throughout is also delightful, not overdone at all.  I wish I had more energy (and cash) to be able to see it again this week before it vanishes for another season.  Oh, and before I forget, the seat neighbor who declared me 'perfect' wasn't there last night, darn it.  The house was really sparse, yet again.  I wish I knew what ABT could do about these dwindling audiences.  

photo credit: Rosalie O'Connor

I was very happy to see that my regular subscription night's cast was the divine Sarah Lane and Herman Cornejo.  They are my absolute favorite pair at the moment, I think, and they did not disappoint last night.  Lane was exquisite, just beautifully silky and smooth, with gorgeous footwork and amazing balances.  Her Rose Adagio was fantastic, so secure, though one of her balances was marginally shorter - what made it delightful, though, was that one of her suitors was danced by her real-life husband and they just nodded at each other, secure in each other's arms, and moved forward.  It was really lovely.  And Cornejo is just a prince.  A bit aloof, but kind, he then falls desperately in love with the vision of Aurora.  His solos were amazing, so strong and controlled, and their pas de deux were lovely.  You can just see their chemistry and connection in every step.

from the Met webpage

Everyone was terrific last night - Christine Shevchenko was a beautiful Lilac Fairy, the sparkling Skylar Brandt was a fun and flirty Canary, and Devon Teuscher was airy perfection as the Diamond Fairy.  My MVP Roman Zhurbin was again playing the King and he was regal and wonderful.  Blaine Hoven (who may be becoming an MVP, I'll have to keep an eye on him) was delightful as the Bluebird.  All of the kids from the ballet school were really grand and I may have again noticed that young boy who will be an absolute star.  I've got my eye on him, too.

I think this version of The Sleeping Beauty really gets the best out of the dancers - it's not about how high they can jump or how long they keep their leg extended above their head, but how the steps relate to the music and the story.  It's storytelling through movement and I really love it.  I hope they bring it back for years and years to come.  And I hope the warmth of my ballet joy lasts throughout the summer.