A Month of Sundays


Serendipity, in Lifar's Suite en Blanc tonight.

Fiat, Hurel and Ould-Braham - a true Judgment at Paris: Hera, Athena and Aphrodite, though sometimes exchanging their mythological roles - Duquenne, J.G. Bart and Thibault - all on stage in the same ballet at one and the same time.

Thought it would never happen, but it did.

If only the choreography were up to the dancing ... still do not get Lifar.

Apart from the "Mazurka", the steps for the men are pretty sub-standard, actually. Yes, Bournonville does have people jumping and beating with their back turned to the audience - in épaulé positions only. Not entrechat huit flat-back to the audience. Crikie! As for endless rows of double tour en l'air, seen one, seen'em all, I say.

The corps de ballet is out there doing some really silly things - bit unfair, given the level of this corps de ballet - so the stage don't look empty.

Empty as Malandain's flightless "Icare".

"Mirages" must be an acquired taste, that this writer has failed to acquire. Décors splendid, but otherwise, what possible relevance has this ballet to the situation of Europe in 1947? Or 2007? Await advice.

If anyone out there doing proper choreography, make yourself known. Surely we can do better than this?

Footnotes to history: We will cry "UNCLE"! and strike a deal with Management: Abbagnato may be appointed étoile, in exchange for one single, lil' concession: Fanny Fiat appointed première danseuse.