I appreciate your article. However, if you’re going to mention an historic event, which it was, like the first black couple to perform Sugar Plum and Cavalier with the Royal Ballet in London in 1990... why not include the names? Christina Johnson and Ronald Perry. As well, writing... “around 1990”... adds a nuance of insignicance, and even irresponsibility for not taking the time to verify and then state that it was indeed 1990... rather than a vague guess. Although this article is not about that moment in history, since you make a point to mention it do so with the honor it deserves. This is another missed opportunity in our storytelling.
7
The two dancers from Dance Theatre of Harlem mentioned in the review as having been guests at the Royal Ballet have names: Christina Johnson and Ronald Perry. Stunning artists who deserve praise and full recognition.
6
For sheer magical perfection check out Marianella Nunez and Vadim Muntagirov of the Royal ballet - they make it look easy!
1
Many years ago, I danced the Cavalier with an amateur company in CO and WY (yes, Wyoming), and was always puzzled about how he fit into the plot. I'm glad I'm not the only one who couldn't figure it out. The Sugarplum and I had a running joke about the plots of ballets, operas, and certain...ahem...movies not needing to make sense, because people watch them for the performance itself, in the moment, and do not analyze too deeply.
1
Wonderful article—the night we saw it, with Unity Phelan as Sugar Plum and Joseph Gordon as Cavalier, the moment you describe with the deep double backbend was extra dramatic, as they executed the first one impeccably and then fumbled the second. Reading that this is a recently restored change makes more sense. Also,not sure how a ballerina can be “febrile”—I imagine you meant another word...?
1
I am stunned to learn through other commenters that you will be leaving the NYT.
Your erudition and love of dance has so enriched the post of dance critic. It is our loss.
5
Daniel Ulbricht has been a principal for ELEVEN YEARS and is just now doing Sugar Plum Cavalier?! How is that possible?
4
Mr. Mccauley's writing is fine dance.He is one of our
greatest treasured gifts from The New York Times.
My deepest thanks, sir, and a happy holiday season to
you and yours.
SDS
10
Kudos Mccauley. This article was my Christmas gift from the NYT. Long may it bring us cultural gems like this.
10
Alastair Macaulay, Thank you for sharing your many thoughts about ballet and ballet performances with your NYTs audience. Your descriptions of Balanchine dances have brought their joys back to life for me, now living in Santa Fe. Your descriptions are loving, precise magic. I am so sorry that you will be leaving this post. Thanks for the memories!
17
Small heartfelt frustration: in an online review, surely there should be a way to illustrate the point you’re teaching us, with a linked video clip. I learn so much from you but this would be the obvious enhancement. Maybe the NYT and your successor will find a way in 2019? Many thanks for your erudition and passion over the years. Hope to continue reading you in other media.
13
Google royal ballet nutcracker pas de deux to see Marianella Nunez and Muntagirov demonstrate this beautifully.
1
NYCB is amazing but I never see this kind of coverage for any other dance in the city, except ABT. For goodness sake, the teenagers in SAB are covered more than all of experimental dance combined. It would be comparable to the Times only covering the events of Greenwich, CT, and hardly ever the Bronx. I don’t mean to whine and they truly are so beautiful but this show is from decades ago (like old money), everyone is straight (at least pretending to be) and white, and skinny, and all the women are Barbie dolls. They deserve all the accolades but how will dance ever progress if the only thing to aspire to is something that showcases one narrow type. Even fashion is trying harder to diversify.
12
Having seen other ballet troupes, I am forever grateful to Balanchine for conceiving a beauty not equaled anywhere else. Yes, his dancers require a certain kind of body. That's okay.
Cover all the other types of dance, to be sure. I love Alvin Ailey. But I wouldn't mess with Balanchine.
15
@Mike
I am sorry, but not one NYCB ballerina has ever reminded me of a Barbie (no one alive ever had a body like a Barbie doll) and all negative things it implies.
The type of training a ballet dancer practices results in a certain body type: lean, wiry and muscular.
15
@Mike
So? this ballet is about a fantasy from of all places, Russia.
Have you not noticed the incredible explosion and popularity of Rap & Hip Hop Music inspired dance from the Broadway stage to the Super Bowl , Academy awards and at every dance program in our colleges and other art schools ,let alone in dancing art video's over the last 30 years?
sweetness and light, and a little bit more, plus all those kids to sell tickets - it never goes out of style
9