I like both the fast and crescendo versions. My overall favourite performance is the 1977 one @2:29. See how she performs the opening step as it should be, i. e., a big sissonne in ecarté. The leg is very high and yet she remains in perfect control during all those "meditative" fondues and pliés that become the 3rd Shade's trademark. So challenging. It's also remarkable how she practically crosses the whole stage on pointe instead of finishing the bourrée diagonal early as many Shades do, and she also uses her arms very effectively, giving the impression that she could take off and fly away at any moment; she just gets this variation. The current version with the dumbed-down sissonne strikes me as clumsy and an excuse for dancers to flaunt their six o'clock kicks gratuitously. Another great side-by-side video, anyway!
It's such a shame. The dancer from 2002 had such beautiful legs and feet, but both she and Vasnetsova both danced the variation so unmusically. The 1964 recording has long been my favorite.
Pity they discarded the rond de jambe in the first line in favor of a foot-to-ear developpe. The rond de jambe was musical. I also like the original chore of the backward diagonale.
Yes, the whole variation has become sticky and gymnastic. It would be good to see the flow of movement again, the orchestra is probably bored to distraction playing the very slow tempo.
Pity there isn't a film from the Royal Ballet in the 1960s! Was this used as the first variation by Nureyev. I recall he placed the fast one second, and placed his solo before the third
Loved the annotaded version. It just sparkles. And 1964 traditional version was delightfully musical. Not very impressed with the rest. Too slow and too wobbly.
Wow - seeing the evolution of this variation is so interesting!
I like both the fast and crescendo versions. My overall favourite performance is the 1977 one @2:29. See how she performs the opening step as it should be, i. e., a big sissonne in ecarté. The leg is very high and yet she remains in perfect control during all those "meditative" fondues and pliés that become the 3rd Shade's trademark. So challenging. It's also remarkable how she practically crosses the whole stage on pointe instead of finishing the bourrée diagonal early as many Shades do, and she also uses her arms very effectively, giving the impression that she could take off and fly away at any moment; she just gets this variation. The current version with the dumbed-down sissonne strikes me as clumsy and an excuse for dancers to flaunt their six o'clock kicks gratuitously.
Another great side-by-side video, anyway!
1977 and 2002 my favorits! Thank you for uploading.
It's such a shame. The dancer from 2002 had such beautiful legs and feet, but both she and Vasnetsova both danced the variation so unmusically. The 1964 recording has long been my favorite.
Pity they discarded the rond de jambe in the first line in favor of a foot-to-ear developpe. The rond de jambe was musical. I also like the original chore of the backward diagonale.
Yes, the whole variation has become sticky and gymnastic. It would be good to see the flow of movement again, the orchestra is probably bored to distraction playing the very slow tempo.
Frankly I think 2002 and 2009 are horrible. They practically walk the steps instead of dancing them. Really disgraceful.
Pity there isn't a film from the Royal Ballet in the 1960s! Was this used as the first variation by Nureyev. I recall he placed the fast one second, and placed his solo before the third
Navarre Brixen in the Nureyev ROH staging I don’t think any of the variations was really slow. Certainly no hyperextended indulgence
1:16 1964 version
Loved the annotaded version. It just sparkles. And 1964 traditional version was delightfully musical. Not very impressed with the rest. Too slow and too wobbly.
You really need nerves of steel to perform this variation properly.
Dreadful version