New York City Ballet - A Gala of a Night!
Paul Kolnik - Chichester Psalms
New York City Ballet did at their gala what they do best; put on a performance that left the audience remembering why they buy their tickets. The dancers are all but impeccable at what they do, which is probably why City Ballet holds the reputation that it does for near perfection. The gala was held in what was formerly known as The New York State Theater. Now, thanks to David Koch who has most generously donated 100 million dollars to the cause, the theater will now be known as the David H. Koch Theater. Peter Martins humerously toasted Mr. Koch, who was sitting above us in the mezzanine, with a shot of vodka in celebration. Mr. Koch's wife also was given a shot, but her face spoke volumes about how much that was to her liking.
More on the dancing after the jump!
David Koch
'Chichester Psalms' by Peter Martins was the only piece done in its entirety, and we are so glad it was. The choreography and the dancing went so beautifully with the live choir singing behind them. The stage was beautiful to look at in itself; the dancing and song together was meticulous and was our favorite piece of the night.
Another wonderful piece was 'The Unanswered Question' danced by Janie Taylor and Daniel Ulbrecht. Balanchine's choreography was given just what it deserves, two wonderful dancers to execute it. Our only qualm about this piece was that we wished the men carrying Janie had been less visible. It took away from the etherealness of the piece.
'Blossom Got Kissed' by Susan Stroman showed the versatility of the dancers. The choreography is adorable. You get very much what you expect. Broadway choreography; which there is absolutely nothing wrong with. The premise of the piece is cute, and there is lots of humor to be had. Blossom starts with no rhythm and therefore has no man; Blossom finds her rhythm and finds a man. You are rooting for her the whole time you watch it!
'Calcium Nightlight' choreographed by Martins, and Balanchine's 'Who Cares' were both danced beauitfully. The live singer for 'Who Cares,' however, did not seem to fit. There was a slight affectation to a lot of the lyrics, which was distracting from the movement happening on the stage.
New York City Ballet performed exactly as expected on opening night; beautifully!
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