It was quite a Bayadere week. Apart from the array of turban’s that I can choose from…
June 24- This evenings performance was VERY special. It served as Gillian Murphys debut performance as Nikiya, the lead ballerina in La Bayadere. Gillian put long hours of work with Natalia Makarova into this debut and it all payed off when the curtain rose and we danced the ballet together. It is always special when someone you are dancing with makes a debut performance. And even more special when the hard work they put in, shows. This was the case on Tuesday night. Gillian was so physical in her dancing and so convincing in her interpretation, that to call it a successful debut is an understatement.
June 26- Given the sheer physicality of Met season (8 shows a week), there is inevitably going to be the show where you are called upon to fill in for a dancer. This came to me the day after my first Bayadere, feeling the pains of a full length ballet, I received a call from artistic staff saying that Jose Manuel Carreno couldn’t dance on Thursday night with Irina Dvorovenko. Then having had one day to recover from Tuesday, I rehearsed about a half hour with Irina and rested up for Thursday. Natasha Makarova gave me some great insight on my first show, telling me to be more sublimely-romantic and not as earthly-romantic a character. So I had words of advice and was set to go, in all its spontaneity of dancing with a new ballerina.
June 28- Third and last Bayadere. This one, more grounded, more calm, more in the moment. Until my shoulder came out of its socket in Act I (more on that later). I finished the show nonetheless, and it surprised me how much an accident like that, on stage for that matter, calms you even more. A great show for Gillian, and good all around.
By the way… which one is your favorite turban?
QQ
Your shoulder came out of its socket in Act I ???? NOOOOOOOOOO !!!! OUCH
… and you still finished the performance with even more calm. WOW. (hmm, even after i said “best of luck” to you…)
And, I also read somewhere from some audience members that went to the show that you still gave fully committed performance even though being disturbed by some incidents on stage on June 24th your first night…
You are my hero, David.
it’s hard to imagine how those turbans look on you with the dummy heads, which have absolutely no resemblance to you, but i pick the 2nd from the bottom anyways. because the golden color is close to your hair color, and the ruby red accentuates your features. and overall with the white feather it fits better the noble status of Solor. the middle one is a good choice too, i like it simpler. as for my personal taste, i like the bottom one (i think it looks good on me ;))
Jul 07, 2008 @ 04:49
K.
thank you for your exciting blogs that take us into
the dancer’s world!
i love the bottom turban. elegant!
we wish we could see the performance!
Jul 07, 2008 @ 13:47
jolene
Love the pearls on the last one.
Jul 07, 2008 @ 18:05
xtanzer
Second from bottom. You want the contrast of the jewel if you are fair-skinned. You also want a turban that is close to the shape of the head. Nothing with too much of a bulge… That second-from-the-bottom one is a classy turban.
Sorry about your shoulder, that’s a rough injury! I’m sure you’ll need some PT, yes?
So I see on ABT’s website you are scheduled to dance Giselle matinee on Wednesday afternoon, but the latest flier I see at the box office has a totally different cast. Did you have to withdraw from dancing Albrecht? We’d really been looking forward to that one. Hoping you recover quickly and completely.
–xtanzer
Jul 07, 2008 @ 19:02
Stephanie
I’ve heard of suck it up and carry on, but that takes the cake! Merde to you for soldering on through the injury!
I’m partial to the last turban. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but pearls are a close second.
Jul 07, 2008 @ 20:17
Barbara
David, I’m so sorry not to be seeing you debut in Giselle but the most important thing is for you to heal completely and not overdo. That way you’ll be ship shape when you start touring and for the fall season. Thank you for a wonderful season of your amazing dancing. I’m already looking forward to City Center.
As for the turban, I agree the gold with the red band and large jewel is the best. It’s the exact replica of the one in Solor’s portrait and would look the best with your coloring.
PS - Also hoping you will post, as you usually do, about your summer vacation. What could outdo your trip last year to Belize and the little dance by your brother!! Wherever you go, have a relaxing and rejuvenating time - you deserve it!
Jul 07, 2008 @ 20:50
Amy
I’d have to say the turban second from the bottom. It has an elegance about it that the others don’t. Very Solor!
Sounds painful. o.0
You definitely get a point for bravery! That has to be one hard injury to finish out a performance with!
I wish you a perfect and painless recovery!
Jul 08, 2008 @ 19:27
Caroline
I’m so sorry about your shoulder, I totally understand what you are going through, I was at CPYB for the summer and dislocated my knee, they had to send me home. Merde for going on with the show!!! Hope you feel better!
Jul 09, 2008 @ 01:31
andrea
I will be visiting Madrid this August- would you happen to be able to recommend anyplace to find open ballet classes? any help would be so appreciated!!!
Jul 17, 2008 @ 23:59