Last weekend in Washington, D.C. the cherry trees, camellias and magnolias were putting on a sumptuous show. At the Kennedy Center, New York City Ballet was also blooming.
I enjoyed seeing Martins’ Symphonic Dances for what I think is the first time. It shows off the company well, seems sometimes to be illustrating the lyrics of a Russian romanza. I HAVE seen Ratmansky’s Pictures at an Exhibition frequently over the last six months, but I’ve never experienced it danced with more intensity.
Wheeldon’s This Bitter Earth pas de deux and Peck’s big-ensemble Everywhere We Go rounded out the generously-sized program. I like long programs. If you’re going to go to the ballet, why not really go? You can deadhead your camellias the next day.
DC surely got its money’s worth. I hope NYCB dances like this in their spring season, opening here in two weeks.