Two recent performances (it's been a busy few weeks for dance in LA) were by first time visitor Royal New Zealand doing a new version of Giselle, and Hamburg ballet with Lilliom, based on the novel that was the source for the musical Carousel.
The RNZB Giselle was a streamlined and pared down version adapted by Ethan Steifel and Johan Kobborg, and featured ABT star Gillian Murphy I her first performance in the title role. The first act was less compelling with a rushed mad scene, but the second act brought the jumping fireworkers, with an amazing display of entrechat sixes by the male lead, and beautiful, crisp clean petit allegro by Gillian. With a small company the wilis were maybe less intimidating as a gang than other versions, but this was a crowd pleaser.
Hamburg Ballet is a supremely talented company but Lilliom was overly complicated and confusing, and I found it a little too intellectual. There were beautiful dance scenes and some lovely music, but ultimately I wasn't moved the way the best ballets can affect me. My read of the audience was that most people felt the same way I did.
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