She’s not the dancer she used to be, I’m quite certain of that. Not even close. The legs are much weaker and not fully straight, the arch less pronounced, the turnout barely there, and her elevation is probably nil. But … Continue reading →
I really knew next to nothing about hula as an art form. But here’s a video that taught me a bit. Enjoy!:
Continue reading →I’m puzzled by the near-obscurity into which Fernando Bujones has fallen. Barishnikov and Nureyev are household words, even for a lot of people who know nothing else about ballet. Likewise, Nijinsky, who danced a hundred years ago. But Bujones, one … Continue reading →
I’ve written about the wonderful Balanchine ballet “Theme and “Variations” before, here. But this time I want to concentrate on a different aspect of it: speed. Here’s a short solo portion from 1978 in which the ballerina’s part emphasizes that … Continue reading →
Most people couldn’t pull off this fashion statement that Melania Trump made during her recent trip to Egypt. For instance, I would like silly in this outfit. But Melania can wear anything and look good, and she looks great here. … Continue reading →
“Concerto Barocco” is a Balanchine ballet that was created in 1941 as an exercise for his students. But it is an indisputable masterpiece that seems nearly as fresh today as when it was choreographed. It has the dancers interpreting and … Continue reading →
The ballet “La Sylphide” (not to be confused with the ballet “Les Sylphides”) is an old Romantic warhorse. It’s one of the oldest ballets—maybe even the oldest ballet—for which we still have the choreography and which is still performed with … Continue reading →
[NOTE: This is a slightly-edited repeat of a previous post.] I saw that film on TV maybe 30 times when I was a child. Loved it, and in particular loved the idea that James Cagney—whom I already knew as a … Continue reading →
[Hat tip: commenter “ColoComment”] Chase Johnsey is a man identifying as “gender fluid,” but he dances female corps roles for the English National Ballet. In modern times, it’s not unheard of in ballet for men to dance as women, but … Continue reading →
Another confession: I never much cared for Bob Fosse’s choreography, except for the very early stuff in “Kiss Me Kate” and “Damn Yankees.” And Gwen Verdon—that wonderful, wonderful dancer and impish spirit—was very much a part of my early admiration. … Continue reading →
How to walk downstairs with some zip in your step, by James Cagney (aka George M. Cohan): As a child, I loved that scene. In particular, I liked the fact that it builds to a peak and then calms down … Continue reading →
I bet you’ve all been waiting with bated breath for Part III since the series first appeared back in 2012 (here are Part I and Part II). No? Well, here’s Part III anyway. Just to recap—“Swan Lake” is popular for … Continue reading →