Your analysis is amazing Kathryn! It's so fascinating to have it all broken down. I loved all three. They are all such beautiful dancers and have such distinct styles. It's difficult to compare them and choose a favorite.
I'm not sure I've ever seen anything as beautiful as Lauren Cuthbertson's hands in motion! I'm reminded that the teachers at my school when I was young emphasized both that sort of delicate shaping of the hand AND energy right though to the fingertips, though I'm not sure I've ever seen as well exemplified as here.
This is the first dance breakdown that I really felt like I needed an better knowledge of dance terms to understand the specifics of each dance. What this video demonstrated is that not only was the choreography unique for each company, which I didn’t know, but each dancer presented the Sugar Plum Fairy differently. Lauren felt a touch more elusive, Nina felt more mischievous, and Megan seemed more like the friendly aunt.
I'm not a ballet dancer nor do I know very much about the "technical" side of things but I love ballet as a form of art and a craft. It's always a delight to watch your videos and learn how much dedication, patience and attention goes into mastering and understanding all those techniques and little details you've mentioned and putting them together (all at onece!!) in a form of a beautiful performance which looks almost effortless and brings joy to ballet enthusiasts like myself. Thank you for your work, Katie
I agree! I think Grigorovich came the closest to embodying the spirit of the music in his choreography. And it's not just complex for the sake of complexity (or to show off what an accomplished choreographer he was). It paints the portrait of the heroine for us - her personality, her emotions - a girl who's kind enough, brave enough and imaginative enough to overcome all the obstacles and become the princess of the fairy kingdom (and to get her prince, of course). And Nina is just the right choice for this role.
Rewatched this off your Ballet Deconstructeds from this year and I really like these types of comparisons (between different choreographers/schools). Would love to see some more of these, especially with other famous solos (Odile's variation would be an interesting one, especially given the two different music choices).
I think I like the russian version the most because for me it feels the most right with the music. What I see is what I hear kinda thing. But you know.. I could watch all on these on repeat for days!
Yay! Most definitely needed a Kathryn ballet pick me up today. Always loved the royal ballet costumes and choreography. Wishing you the best, and lots of love from England ❤
I love the royal ballet version to be honest. I like that the choreography is not as hardcore like the Russian version. Balanchine i thought it would always be gorgeous especially using a wand to make the port de bras more fluid.
I’m dancing the Royal Ballet’s sugar plum tomorrow, and I just wanted to say thank you for helping with these tips! These are some things my teacher didn’t point out so it really helps to get advice from more than one person. Wish me luck!
stunning ballerinas! it always takes my breath away when I see how well they interpret the music and character, take care of all those little details that you deconstructed for us today, love love love it!
This is amazing to hear and see all of the tiny details. I think I love the NYC Ballet version the most. It seems so magical, and I adore Megan. I would love to see the Sugarplum and Cavalier coda broken down - those hairpin turns in manege always look so difficult. 🩰
So informative even for non dancers like me... thanks for your precious work. It really makes me think about the knowledge a ballerina has to have, from every technical detail of the movement to the music... I was so lucky to see the Royal Ballet live in Covent Garden, i flew from Italy doing myself a present. Iana Salenko was guesting as Sugarplum with Steven McRae. An unforgettable performance, the energy flew through the house uplifting everyone, even the corps, visibly tired in a night in January almost at the end of the whole run of Nutcrackers. So Royal ballet's version is in my heart 😊
My favourite version is definitely the classical version the Royal Ballet do; I haven't see it in London (yet!) but I have seen their broadcast version a few years ago - they livestream to various cinemas around the country which is almost like being at the Royal Opera House depending on the cinema! The Russian version is really interesting especially with the different tempos of the music, but I'm a Brit and therefore the RB is near and dear to my heart.
