This is a video consisting mostly of pas de deux and smaller works which the ABT performed at their very first fall season at the City Center in New York. The City Center is the original home of both the New York City Ballet and the ABT so it must be seen as the cradle of American Ballet. The ABT is the United States' national touring company but its reputation has been built around its very prestigious 8 week season at the massive Metropolitan Opera House in New York. It is there where many additional stars join the company including Nina Ananiashvilli for an eight week extravaganza. Sadly the latter does not appear on this video.

The works selected for this video are very much in keeping with the ABT's reputation for respect for the classics and the importance of performing innovative new works.

The video starts with a very classical and cool performance of the black Swan Pas de Deux with raven haired Susan Jaffe and Jose Manual Carreno. It is a very precise and clean performance which does not have the overly romantic style in which Russian dancers particularly indulge.

Perhaps the most enjoyable pas de deux was from the Leaves are Fading. This ballet can be a little overlong and languid when performed in its entirety but the central pas de deux is a sublime combination of beautiful music and visuals. It was beautifully danced by the very experienced Amanda McKerrow and her husband John Gardiner.

I did not much care for James Kudelka's pas de deux Cruel World. It did not seem very memorable and had some bizarre costumes. It is a pity as it is performed by the wonderful Julie Kent. She is one of the most lyrical dancers around and regrettably has never been seen in England.

The big hit of the ABT's 1997 fall season was Nacho Duato's Remanso. It is a ballet for 3 men and is supposed to have a narrative. But I could never work out the story! However it is a superb display of virtuosity for three dancers who must demonstrate the flexibility of girls but with the power of men. It is really something very fresh and different. The superb male dancers were Maynard Parrish, Ethan Stiefel and Vladmir Malakoff.

Alessandra Ferri also graces the video with another performance of the pas de deux from Romeo and Juliet. There are obvious comparisons to be made with her legendary performance as Juliet whilst she was at Covent Garden. Whilst she is more refined today she does not have that sense of vulnerability and innocence which she had when she was much younger. But it was still a very fine performance

Also on display is Palomo Herrera in the most spectacular performance of the Don Quixote pas de deux I have ever seen. She will dazzle you with her pirouettes and has the longest hold on attitude I have ever seen (The crowd burst into applause!) She was ably supported by Angel Corrella.

The final work was the last movement to Clark Tippet's Max Bruch's Violin Concerto. It is a dazzling display of virtuosity of the entire cast including the principals. But it also includes the very strong Ashley Tuttle and the delightful Yan Chen. This is a wonderful upbeat ending to a very successful video.

As well as great dancing there are brief interviews with dancers. What they say is both interesting and perceptive but Julie Kent and Amanda McKerrow are particularly delightful to listen to. The only let down was a rather gimmicky introduction by Natalia Markarova who pops out during the polonaise to Sleeping Beauty. It is best to fast forward past this.

The camera angles, sound and film quality is excellent. Apparently PBS (the US equivalent of the BBC) filmed it over several evenings and only broadcast the better performances.

At 90 minutes long this video represents good value for money. There is a lot of dancing on this video. Moreover whilst most videos tend to be have been filmed a long time ago and look rather dated in dance style, this video is fresh and up to date So I give it the highest recommendation.

It is widely available in the U.S on the Kultur label at $29.95. It is distributed in England by Dance Books and costs £15.99. I strongly recommend you buy the video direct from them. Contact them on www.dancebooks.co.uk or call 0171 836 2314. At the time of writing the video has not been put up on their web site so it is best to call. They do have a mail order service.