Waltz of the Flowers (Kyra Nichols)

Even though this was filmed ten years after his death in 1983, Kyra Nichols, the superlative "Dewdrop" in this WALTZ OF THE FLOWERS, was trained by him and danced for him many years under his expert guidance. In this video from 1993 she retains the clarity, speed, musicality, and sense of selflessness he wanted from all his dancers. By this I mean that sometimes these days one sees dancers that match her technically, but get the sense that they are showing off. "Look how fast I am," "Look at me playing with the music," "Look at how high I can get my legs and how many turns I can do," "Look at how exaggerated I can make my ports de bras because, after all, Balanchine let his dancers do what they wanted." NO...ALL OF THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HE DIDN'T WANT! Watching Kyra here, and Allegra Kent in the video I posted earlier, it's clear they are very different dancers, but they share the same esthetic. "Dance for Dance's sake." It should never be about you the dancer. It should be about the Dance, albeit coming via your specific personality and own special gifts that you bring to the table. Balanchine didn't want robots or automatons. He LOVED personalities...but he abhorred show-offs. He used to tell us we were all "Servants of Terpsichore"...and he meant it! So...enjoy "Waltz of the Flowers" as it used to be danced."

[@dianeswanson8206]

This is so beautiful. Kyra Nichols is a most radiant ballerina and a perfect Dewdrop. Thank you for sharing this magic.

[@brendadufaur37]

His Waltz of the Flowers is so beautiful

[@sherryruth3749]

Hello Sweet Dear❤️ This is the most Lovely Flowing choreography of my favorite piece from the nutcracker! I have Longed to see this heightened & exhilarating dance, I could watch it over & over again, never tiring of the joy it brings!! Most Excellent choreography & fabulous execution!!!

[@Marta44339]

Gorgeous and she makes it look effortless. She's the definitive Dewdrop! I loved her dancing although I never saw her Dewdrop. Thanks for posting this.

[@askteacher9671]

Thank you for this. I knew Kyra's brother, Robbie Nichols, from my meditation center and now I have finally seen her perform. Kyra and Robbie gained their early enthusiasm and training from their mother in Berkeley, California. I will pass this video gift from you on to my granddaughter, Kiera, who after five years of ballet has her sights set on performing.

[@sherryruth3749]

Lovely! Has she gotten to perform?

[@Jayjen35]

Thank you so much for this upload. This is my favorite part of the ballet and one of my favorite parts in ballet period. Very beautiful!

[@nan2kaye]

KYRA is a stunning ballerina!

[@erpollock]

I so remember Kyra Nichols from my dance-watching days at NYCB. She was wonderful! Thank you for bringing her back.

[@theramensgirl]

so pretty I love this!! a great speed and verrrry happy foot work!! merry Christmas!!🌸👼🐭

[@valentina.mend0za]

3:10

[@doremanasevit4099]

She is stunning!

[@giuliorenzobighin8165]

Ottima prova sia del corollario danzante EVOCANTE le positure della fluidità motile del balletto che l'immaginazione della figuralita' .Ottima prova della ballerina ed accattivante l'enfatizzazione al fine dell'esecuzione della esecutivita'. BRAVISSIMI TUTTI.Bighin GIULIO RENZO

[@jodifritz9456]

I often saw the BEAUTEOUS and WONDERFUL DANCER KYRA NICHOLS HERE IN NYC, AT THE NYCB😊❤

[@kellymac2404]

love Kyra!

[@feathersforfun]

Barbara Matera redid all the costumes, thats her headless& Kyras costume is way to look, look at Allegra in the TV special

[@wokechim4111]

Do any of you guys know what happened to Ashley bouders version of this went?????

[@speteydog2260]

Gorgeous music.

[@khanyisazondani7819]

Wow this was so beautiful this was so beautiful😘😍💋

[@tinam.9810]

Beautiful

[@simaraft7373]

Splendid.