Backstage: Rudolf Nureyev defected to the West in 1961 and Mikhail Baryshnikov in 1974 — both great dancers who fled the Soviet Union for freedom and better opportunities. The world has changed much since then, of course. And now, in another major milestone for dance, a young American ballet star is making the reverse trip — heading for Moscow, to become a "premier" dancer with the famed Bolshoi Ballet.
Friday, September 23, 2011
First American Dancer Joins Famed Bolshoi Ballet
Backstage: Rudolf Nureyev defected to the West in 1961 and Mikhail Baryshnikov in 1974 — both great dancers who fled the Soviet Union for freedom and better opportunities. The world has changed much since then, of course. And now, in another major milestone for dance, a young American ballet star is making the reverse trip — heading for Moscow, to become a "premier" dancer with the famed Bolshoi Ballet.
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5 comments:
This is truly exciting for the dance world! I am by no means a dancer myself, but have always enjoyed going to ABT's performances at lincoln center, Romeo and Juliet, Cinderella- my favorites. It is a huge accomplishment to have David Hallberg a part of such a prestigious ballet company, and recognize that we have so much dance talent in America- Julie Kent and Ethan Stiefel to name a few. The life of a ballet dancer is tedious, or so it seems, and to have one of our own make it to the Bolshoi Ballet, not just as a sign of ability, but also a breakthrough on an international sense. I find it remarkable that Hallberg says he will divide his time between New York and Moscow- best of luck to him in his talent and endeavors!
What a commitment for this dancer to maintain two principal positions in two countries across the world! I will join Natalie in wishing luck to him as that will likely prove to be very difficult. This globalization of dance that Hallberg speaks about is an interesting notion- as we are gradually bringing other international forms of dance under the spotlight here, like Bollywood and African styles, American talent is reaching out as far as Russia. We have so much more to learn from other cultures' ways of implementing and designing the arts that it only benefits all parties involved when we stretch ourselves as far as possible.
I come from a dance background and I just can't believe that this is actually happening. It's quite amazing. It's a huge accomplishment and honor to be asked to join a foreign dance company and not just any dance company but Bolshoi! It's quite the achievement! This will also strengthen America and Russia's connection not only in dance but perhaps politically too. I think this is a great step forward in the world of dance! I'm so excited I just hope that one day I can see him dance with Bolshoi!
This is truly exciting. As David Hallberg said, this is "historic". Not only is this a step for dance, but it is a step for international relations. Dance has always been a way for people to communicate through movement. There are no language barriers in dance. This was brought home to me quite vividly both by my Russian born brother and by having experienced a dance class taught by a Russian teacher. Her English was limited to counting to eight and saying, "Now do." But her ballet knowledge and experience was extensive. I realized that through example it was possible to learn what she had to teach even without the benefit of a common language. Perhaps through David Hallberg we will have yet another way to see the similarities in our countries rather than our differences. I applaud him and wish him the best.
This is absolutely amazing! Being asked to join any foreign company as a principle is a huge challenge and honor, but for an American to be asked to join Bolshoi is unbelievable. I truly think that this not only signifies the globalization of dance but, as the author pointed out, another step made towards the globalization of the world. I think there is also and interesting juxtoposition in articles this week, with one about Chess, which is all about US-USSR tensions, and this article, which just continues to affirm just how far post-Cold War relations between the two nations have come.
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