Wang Qimin was not in Beijing because of some private seasons. Actually She went back home to see her father who was critically ill.
Program and casting on Jan.17 was:
1. Serenade
Waltz: Zhang Jian/ Yu Bo
Russia Dance: Tatiana Tkachbnko
Elegy: Hou Honglan
Dark Angel: Nilas Martins
I have always believed that NBC's Serenade is among the best in the world. Tatiana Tkachbnko was very good in her role. Nilas Martins showed the dignity.
2. Tchaikovsky pdd
Zhu Yan / Jose Martinez
As Kevin said, Agnes Letestu could not come because of the injury and Zhu Yan danced the piece instead. When POB toured in China in 1998 Jose did not come with the company. So he was eager to visit China this time and then he came alone. The Chinese dancers wanted to dance this piece with him as well. Zhu Yan managed to learn this piece within only 2 days, and danced it quite successfully with Jose. They won huge applauses and bravi in both nights.
3. The Four Temperaments
Zhu Yan/ Li Jun/ Zhang Yao
Li Jun was wonderful, as well as Sun Jie, who danced a small pdd piece.
4. La Corsaire pdd
Tatiana Tkachbnko/ Igor Zelensky
Igor did a good job and got huge applauses and bravo.
5. Don Q pdd
Jin Yao/ Joel Izquierdo Carreno
They seemed to have lots of troubles in partnership during the rehearsal but managed to mend it in the actaul performance.
6.Theme and Variations
Zhu Yan/ Zhang Yao
Brilliantly performed by the company's top dancer Zhu Yan with her friends, but Zhang Yao was a bit student like.
On Jan., 18:
1. Serenade
Cast:
Waltz: Zhang Jian/ Zhang Yao
Russia Dance: Tatiana Tkachbnko
Elegy: Jin Yao
Dark Angel: Nilas Martins
2. Tchaikovsky pdd
Zhu Yan / Jose Martinez
Bravi.
3. The Four Temperaments
Zhu Yan/ Li Jun/ Zhang Yao
A nice show.
4. La Corsaire pdd
Tatiana Tkachbnko/ Igor Zelensky
Huge applauses and bravi.
5. Don Q pdd
The RB pair Alina Cojocaru/ Johan Kobborg arrived on time but showed us their brilliant technique and lovely smile although seemed not to be in the best condition. Hope they will do better tonight.
6.Theme and Variations
Jin Yao/ Li Jun
Jin Yao was not as good as she did in the rehearsal. She is still young and not as experienced as Zhu Yan is. Hope she will do better in near future.
You can see lots of photos on NBC website, at
http://www.ballet.org.cn/index-index.htm http://www.ballet.org.cn/html/previous-cover/detail/2003/2004-1yue/detail/2004-1-18-tianqiao-gala.htm http://www.ballet.org.cn/html/previous-cover/detail/2003/2004-1yue/detail/2004-1-17-tianqiao-gala.htm I think Julio Bocca will dance Tchaikovsky pdd tonight.
FYI.
BTW, tomorrow will be the Chinese New Year Eve.
Happy New Year to you all.
<small>[ 22 January 2004, 02:03 AM: Message edited by: Hu Xinxin ]</small>