| | |  | Ballets & Classics | Home » » » American Ballet Theatre Now - Variety and Virtuosity (Dance in America) | | | | | | | Description: | | Variety and virtuosity are the key qualities of American Ballet Theatre's tradition. The company has long distinguished itself through its artistic eclecticism and its star power. In this dazzling program, leading American Ballet Theatre dancers are joined by guest artists to perform highlights from the company's 20th century repertoire, including romantic, classical and contemporary pieces as well as the premiere of a new piece by Nacho Duato. | | | Product Details: | | | Actors:
| Natalya Makarova, Susan Jaffe, Kevin McKenzie, John Gardner, Amanda McKerrow | | Director:
| Judy Kinberg | | Format:
| Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC | | Language:
| English | | Number of Discs:
| 1 | | Studio:
| Image Entertainment | | Run Time:
| 83 minutes | | DVD Release Date:
| March 19, 2002 | | Average Customer Rating:
|  based on 21 reviews |
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| $79.95 | Used
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- Good | | | $88.88 | New | | | $129.99 This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. | New | |
| New | |
| $88.88 | New | | | $129.99 This item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. | New | |
| Used | |
| $79.95 | Used
- VeryGood | | | $79.99 | Used
- Good | |
| | | | Customer Reviews: | |
Average Customer Review:
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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
DANCE WITH THE STARS, title given in TaiwanJul 12, 2007
The American Ballet Theatre came to Taiwan in the year 2000. Unfortunately, I missed it, I was in Bangkok, Thailand; I was planning to move back there for good because all my relatives are there, but didn't make it because I couldn't afford the medical bills there. However, I bought the DVD produced by a Taiwanese company to celebrate the occasion of ABT's present in Taipei, Taiwan with a different title as noted above.
I have just read most of the reviews by AMAZON customers; everybody seems to have different favorite program of the show. I am of no exception, my most favorite item is 'Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1'. I have every reason to like this piece more than the others. The Bruch concerto is one of the most beautiful violin concertos. The choreography complements the music perfectly with lively quick and yet elegant steps and movements. Ethan Stiefel and Ashley Tuttle may have very short solo dance and yet you simply look how graceful and nimble Ethan moves his legs, and you just can't but admire his skill as a dancer. Have you seen him in 'Le corsaire' as the swashbuckling pirate captain's dance steps and then to this palace aristocratic leg movements, and he has complete command of both, don't you admire him for it? Next, Ashley Tuttle whirls herself in nonstop pirouette in betweens jumps up and kicks one leg up behind her back so nimbly and swiftly as if she is weightless. I don't know about you, but for me it's just wonderful to watch both of them. They even have Angel Correla and paloma herrera to support them.
And ,of course, Julie Kent and Robert Hill the second lead couple. Both of them from the ultra modern 'Cruel World' to this graceful classical number, the transformation is complete and accomplished; from the awkward modern steps to the graceful classic. I can detect the contented expression on Robert Hill's face and the accomplished classical movements of Julie Kent. I just love this program, I can't have enough of it, the more I watch it the more I like it.
I said something about Ethan Stiefel in the ABT/Kirov Swan Lake review of his being looking very much like a prince. Here, before the program each star dancer has a chance to express his or her idea about dancing and the ABT. Just look at Ethan's close up, doesn't he look like a character ,a handsome prince for that matter, from a fairy tale, especially those beautiful, trustworthy blue eyes and that proper short haircut, it's the undeniable testimony of my opinion of his being perfect for the role of the prince in the new 'Sleeping Beauty' DVD. He was in his mid twenties in that DVD, He is now 35, and he is not going to get any younger. Please, give him a chance.
A Must Have for 2 main highlights, but not the bestFeb 02, 2007
POLONAIS/Sleeping Beauty: other than showing off a whole lot of sparkling costumes and blond wigs, all this does is show a company giving due tribute to Natalia Makarova (one of the greatest ballerinas). I usually skip it.
BLACK SWAN/Swan Lake: I've always liked Susan Jaffe, so it's a pleasure to see that another of her performances was preserved before she retired. And I hate to say this, but she does show her age here compared to other younger dancers' versions of this same grand pas de deux. Jose Carreno (sp?) is fabulous! His technique, artistry, musicality, and expression are always among the best.
