During Symphony in C at Saturday’s matinee, it appeared that much of the audience might die from happiness. People were gasping and shaking their heads in disbelief as Ashley Bouder illuminated one musical phrase after another with such clarity and brilliance that she should have her name on the Orchestra roster, too. It was remarkable how she could find the time to shade the First Movement with such divine musicality while Clotilde Otranto conducted the orchestra at a blissfully blistering pace. Maybe Concerto Barocco could be turned over to this conductor to enliven it.
Bouder’s effect on Andrew Veyette’s dancing needs to be scientifically investigated. She draws the best performances out of him and yesterday was no exception. He arrived on stage with his internal precision gyroscope pre-set to whirl at Bouder-speed. Everything was working for him – turns, jumps, beats. His was a phenomenal performance.
Maria Kowroski and Tyler Angle danced a nearly perfect Second Movement. No problems today with the hand switch while holding a developpe a la seconde, and Maria’s pirouettes were peppy and confident. Tyler’s own virtuosity has recently hit a new high level with its strength and boldness.
Lauren Lovette and Joseph Gordon ironed out the kinks in their partnering to deliver one of the most enjoyable and highly coordinated Third Movements that we’ve seen in a long time. They looked marvelous together. Gordon has this Opie Taylor-like charm and is so obviously thrilled to be on stage dancing.
Lauren King and Taylor Stanley jumped right into the fast lane with their Fourth Movement. It was brief but so gloriously danced that you would have thought that it was the centerpiece of this ballet – that is, until Bouder returned to the stage to begin the finale. And oh what a finale. The corps, demi-soloists, and principals delivered a stage full of perfection. All those sparkly white tutus contrasted with the black which the men wore nearly overwhelmed with their beauty.
The afternoon’s program included a vivid performance of Agon led by Teresa Reichlen, Adrian Danchig-Waring, Savannah Lowery, Anthony Huxley, Ashley Hod, Allen Peiffer, Unity Phelan, and Andrew Scordato. Tess had the energy today that was missing from Thursday’s Concerto Barocco. While her match-up with Adrian may not have been optimal, they managed the complex partnering without incident.
When Adrian and Anthony Huxley were on stage at the same time, you felt your eyes start to go off in opposite directions while trying to focus on both of them. Each dancer's presentation was forceful and clarifying with lines and shapes that made bold statements about the brilliance of the choreography.
Ashley Hod and Unity Phelan handled their assignments very well. Each is blessed with a gorgeous instrument and seems born to dance the black & white repertory.
Serenade was gorgeous Saturday afternoon. The corps de ballet and demi-soloists painted an impressionistic dreamscape of cool blue beauty. Megan LeCrone, Sara Mearns, Erica Pereira, Jared Angle and Justin Peck were the principals. Haglund has never paid much attention to the Russian Girl’s rush to the front of the stage and sudden stop until yesterday. Erica defined the moment with unusual emotional immediacy – her look out to the back of the house compelled us to look into her soul. Megan continues to develop her role as the Dark Angel. Those tapered limbs of hers are among the most beautiful in the company and they now sweep with a new grand boldness.
Just to circle back to Symphony in C for a moment – everyone should try to see Ashley Bouder in the First Movement. She’s scheduled to perform it on February 12th again, this time with Chase Finlay. Chase had some problems during the last outing that seemed to be due to a lack of focus. Bouder may be able to help fix that. We’re counting on her to hold him to a high standard – whatever it takes – because we need this guy seriously back on track.
Here's a toast to the new standards being set by the dancers at NYCB these days. There aren't many in the world who could stand tall and walk in a Pump Bump Award like this Louboutin Pigale Plato Pump with a seven inch heel, but we're pretty sure that Ashley Bouder could dance in it.
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