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Published on 7/4/08
Published on 7/2/08
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It’s hard to believe that Antonio Douthitbegan dancing at the creaky age of 16. Obviously, he’s a natural. Formerly a member of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Douthit, who joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 2004, hasn’t been given as many lead parts as his talent merits. We pray this is his year. Bottom line: Wherever Douthit appears is center stage.
When Darcey Bussell gave her farewell performance with the Royal Ballet in June, she wept rivers (it was televised live—yes, live!—on the BBC). And while the thought of her no longer performing iconic roles in ballets by Kenneth MacMillan or Frederick Ashton is depressing news indeed, the beautiful British ballerina hasn’t quit dancing for good. This fall she returns to the stage with Christopher Wheeldon’s new company, Morphoses, at City Center. Bring anyone who claims not to get ballet, because with Bussell there isn’t anything to get. They’ll be hooked.
Last spring, Hee Seo gave American Ballet Theatre’s rather ponderous production of The Sleeping Beauty a spark of life in several prominent parts. Born in Seoul, Seo joined the ABT Studio Company in 2004 and the main company’s corps de ballet in 2006. With her delicate musicality and long, lean ballet body, she is a vision of elegance. Bask in Seo’s glow—there’s nothing artificial about it. ABT’s City Center season gives young dancers an opportunity to shine.
While still a dewy student at the School of American Ballet, Craig Hall was tapped by Christopher Wheeldon for a lead part in 1999’s Scènes de Ballet. His recent promotion to soloist at New York City Ballet? All we can sigh is, finally. Hall, a magnificent partner, is one of the most exciting members of the youthful company. Keep an eye out for him in Jerome Robbins’s Afternoon of a Faun. It’s a thriller.
In her refreshing, straightforward way, Hristoula Harakas is one of downtown dance’s most alluring practitioners. She embodies strength, clarity and an ethereal vulnerability that masks a don’t-fuck-with-me glamour. This fall, she performs with Donna Uchizono at Dance Theater Workshop and with Maria Hassabi at P.S. 122.
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