With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Ballet Review: The Sleeping Beauty at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
In center, Julie Kent, Michele Wiles and Ethan Stiefel in The Sleeping Beauty at the Music Center this weekend. | Photo by Gene Schiavone
()
In center, Julie Kent, Michele Wiles and Ethan Stiefel in The Sleeping Beauty at the Music Center this weekend. | Photo by Gene Schiavone
- by Ellen Reid for LAist
Make no mistake, The Sleeping Beauty is a bona fide ballet: There are tutus, fairies, sparkles, flowers, lots of little girls and even an American Girl Doll you can buy at the T-shirt stand. But, the American Ballet Theater’s (ABT) execution of The Sleeping Beauty is an amazing union of the strength, athleticism, grace and precision of the dancers on stage with the fluff that makes an evening at the ballet both lavish and glorious.
The men in this ballet could jump. With original choreography by the late Marius Petipa, who also choreographed Swan Lake, and additional choreography in this ABT production by Kevin McKenzie, Gelsey Kirkland and Michael Chernov, The Sleeping Beauty featured jump sequences that challenged the pull of gravity. Marcelo Gomes, who played the Prince Desire, commanded the stage from the moment he entered. It seemed as if he leapt half way across the stage in one single bound. What a way for the prince to enter! The chemistry between Princess Aurora (Gillian Murphy) and Marcelo Gomes was definitely believable. Murphy, a powerful and graceful dancer, gave a compelling performance as the fated princess.
The run away rock star of the evening was the young Daniil Simkin. This 22-year-old rising ballet star danced the role of Bluebird. Although Bluebird only appears in the final act, Simkin’s performance was so memorable that it seemed like one of the main roles of the entire ballet. There was no doubt watching Simkin that he loves to dance. The joy and ease with which he moved through the space brought the audience into spontaneous applause after his solo.
Support for LAist comes from
Other great performances were given by Christine Sevchenko, the Fairy of Joy and Nancy Raffa, the evil Fairy Carabosse (who enters via fireworks and fog machine).
The Sleeping Beauty only runs this weekend; so if you’re interested in indulging in a night or an afternoon of impressive dance ensconced in fairy princess land, don’t hesitate! (The roles of Princess Aurora and Prince Desire rotate each night amongst the ABT principal dancers.)
The Sleeping Beauty
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Saturday at 2 and 7:30 pm
Sunday at 2 pm
Tickets: $30-$120
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases. -
Distrito Catorce’s Guillermo Piñon says the team no longer reflects his community. A new mural will honor local leaders instead. -
The program is for customers in communities that may not be able to afford turf removal or water-saving upgrades.
Best of LAist