balletmagic

starring Alina Somova and Evgeny Ivanchenko transcended sketchy sets and bordering on gaudy peasant costumes to become one of ballet most memorable nights. While the first act was well acted and beautifully danced, it was the Willis act that hold me transfixed, lifting my spirits and brining to a new level of art appreciation. As if an old etching depicting Romantic ballerina of the 19th century came to life on stage of The Kennedy Center and mind you, this was not a mere stylization of the revered Romantic ballet, but a living breathing scene of extraordinary beauty and stylistic purity.

I can’t even attempt to describe Samovar’s light as breath sautés and breath extending to the tips of her fingers, melting quality of her landings, the softest possible plie and the quintessential Giselle 2nd arabesque extending into space and time. No words can describe the magic of this exceptional performance…

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