Katie, you definitely also have that cute mischief look when I saw you dance Sugar Plum last year in Texas. It was a playful expression and you danced beautifully! ❤
Megan Fairchild is so awesome! She's a beautiful dancer. I adore the Royal Ballet but will always have a soft spot for our American dancers. The Russian version really looks very hard. I couldn't imagine dancing that! My turns have never been my greatest feature as a dancer.
i’m doing a similar version to Royal Ballet’s sugar plum this year (it’s tradition at my studio for seniors to do it!), and this video already feels like it’ll help me! i realized i’ve heard a few of your notes from my teacher already (the hitchkick height and pulling up with the arm in third/fifth particularly), but i especially appreciate how you described the characterization of sugar 🫶🏽
Thank you for explaining everything so well! It helps me as a fan to appreciate the art form even more. The complexity is jaw-dropping. I can't imagine needing to think of all these technical details every second while also successfully portraying a character on stage! Hope you're doing well! 🙏😍💐🩰🪄
I love it when you demonstrate the mischievous gaze--you're very convincing! It shows how important the face is in ballet; I think her face is what makes Marianela Nuñez hors de concours. Aside from which ballerina I like the most, I find the Grigorovich the most interesting. Those hops on pointe in plié look incredibly hard. To my surprise, the Balanchine looks the most classical to me.
I am a total ballet nerd when it comes to different versions of ballets and the history of the different methods etc etc. Thank you so much! I am working on SPF for a small performance at my church, so this was a lot of fun 😍😍😍
You are so amazing at helping me understand, appreciate and enjoy ballet even more than I already do! Thank you!❤ bonus, focusing on the pretty little details of sugar plum dances helped me cope with some anxiety I was experiencing today, so thank you for that too!❤❤❤
They are all 3 gorgeous and beautiful....but Meghan for me looks like she lives on pointe shoes. Everything she does seems so natural like she is that fairy. Like she is placed but it doesn't look " placed " ...it looks like that is the way she would move in normal life. Very special. Probably just the amount of times she was on stage in her life. And lots of just natural talent combined. Thanks for taking the time to analize this
I love when you compare different ballet styles ! My teacher is making us work on Sugarplum, but since we're in Paris, we're learning the Nureyev version. And... I love Nureyev, but really, his Sugarplum is a mess lol. One of the hardest versions I think, but quite unmusical, and it just looks weird. If Myriam Ould-Braham can't save it, there's no way I will. (it's an interesting challenge to learn, though).
I feel for you! When I first saw the pas de deux from Nureyev's "Nutcracker", I was flabbergasted. My first thought was like "But it's such... mauvais ton!" The needlessly complex, pretentious, yet ultimately shallow choreography is a disgrace to the music. Well, Nureyev was no choreographer whatever he himself might've thought. His additions to classical ballets (such as "Swan Lake" or "La Bayadere") really look like patches on the fabric of the original choregraphy. I wish he would've stuck to dancing.
@@Kayra-r9e I can defend Nureyev as a choreographer, or at least some of his work. His choreography can get very messy, I agree, and Sugarplum is one of the worst offenders. However, he is in my opinion underrated as a storyteller. His psychological take on Swan Lake was at the time something new : most of the previous versions are fairytale-like, and it wanted to show that it also speaks about the depth and darkness of human soul. That’s why we get a very complex relationship between Siegfried and his mentor, that Odette is a mere ideal that the prince loves because he wants to detach himself from reality… However, since “fairytale but make it dark” has been done to death since, it does not hold the same impact today. His best work is Romeo and Juliet, where he shows a deep understanding of the source material, even superior to MacMillan (who’s an amazing choreographer, but ending his ballet on the death of the lovers without mentioning the families reaction is a choice I don’t understand). Nureyev understands that it’s not the “world’s greatest love story” but the story of a young love, that could have blossomed into so much more but got crushed in horrible ways by a family feud before it could. He dares to adapt some of the vulgar humour on stage (which again, makes complete sense when you consider it’s a story about horny teenagers). If I can quote one one moment of choregarphic genius from Nureyev, it’s the act 2 finale from R&J that focuses on Juliet who goes from grief from Tybalt death to anger at the whole world (her family, Romeo, everyone), to love and despair and ends in a foreshadowing of her death. It’s brilliant, and I tear up every time. (there is also a part in the act 3 where she dances with the ghosts of Mercutio and Tybalt to symbolize her hesitation between her love for Romeo and her loyalty to her family and it works so well). However, I’m the first to admit a lot of things in his repertoire just… Don’t work. Sometimes weird parts of a ballet are saved by en overall narrative, but Sugarplum is just painful to watch and the whole Nutcracker feels weird. I hope José Martinez will bring in a new version (and a new Cinderella, which is the most urgent case of “need an update”).
