Fracci: a lithograph come to life
Yes, the following clip of Carla Fracci is almost irredeemably corny. It features one of the oldest (and most old-fashioned) ballets in existence, “La Sylphide.”
And Nureyev as the male dancer looks exceedingly uncomfortable. The restrained and delicate style required was most definitely not his much more flamboyant cup of tea.
And then there’s the camerawork, which had me tearing my hair out as it breaks to reaction shots of Nureyev during some of Fracci’s most delightful moments.
But Fracci, ah Fracci! Please be patient and watch the whole thing, in order to see what genius can do. She’s made entirely of gossamer and air:
Gotta love a man in a kilt. Not quite how I think of Nureyev! You’re right, Neo, your Fracci is so ethereal I’m surprised that her toes ever touch the ground. I have become a fan of ballet again. I’m not very knowledgeable on the subject, except as it pertains to music. I went to an OBT performance a few months ago and wrote about it on my blog if you want to see it.
http://nostalgic-nana.blogspot.com/search/label/Ballet
That link also includes my g-daughter’s recital, which was pretty hilarious.
I appreciate your political posts, but I LOVE your gardening and music and ballet dalliances. Thanks.
I know NOTHING about ballet, but appreciate every dance-oriented post herein… What strikes me in all of them is the juxtaposition of grace and what has to be pain and exhaustion. I watched Nureyev’s long solo dance here, amazed at the speed of his legs and the height he achieved, and then doubly amazed at how, afterwards, he got about one second to catch his breath before he had to dance again. And then I watched Fracci’s solo part near the end with the same thoughts – adding to them your “gossamer and air” comment: she did so much of what Nureyev did so heroically, but she did it as if it cost her nothing at all. Astounding!
A beautiful piece from when dancers were graceful and still ethereal. The few shows I’ve attended recently seem like they have taken a page from Cirque dSoleil. Thank you for sharing.