ABT Season Preview

Preview of the American Ballet Theatre fall season at the Guggenheim Museum tonight.

Caught the gorgeous Gillian Murphy in an excerpt of “Thirteen Diversions” (and heard her speak in an interview). Looking forward to the ABT Gala on October 18th!

More from the evening. Saw Benjamin Millepied working with Devon Teuscher, Catherine Hurlin, Misty Copeland, David Hallberg, and Cory Stearns on “I Feel the Earth Move” (and heard about his childhood in Senegal and the influence of modern and African dance). A glimpse of Isabella Boylston and Thomas Forster in “Elegy Pas de Deux”. Of course, Blaine Hoven dancing with Gillian!

Star Spotting at the Met Opera

Star spotting tonight at the Met Opera!

The final week of American Ballet Theatre season is the Tchaikovsky Spectacular. Tonight’s program features excerpts from four ballets… or put differently, a chance to see six principals and five soloists on stage in a single night (and that’s just the top billed artists).

Two of my favorite stars, Gillian Murphy and James Whiteside, duetted in a fun Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux. As the tempo picked up, the aerials only got faster and higher, cultivating in Gillian leaping into two gorgeous fish dives and an overhead lift by James to end the piece. Bravos! Thank you for the treat!!! 🔥😍😘

Cassie Trenary was lovely as Princess Aurora in Aurora’s Wedding. Sadly, Herman Cornejo was injured and unable to perform as Prince Désiré.

Costuming for the wedding is absolutely stunning. Love Alexandra Basmagy‘s dress as the Queen (and her beautiful performance earlier in the night in Mozartiana alongside Catherine Hurlin). My favorite step of all times is the mazurka, and so naturally I adored ensemble of mazurka dancers.

We got a preview of the White Cat on instagram during intermission by Elina Miettinen, who came out as the purrrfect sassy kitten. Don’t mess with this one. Meow! 😻