THE LEAVES ARE FADING: It was also nice to see another of Amanda McKerrow's performances preserved. She has such a lightness of being on stage. And being partnered by her husband John Gardner made this tender and loving. But in terms of technique, Assylmiratova's version in "Essential Ballet" is far superior.
CRUEL WORLD: I'd never seen this pas de deux before, and I like James Kudelka's choreography, so I was very happy to see this included. Julie Kent is lovely and polished, as always. Robert Hill didn't have much actual dancing; he's more of a glorified porter for Kent in this. But it is a beautiful piece with equally beautiful music.
REMANSO: one of the great highlights! I was also unfamiliar with this, so it was a true treat; especially in that it features Vladimir Malakhov (as well as Parish Maynard and Keith Roberts). Beautifully danced to an almost simplistic piano solo, it is both sweet and passionate. The dancers do an exceptional job, considering that some of the choreography could come off as downright silly if danced by lesser men.
BALCONY PAS DE DEUX/Romeo and Juliet: I adore watching Alessandra Ferri dance, and she is always well paired with Julio Bocca. But in this particular performance, both seem a bit jaded as if relying more on muscle memory than anything else to get through the piece. I've seen them perform the full ballet live (and it blew me away), so perhaps this is why my opinion is what it is. Perhaps to fresh eyes, it will look as lovely as they ever perform it.
GRAND PAS DE DEUX/Don Quixote: the other highlight, and the real reason why I gave this DVD 5 stars! Angel Corella is the epitome of Basilo, and Paloma Herrera is a cute and kittenish Kitri. They show us how Don Q should always be performed: full-out bravura dancing with playful acting and sexual chemistry. I also liked the musical rendition of Kitri's solo (the usual form in the Nureyev versions is so tinkly and tinny), and that Paloma uses Baryshnikov's choreography.
THIRD MOVEMENT/Bruch Violin Concerto No 1: beautiful costumes in this piece, but the dancing was mediocre compared to other ABT company pieces. Ethan Stiefel shows us his great technique, and the Kent/Hill partnership is well done here. But I tend to skip this one too.
While I'm always interested to hear what other dancers feel and think about the roles they represent, I wish all of the interviews had been collated and put in a separate bonus feature rather than interspersed throughout. It would have left more time for actual top notch dancing, and that's what we look to ABT to see.
2 of 4 found the following review helpful:
Angel Corella dazzles in the Don Quixote Pas de Deux!Mar 14, 2006
Angel Corella, unquestionably one of the most thrilling dancers the world had ever seen, is breath-taking in this beautiful and exciting Don Quixote pas de deux (with Paloma Herrera.)
Is there more to this DVD than just this Pas? You bet! And it is a must-buy for any ballet lover.
17 of 20 found the following review helpful:
A gala record, reference point, and joy to watchDec 16, 2005
As with several other ABT rep. programs and galas captured for television, this DVD contains several pas de deux, an ensemble piece, and in this case, the pas de trois "Remanso". And as with galas and rep. programs, it is a mix of classical and neo-classical choreography. The interspersed interviews with the Artistic Director Kevin McKenzie and the dancers provide context: roles, preparation, importance to ABT's repertoire, and biographical info re both dancers and choreographer's intent. As an overview of ABT's vast eclectic repertoire and intro to ballet in general, it is an excellent dvd to own--and the strength and technique of the dancers is also well worth viewing. But the MOST important use of this dvd is when it is viewed in comparison to other ABT performances (available on similar dvd's) of the same pieces...
BLACK SWAN: It is wonderful that Susan Jaffe (sadly now retired) was captured on this dvd with the always impeccable partnering and technique of Jose Manuel Carreno. Her beautiful extensions, relish in the role, and slinky grace are very much evident. Is it the ultimate fluid grace of Cynthia Gregory and bravura of Fernando Bujones (What a shock his passing was! How sad.)on the video/dvd "ABT in San Francisco"? Or Makarova? Or the technical mastery of Gillian Murphy in the recent HD performance for PBS? No, but that's why balletomanes view different casts, to compare. Personally, Carreno still does the most complex controlled (dare I say difficult?) improvs to the standard male variation of most present/previous ABT casts.
