Our own much-missed Yuriko Kajiya will debut as Manon next month at Houston Ballet along with the extraordinary Aaron Robison as Des Grieux. The former long-time artistic director of the RNZB, Gary Harris, is setting Sir Kenneth MacMillan's masterpiece on HB's new casts which include Karina Gonzalez and Charles-Louis Yoshiyama.
Click here to get the FULL SCREEN view to watch not only the glorious rehearsal clip of Manon's life hurtling toward its end, but to witness the reactions of Yuriko's and Aaron's colleagues, especially that guy standing by the door and several others seated on the floor. A lot of breath was lost over that perfectly planned just-in-time catch by Mr. Robison.
Click here to see the video and other neat clips on Houston Ballet's Instagram page.
Hopefully, the folks at Lincoln Center at the Movies – Great American Dance have their sights set on Houston Ballet for the next season of telecasts. We're missing too much.
That was beautiful. The trust she has for her partner was great to see. I watched a few clips of the Houston dancers, they have a wonderful company, full of talent.
Posted by: melponeme_k | August 25, 2015 at 09:50 AM
So, true. I forgot to mention that the accompanist is fantastic. Who needs an orchestra when you have a pianist who will give you that?
Posted by: Haglund | August 25, 2015 at 09:55 AM
Gorgeous! I wish I had defected to a "2nd tier" company where I may have danced such roles!
Posted by: frmrdncr | August 25, 2015 at 03:00 PM
Wow, and what a great partner she has!
Posted by: frmrdncr | August 25, 2015 at 03:13 PM
This is really stunning! What a loss for New York, both Yuriko and Jared.
Posted by: Angelica Smith | August 25, 2015 at 05:11 PM
I agree with everyone that the dancers and pianist are magnificent! Would love to see Yuriko and Aaron dance Manon.
Posted by: Georgiann | August 25, 2015 at 05:51 PM
Magnificent! I would love to see Yuriko dance Manon! Haglund, that is a great idea to telecast Houston Ballet.
Posted by: Georgiann | August 25, 2015 at 08:07 PM
I'll second that, Angelica. The loss of Yuriko and Jared from ABT for no reasons other than absence of opportunities to dance and advance is yet another Exhibit A of the failed and unaccountable leadership that is artistically disabled.
Posted by: Haglund | August 26, 2015 at 08:33 AM