I always loved the setup of this piece: all the other ballet dancers were at the Bolshoi performance so this troupe was hired instead. Genius! Also, Ernie got an opportunity to showcase classical music and arts on his show. Look for his "music video" of classical music set to kaleidoscope scene. It's probably on one of his Best of videos that I see posted on YT, the ones that start with his friend's (Jack) introduction. They were broadcast in the last 70s or early 80s and were my introduction to Kovacs.
think of his ‘solfeggio’ and use of gorillas. i quite like this version. but i grew up with ernie kovacs on tv and sid caesar. then segued into mel brooks. what can one expect.
Actually, when you consider they had to perform in gorilla suits, those ballet dancers were pretty darn impressive. The presentation of a bouquet of bananas at the end was a nice touch. Amazing how Kovacs could simultaneously mock, yet present serious opera to a viewing audience.
THIS Will Always Defeat Disney's "DANCE OF THE HOURS" With The Hippos, The Alligators, And The Ostriches! (It's Tune Would Become Alen Sherman's Saga Of "CAMP GRANADA" To Ring Any Oldster's Bell!) -But Who Co-Opted In Making This Work? -Diane Or Bob Fosse?! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
If you do a search on Google Books, with some effort, you will find that the May 25, 1959 edition of Billboard Magazine shows that the Bolshoi Ballet was scheduled to perform in Los Angeles, CA from May 25 to May 30. Then San Francisco from June 5 to June 7. So it pretty much ties-in with what Mr. Kovacs said.
@Riches - I don't think it has anything to do with today's "sensibilities" as apposed to the general lack of knowledge and appreciation of ballet in today's culture.
Normally I am not a big fan of ballet, but this is the greatest ballet I've ever seen, Bravo!
This was done so well. Ernie had so much talent. It is so sad he was taken too young.
Ernie was off the wall.
We were always in for a surprise every week.
Much better dancing than what’s taken over today.
Actually the choreography is pretty decent. Dance steps, hand gestures, even mouth movements. A big HOOT !
I love the bananas at the end lol
Music by Andre Previn and His Orchestra. The complete "Ernie Kovacs On Music" program is available on the first Ernie Kovacs DVD box set.
During the intro I thought,”What’s the gag?” I found out soon enough.
I always loved the setup of this piece: all the other ballet dancers were at the Bolshoi performance so this troupe was hired instead. Genius!
Also, Ernie got an opportunity to showcase classical music and arts on his show. Look for his "music video" of classical music set to kaleidoscope scene. It's probably on one of his Best of videos that I see posted on YT, the ones that start with his friend's (Jack) introduction. They were broadcast in the last 70s or early 80s and were my introduction to Kovacs.
think of his ‘solfeggio’ and use of gorillas. i quite like this version. but i grew up with ernie kovacs on tv and sid caesar. then segued into mel brooks. what can one expect.
Hilarious and genius.
Only Kovacs could think this up!
Actually, when you consider they had to perform in gorilla suits, those ballet dancers were pretty darn impressive. The presentation of a bouquet of bananas at the end was a nice touch.
Amazing how Kovacs could simultaneously mock, yet present serious opera to a viewing audience.
Opera? This is ballet.
Who knew the Nairobi…uh…Quintet? could dance. It reminds me of the hippos in Fantasia.
Classiest performance ever.
Kovacs' delivery seems to be a great spoof of Leonard Bernstein.
love the bananas at the end!
mmmm enjoyed
wow!
Ernie owned a gorilla suit rental business. 🦍
THIS Will Always Defeat Disney's "DANCE OF THE HOURS" With The Hippos, The Alligators, And The Ostriches! (It's Tune Would Become Alen Sherman's Saga Of "CAMP GRANADA" To Ring Any Oldster's Bell!) -But Who Co-Opted In Making This Work? -Diane Or Bob Fosse?! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
jajajajajajajaajj genio!!!!
Whether or not Tchaikovsky would have approved of this performance is best left to speculation. 🤭
Can anyone verify the date of June 4 1959 as being the performance date of the Bolshoi Ballet in Los Angeles?
If you do a search on Google Books, with some effort, you will find that the May 25, 1959 edition of Billboard Magazine shows that the Bolshoi Ballet was scheduled to perform in Los Angeles, CA from May 25 to May 30. Then San Francisco from June 5 to June 7. So it pretty much ties-in with what Mr. Kovacs said.
Anyone know who the dancers were? They must've had a ball!
They appear to be played by professionally trained ballet dancers.
Obviously.@@OofusTwillip
@Riches - I don't think it has anything to do with today's "sensibilities" as apposed to the general lack of knowledge and appreciation of ballet in today's culture.
You try to do this in a gorilla suit.