Archive for gig
September 21, 2006 at 7:33 pm · Filed under travel, choreographers, gala, dancers, DAVID, gig, welcome, EVAN MCKIE, italy
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| Posted by David
Hello all!
I would first like to welcome Evan to the Winger family… Evan and I go back to a summer intensive in 1998 (ages ago) and was my room mate for the whole summer. A person very close to my heart!
This past week, I finalized my crazy travel schedule, and danced in a gala in Verona, Italy. It was a gala headlined by Alessandra Ferri and my partner was Alexandra Ansenelli, former principle dancer with NYCB and first soloist now with Royal Ballet. Although being in Verona was a treat unto itself, there was much work to be done…. my repetoire was Tchaikovsky pas de deux and Apollo (both Balanchine rep), two very hard ballets and both with a new partner.
I arrived after two long flights to this gorgeous city and even more gorgoeus theater, rehearsed with Alexandra, and tried to soak up a little Italian lifestyle. THE FOOD!!! THE CAPPUCCINOS!!! It was a major toss up between the food in Japan and Italy, but whose to compare… they are night and day.
This theater was called ‘Teatro Philharmonico’. A lavish, ornate theater fully equipped with the ‘presidential box’ (like in Russia) and a full on rake. Dancing on a rake (where the stage in inclined downward towards the audience) is something to have to get used to. It changes your weight and balance for everything. It is a true test unto itself.
Nevertheless, the performance was a joy. I danced with Evan’s fellow company members, Alicia Amatriain and Friedemann Vogel along with Robert Tewsley, Ms. Ferri and others from Hamburg Ballet and Roland Petit’s company.
A great trip to finish off the chaos that was summer… but its honestly good to be home.
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September 12, 2006 at 11:14 pm · Filed under costumes, designers, DAVID, dancewear, gig, japan
| | Posted by David
Another set of costumes, this time designed by Peter Farmer, a Brit that does a lot of Royal Ballet productions back in London.
Les Sylphides is on the right and Paquita on the left.
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September 12, 2006 at 11:05 pm · Filed under travel, blogs, websites, DAVID, technology, gig, japan
| | Posted by David
It is so exciting to hear from certain Japanese that they have been reading the Winger!
I have gotten countless remarks and comments about the Winger and what its contributors are doing to the website. I was in an interview for Japanese Dance Magazine and the interviewer told me that she was reading the Winger and was loving all of the entries. Then I received this card, which proudly mentioned the site!
If you can make it out, the card says, “and I enjoy “the Winger” blog and photos, they are so interesting and sometimes funny!” Awwwwww!!!!
Brava Kristin for making such a great site and fulfilling audiences desire for another side of the dance world!
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September 7, 2006 at 10:08 am · Filed under food, DAVID, gig, japan
| | Posted by David
In the area of Shibuya there are small streets with even smaller restaurants that cater mostly to business men fresh off of work or anyone that just needs a quick bite to eat. Well, this has been by far one of the best dinners I have had in Tokyo.
I walked down the streets, looking like a total AMERICAN GRINGO and decided on the most packed restaurant I could find (the food MUST be good if there are only Japanese in there). I sat down and they promptly gave me the ‘english’ menu. After an order of chicken and steak skewers, home made tofu, and cold udon noodles, I sat at the bar and watched them make my food. The udon noodles were cooked, then put in ice and chilled, served with sesame seeds, wasabi, and scallions.. So simple but SO GOOD. The best part was the tofu. It was home made and softer than I have ever tasted anywhere. They told me to eat it with just a little salt and hot chile powder. EUPHORIC..
I was the only white boy in there but was made to feel so welcome and comfortable that it ended up being one of the best meals I have eaten in Japan.
In all its simplicity…
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September 6, 2006 at 7:58 pm · Filed under backstage, ballet, dance, travel, rehearsal, studio, dancers, DAVID, gig, japan
| | Posted by David
My partner for Sylphides, Akiko, playing around before rehearsal. She is such a sweetie who doesn’t speak english, so we have to use our body language to communicate. Interesting…
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September 5, 2006 at 9:26 am · Filed under animals, media, film, DAVID, gig, japan
| | Posted by David
As my Sunday stroll took me through a very hip neighborhood called Daikanyama, and joining the Japanese in what they do best, shop, I came across this rather interesting interpretation of the classic musical Annie. But…. a Japanese version. Although the wig is barely red (that would seem out of place I think) they had the whole cast that I grew up with (the movie that is).
Here is not one but two Annie’s, one sitting and one standing, and Daddy Warbuck’s, Ms. Hannigin, Grace the secretary, and the evil Rooster and Lily St. Regis! What fun! I grew up with this movie, with Ann Reinking, Tim Curry, Carol Burnett, and Bernadette Peters. It’s amazing how theater like this is worldwide. With “Tomorrow” sung in Japanese!
Rooster, Lily, and the ’standing’ Annie…
Grace!!!!
Daddy Warbuck’s looking as stern as ever!
Sandy… Dumb dog, why are you following me?! (anyone, anyone?)
| | Posted by David
Recent Posts by david hallberg
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