Kirov 'Don Quixote' reviews 'Don Quixote' reviews Vishneva in reviews Sarafanov in reviews recent Kirov reviews more Viviane reviews

Don Quixote (Don Quichote) was the ballet that gave me the most fun in Graz. Terrible disappointed by the RB's Don Q., I thought the POB's marvelous...until I saw the Kirov dancers in action ! I attended 3 performances of it and shouldn't have mind another one. Indeed, if you want to see a REAL good Don Q : go and see the Kirov ! They made it a ballet with swirling spanish skirts, lively, sparkling acts, waving black and red satin capes, amusing 'scene-in-scenes' and strong characterroles.

On 8th July I had the chance to see again Diana Vishneva as Diana Vishneva ....eh, sorry ! ... as Kitri. As always strong, polished dancing with lots of ticks and tricks but not my favourite portrayal of the main role. Her Basilio was the youngest revelation of the company, Leonid Sarafanov. A handsome, elegant dancer but a bit too young and lacking a bit character strenght to picture a real credible Basilio. But with no doubt a dancer with a promising future !

The impressive cumulation of character dances is unforgettable and we saw lots of excellent secondary roles. Look out for Tatiana Katschenko, she catched the eye as the streetdancer. Andrei Merkuriev was a stylish Espada, who knew how to handle a cape ! My favourite was Evgenia Obrastsova as Amor, she simply conquered all hearts with a playfull, fine and delicate dancing. Natalia Sologub was a perfect Queen of the Dryads. And I do no justice to all other dancers with not mentioning their names !

The performance on the 9th of July was not without some suspense and surprises. Osmolkina danced -rather disappointingly - the first act. Ruzimatov -as Basilio- was as usual a strong presence on stage, although he had to omit the lifts on 1 hand. After the first interval we heard Osmolkina was not able to finish the performance and was replaced by Olesia Novikova. Knowing this young and fine dancer (1st year cdb) was dancing this important role for the first time, it made me nervous. Guided by a professional Basilio she amazed everyone. The bit of tension in some of the pdd and solo's were compensated by her radiant appearance, quick turns and great fouettees.

As the day before, Viktoria Tereskina and Jana Selina were captivating flowergirls. A great Baimuradov, as Espada and an amazing Alexandra Josifidi as the streetdancer.

The 12th of July we got the proper 'première' of Novikova. She portrayed a lively Kitri, helped by her excellent mime-talent ! I love ballerinas who use many -sometimes unpredictable details- in their dancing. On top of this all, she has an amazing balance, it even seemed to make the orchestra impatient to continue ! Please do note down her name and if you have the chance, go to see her !

Her Basilio was Anton Korsakov. First time I saw him in a major role and I am not that enthusiastic about him. Partnering seemed not always easy, sometimes he even looked bored. And, did I heard him moan during the one-hand lift ?

I had a balletic-week in Graz, I will never forget. Though my ballet hunger isn't fullfilled yet...there are some ballets in London I absolutely want to add to my summerlist.