Thread: Th sleeping beauty by Tchaikovsky

If there is any ballet that is my #1 must-see live, it is this ballet. I have never been to a ballet before except maybe The Nutcracker when I was a kid, so I would like to see this one and start it with a bang. It is my favorite out of all ballets that I have listened to, although I would be lying that it was not partially due to the Disney film, which used the music from the ballet extensively. My favorite part of the ballet changes, but I always have a soft spot for the Dance of the White Cat and Puss in Boots. I honestly like it as Maleficent's theme in the movie, but I found it equally enjoyable in its actual context. It is surprising that something humorous and cartoonish like the dance of Puss in Boots could be retooled into Disney's greatest villain's theme.



: Starting at 1:49

^^

You're from Philly, so I would recommend the American Ballet Theatre Production (whenever ballet starts up again). I saw it last summer, and it's pretty spectacular. Alexei Ratmansky is a brilliant choreogrpher, but in this case his efforts were primarily focused on reproducing Petipa's original. Ratmansky also uses all of Tchaikovsky's music, which is uncommon, so you get your money's worth.

ABT main NYC season is in late spring/summer. They may also perform in D.C. And for all I know, Philadelphia.

Here's what The New Yorker said about his Puss-in-Boots/White Cat.

A similar magic has been wrought with the divertissement for Puss-in-Boots and the White Cat. In many versions of “Beauty” this number looks like a tired music-hall routine. But Ratmansky has made the trademark pas de chat (“cat steps”) faster, more liquid. The dance now seems fresh, like a newly painted toy.

Awesome. I am going to keep this production in mind for the future. I am also in NYC a lot because my family lives in the city, so if I don't catch it in Philly I'll definitely catch it in New York. The New Yorker's review on the Puss-in-Boots/White Cat has me intrigued now!

The Sleeping Beauty is broadcast on Sky Arts Christmas Eve at 6am. I'll be recording it!

I watched this new Blu Ray version from La Scala last night. Highly, highly recommended. Just magnificent.
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