ROMEO & JULIET Balcony Sc.: Of course the Ferri-Bocca partnership is legend at ABT and around the world. But I am sorry, this performance looked majorly under-rehearsed. Even Ms. Ferri herself, says they don't need to rehearse or speak often. Ok, they have done it countless times in the last twenty years; but if not together in a while, timing/placement issues will arise. And that's what's visible here. The placement on many of the lifts looks rushed, glossed over, and a bit uncomfortable. The follow thru and epaulement is missing. All in all, the fluidity and flow through each move and phrase to the end of this beautiful pas de deux is sometimes rather choppy. How can I say this? Because I have seen them dance much better elsewhere. And when this performance is viewed in comparison to the Ferri/Corella pairing at La Scala, those slips are more evident. Though taken at a faster clip, (with a better orchestra), the Ferri/Corella Balcony pas de deux is probably the more perfect technically and dramatically. Of course, both Ferri and Bocca are accomplished actors and this performance is fine in that department, if a little overdone. (That's to be expected from dancers so comfortable in the roles and with each other.) Comparisons can also be made with Ferri/Eagling 15 years earlier,and even an excerpt of Kent/Stiefel on the "CenterStage" dvd. (I except Fonteyn/Nureyev which stands alone.)
LEAVES ARE FADING: A lovely performance by a lovely dancer, Amanda McKerrow, who embodies Tudor's eloquent choreography as naturally as breathing. That she is partnered by her husband, John Gardner, only makes it more special for the delicacy and trust evident in their partnering. An excerpt that makes one yearn for the entire piece. It brought back memories of Gelsey: different, bolder, but still amazing. Other Tudor pieces by ABT are available on dvd for comparison, it not "Leaves..." entirely.
DON QUIXOTE Grand Pas: In the interviews prefacing this performance, both Herrera and Corella admit to being young--21 (and 23?)at the time--but are they really the "unseasoned prodigies" a NY critic called them? Not in this performance! View this in comparison to the Baryshnikov/Harvey performance, and both the technique, partnering, and interplay are very much superior. Again, Corella takes things at a faster clip than Baryshnikov. Corella's speed allows more rotations in the pirouettes, and that, and his astonishing ballon make that jete entrelace/entournant amazing both for speed and precision. But watch the details in the partnering: The mirrored line in both partners' sautes, epaulement, and turn of hand & foot; the precise musical phrasing; and the joyous insouciance in the interactions between them. (Even Baryshnikov & Gelsey in '74 missed that, though technically equal.) Paloma Herrera, too, has formidible technique and she takes full advantage of the chances this pas offers, and her partner displays, with aplomb. Bravura dancing is always going to elicit loud claps and cheers, but as McKenzie notes earlier, technique is not all, and here it's the glow that emanates from both dancers, coupled with that technique that really makes this work.
REMANSO provides a different opportunity to view Malakov and Parrish in a nonclassical performance. And a chance to see Duato's choreography beyond the limited dvd's released here. Others have reviewed this, and I have no disagreements with their superlative assessments. It is a small jewel of a ballet that slyly comments on human interactions, through the comparison, contrast, and collaboration of three very talented dancers.
CRUEL WORLD and the concluding BRUCH VIOLIN CONCERTO lets one see the Kent/Hill partnership in action and like the other partnerships on display in this dvd, it is a joy to watch.
Finally, Ethan Stiefel's comments are always pertinenet and that very precise, powerful technique is always worthwhile viewing. It's a quick view, but it's there. Ditto, Ashley Tuttle. And yes,unfortunately, the camera gets a little sloppy in this final piece--too many bodies to watch?--though the TD seems able to punch on the beat.
So, this dvd is definately worth purchasing for a chance to view most of the current stars of ABT in performance, and to sample various classic (and soon-to-be-classic?) choreography.
Enjoy.
6 of 6 found the following review helpful:
WOW!!! Wish i could give it TEN stars!Jul 01, 2005
This program, which features many of American Ballet Theatre's top artists, is aptly named. It contains excerpts of some well-known ballets (Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote), and some modern pieces (my favorite of these is "Remanso," by Spanish choreographer Nacho Duato; the dancing is lyrical, expressive and tecnically dazzling). The program ends with a lovely ensemble piece set to Bruckner's violin concerto. Even my husband, who normally doesn't much care for ballet, was wowed by this DVD. It's a "must have" for any dance fan.
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