The Russian Ballet: ,Classic And
C ontemporary
N
ikita Dolgushin is not well- musicality are mixed in a softer
known in the United non-athletic style. (Its great sib-
States, though his con- ling, the Bolshoi, is noted for ath-
temporaries Natalia leticism and bravura technique.)
Makarova and Rudolph Nureyev
The second half of the program
became famous. Still, in his own is a tribute to Anna Pavlova, who
country, he is honored as a "Peo- is to ballet what Joan Sutherland
ples Artist of Russia," and has a is to opera. Several of these solo
long career as a polished premier pieces are her own choreography
danseur.
and may not have been
Dolgushin's mini-
seen here, if at all, in
Nikita Dolgushin,
company of 12 dancers,
several generations.
artistic director and
the St. Petersburg
The famous "Dying
soloist of the St.
State Ballet Company
Swan," choreographed
Petersburg Ballet
"Rimsky-Korsakov,"
for Pavlova by another
Company "Rimsky-
will perform tomorrow Korsakov," performs compatriot, Michel
night at West Bloom- for one night only with Fokine, will be per-
field High School. They his 12-dancer troupe. formed. With music by
will dance a program
Saint Saens, and its
of rarities: the first half will be tone of maudlin sentiment, it can
reprises of classic Russian ballet, be heartbreaking.
and the second half a tribute to
The final piece is called 'We Do
Anna Pavlova.
Care," for four couples and a
Some of the excerpts, from soloist. Set to Gershwin music
Russian classics such as The Nut- and choreographed by Dolgushin,
cracker, are well-known. The fa- the title is a pointed jibe at Bal-
mous "Rose Adagio," for example, anchine, whose own Gershwin
from The Sleeping Beauty is of- ballet is called "Who Cares?"
ten cited as one of the high-wa-
ter marks of classical ballet, with
—Michael H. Margolin
its fierce demands on the balle-
rina balancing unsupported en
e The St. Petersburg State
pointe, repeatedly.
Ballet Company "Rimsky-Ko-
But it has been at least a dozen
rsakov" will perform at 8 p.m.
years or more since a Russian
Saturday, March 9, at West
company has come through this
Bloomfield High School. Tick-
area (a troupe of soloists has
ets are $15, $20 and $25 and
played the Fox in recent years).
can be charged by calling the
Like George Balanchine, ar-
Dance Academy at (810) 669-
guably the most famous ex-pa-
9444. West Bloomfield High
triot, Dolgushin is from the great
is located at 4925 Orchard
Maryinski-Leningrad Kirov tra-
Lake Road.
dition in which poetry and great
This Week's Best Bets
Amelia Bedelia
Goes Camping
Meet the Maestro
Renowned DSO conductor
The wacky housekeeper greets
the big outdoors in this spirited
Neeme JarVi will sign
autographs and greet
classical music lovers at
Harmony House
Classical , 2412 N.
Woodward (between 12
13 Mile roads) Royal Oak.
(810) 389-0422.
Sat., 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Sun., 2 p.m.
88
musical revue for kids ages 3 and
up. Music Hall Youtheatre. Tick -
ets: $7 in advance/$8 at door.
(313) 963-2366.
Sat" 5
11 a m-noon
■
Detroit Film
Lovers Club
With guests Jeffrey
Nahan and Annette
DePetris of Actors
Alliance Theatre.
Sunday 3 10 a.m.
At the AMC Maple
Theatre in Bloomfield
Hills. Tickets: $3.
(810) 855-9091.
Hora Aviv Israeli
Folkdance Troupe
Debbie Friedman
The singer/songwriter of
Enjoy rousing Eastern European
Chasidic dances, graceful
Mideastern steps of the Yemenite
Jews, Debka. dance of the Arabs
Jewish music presents a family
Sun. 5 12.45 p m
(810) 683-5030 or
■
a
and the Hora of the Sabras. Tem-
Pie Beth El. Free. (810) 851-1100.
contemporary American
concert. Tickets: $5 adults/$3
children. Temple Emanu-El.
(810) 967-4030.
Sun., 2 p.m.