Posted by dancer on June 07, 2007 at 12:00:40:

 In Reply to: Re: flying "gracefully in the face of tradition" posted by Arul Francis on June 02, 2007 at 18:41:54:

 I might know what you mean. I have had the pleasure of watching Galina Missentsova, Ulana Lopatkina, Diana Vishneva, Plisetskaya, Guillem and Misha several times in Covent Garden and at the Maryinsky. As well as Valli and Mudgal in India and the UK.

Amongst ballerinas, undoubtedly Maya, Lopatkina and Guillem for me are artists that can take the audience to the very core of the work. They dance the TRUTH. That is what makes them incredible artists. Simple.

Yes, I did find Misha's certain interpretations untruthful and annoying in certain ballets.
But I have to say the man regardless of his obvious prodigous virtuosic talent, has also, through time turned into a fine sensitive artist. Like most of us at the time instinctually knew he would. Some artists are born that away, and some turn into finer artists. Who are we to call them names and judge them?

I had the good fortune to accompany a dance critic friend of mine to the Bolshoi for Maya's 70th b'day Gala. The critic openned the interview saying," Madame, how does it feel to be dancing the dying swan at 70 when most of your peers have stopped ages back?"

"Awful", said Madame, " They still stand in the wings and HISS at my mistakes! I feel much better when I leave the theatre and contemplate the evening in the calm of my own home"

So, Mr/Ms francis, if you are reading this, please take note. Even your idol, the great Plisetskaya does not wish to suffer bitterness and name calling gladly! Its just not nice.

Do something your I'm sure grand mother used to tell you, "If you cant say anything nice, don't say anything at all!" We the public, have brains of our own, and can figure out for ourselves the degree of narcissism from which absolutely every human being, especially artitsts can suffer from.At least most artists gladly admit to their ego and narrcissism. In fact the statue of Nataraja,as I'm sure you are all aware, is supressing a small demon which represents certain sins amongst which exist EGO! And it is a reminder for all mankind to do the same! Because, when Ego comes in, Art/Creativity/Ability most certainly flies out!
You seem like a very cultured albiet embittered person. And thats solely because of your juvenile insults. Find another way of saying how you really feel. In other words, employ TACT and good taste!
Otherwise, I am sorry to say that you do come across rather like a bitch. And thats a crying shame, because I'm sure you are capable of being nice.
Oh, btw, I worship Valli and Mudgal as I have taken class from both of them. They are the sweetest, most kindest and genuine people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. But you knew I was gonna say that right?
Much love to all,
xx
A dancer in London.
 
 

: There is that fine line between being a great artist and being a celebrity. And maybe it is a subjective thing which is in the eye of the beholder, but personally, I find celebrity-chasing such a turnoff. It really sours the whole aesthetic experience for me when I get a sense of "prima donna". I mean, they can still be a great dancer or whatever. Like Baryshnikov and sylvie guillem, I know they are great dancers but I just can't stand to watch them wallow in their narcissism. Whereas Maya Plisetskaya and Uliana Lopatkina, I just love watching them because they are great dancers, but they are also something more. You can feel that they are selfless, that they put their art above them, that they will never ever chase stardom or personal celebrity. I watched the Kirov when they came here to Berkeley and they had two leading dancers, Vishneva and Lopatkina, and you could just tell that Vishneva was a primadonna and totally into fame fame fame, like Valli or Malavika, and it was such a turnoff after a while. Whereas Lopatkina, I mean, you could tell just from her dancing, that she was an artist first and not a celebrity and not into stardom. It really makes such a difference.
 
 

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