BAE Students Get All the Love They Need (and Deserve)

Joey Lico | May 24, 2009 | there are 0 comments

Walking into Ballet Academy Easts Spring Performance at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater, I noticed the parents first. Eager and proud of their little dancers accomplishments, presents and flowers abundant in their arms, they were already congratulating students before they graced the stage. Odd, I thought, What if they fall out of their pirouettes?

As it turns out a few of them did. Starting with a collaborative performance of Balanchines La Source dancers often missed their music marks. During the pas de deux, Level 8 dancers Chloe Sherman and Devon Carbone showed promise as future ballet company members, but lacked the trust you often see in partner work. They simply looked uncomfortable and no amount of beautiful arabesques and turns can replace the poetry between two dancers. As they danced I could imagine weeks of shaky rehearsals behind this presentation (did he drop her? Did she miss her mark more than once?).
Dancers Alissa Stover and Alexander Castillo were more connected in their partnering. The pas de deux they performed during A Simple Assortment was as sensual as it was strong. As though lifting a woman above your head while she splits in the air was the most natural thing in the world, these two brought an honest intensity to their duet.
Katherine Kim performed her solo with the exuberance of a half popped popcorn kernel. She was a cheerful delight (and one of the better Kitris [Don Quixote] Ive seen) amidst the somewhat nervous supporting cast. Confident and vigorous in her presentation, I would have liked to see more emotional range; what worked in Don Quixote did not necessarily translate in La Source, despite her virtuosity.
The biggest disappointment for me what the gem of a dancer swaying in the background; despite my best efforts to watch whom the director was waving in front of me I could barely divert my attention from Alexander Kassidis. She was stunningly beautiful and moved lithely around the stage. She possessed a radiant smile and elegant movement certainly worth the $55 admission. Kassidis is a dancer you just enjoy watching; a rare quality in any performer, let alone a student.
Levels 3 through 7 danced pieces that were surprisingly enjoyable given the recital-like presentation (albeit, if WAS a recital). Dancer Elie Winick showed extraordinary augur during Concerto in F. Her delicate hands and graceful port de bras were astounding considering her youth.
While the parents oood and ahhhd I remembered what it felt like for me so happy to see my mother and father (and aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents) smiling energetically in the audience; and it occurred to me that it never mattered if I fell or forgot a step, the fact that I was up on stage made them so pleased. These young dancers had the loving support from their friends and family that night, and nothing I write (good or bad) can take that away.