written by Stella  on 04.02. at 09:27:44

>Dear Kyle,>I think it's only natural for us to focus on the male dancers when we attend ballet performances.  As aspiring danseurs, we can learn the most by watching them.  At the moment, American Ballet Theatre has a roster of strong males that some critics say is unprecidented in history.>I was lucky enough to attend ABT's 60th Anniversary Spring Gala last May.  It was a mixed program that included the Act II pas de deux from "Swan Lake," danced by Julie Kent and Angel Corella.  Kyle, if you want to see a dancer with awesome elevation, check out Angel Corella!  Also on the gala was a Balanchine piece: "Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux" danced by Amanda McKerrow and Vladimir Malakhov.  I mentioned Malakhov to you before as a great adagio dancer.  Malakhov is nearly 6'2" and his line is perfect.  A pas de deux from "Diana and Acteon" was danced by Paloma Herrera and Jose Manuel Carreno, and had been staged by the great Nureyev.  Even though my attention was on the men, it's hard not to be hypnotized by a prima ballerina as brilliant as Herrera.  There was also a pas de deux from "Manon" with Alessandra Ferri and Julio Bocca, and their partnering was wonderful.  Bocca is a real star, with great versatility and acting ability.  There was also great acting from Nina Ananiashvili as "The Dying Swan."  The company performed the premiere of a Twyla Tharp piece: "Variations on a Theme by Haydn," and they showed versatility in doing her contemporary choreography.  Susan Jaffe and Angel Corella danced the pas de deux from "Le Corsaire" and thrilled me so much that I cried.>Incidentally, ABT performed "Le Corsaire" on PBS this year.  It's kind of a silly old ballet, but the music is great and it has strong roles for many of the company's leading men. Try to see it if it's on again, or see if you can get it on video.  If you do, check out Joaquin de Luz: a soloist with the company that rocks the audience when he performs.>I think it's cool that both your rents were dancers.  They must have passed on some awesome ballet genes to you.  Hope rehearsals are good.>Joe