@@azarkiem6216 (you posted a year ago...but I just watched). Some 50 years ago I saw Nureyev, Carla Fracci and Dame Margot dance R&J in NYC. Dame Margot played the mother, and they had choregraphed a special short pas de trois. FIfty years later I still remember both the balcony scene and that dance of the three of them.
I am absolutely loving these videos! Thank you for doing them, they are incredibly interesting and educational 🥰 Any chance you can do one for In in the middle somewhat elevated. Such an amazing ballet
That Gregorovitch was a sadist. I have never seen this version before and when I literally blurted out WHAT THE F! on those turns! All are amazing but holy cow my hat is off to Nina!
Oh, that was so interesting, Kathryn. Am I right in saying then that, in the Balanchine version, the ballerina doesn’t immediately have to launch into the pas de deux and coda? That almost feels like cheating! I also think the Balanchine version lacks the grandeur of the Bolshoi and Royal versions, but that may just be that I am used to the latter. Three beautiful dancers, however.
I'm from Chicago and the Russian girls always blow me away! Their postures and stage presence......especially in the background. They're not just standing there; they too are expressing something
I love them all. All three are each in their element and proper context. You are so amazing to honor them all! I learned so much. Such artists and athletes. As ballet gets more diverse I will be even more excited. More skin tones, body types and cultural nuances.
For me, the Royal Ballet version is just the best. The 2nd version is too jam packed with """tricks""" for me, and the 3rd version just lacks the magic. But all 3 dancers are gorgeus!! 😍 Also, love how you just pay. Attention. To. Literally EVERYTHING. It's absolutely amazing and shows such deep knowledge and professionalism. Love!!! ❤
I think my favorite version is the Ivanov/Wright choreography that Cuthbertson is doing. I love a mischievous fairy queen, and even though Balanchine's version keeps the Sugar Plum character for this dance, she is much more motherly, with all the little angels there.
As someone who used to play a classical instrument very badly, the tempo shift in the Bolshoi version always makes my blood pressure spike with sympathy stress... so I have to vote for the other two! Love this series of videos, both all the technical insights and the appreciation for such beautiful and skilled dancers.
I've been trying to figure out why we all get so dizzy where we can't see,during and after the menage? I used to Compete in Figure Skating when I was younger and never got dizzy. Ballroom never dizzy. I thought it was just me, then I heard the Professionals couldn't see after menage too. I Loved All of them for different reasons. If I had to pick one from here, it would be Kapsova.😊❤
I love the description "fairy, delicate, sparkle" and does "soft and sharp" mean slow and fast? Also I'm still confused about the Bolshoi Grigorovich version not having a sugar plum but Clara doing it. And which version does Osipova do? it's my favorite I've seen so far.
hii! Could you do a video on how to deal with irregular periods whilst doing dance, as its very hard to know what to do when you dont know when it will happen.
What about the version with all the hops? What is that one? I’ve seen a video of Evgenia Obraztsova doing it. Is that a popular version? Keep doing what you’re doing Kathryn! Amazing!
NYCB dancers dont seem to touch the floor......such graceful rapid movements. So fascinating to watch The British are great actors as well as dancers. I feel like Im watching an episode of the Crown which I loved
Lauren Cuthbertson was my favorite because it felt most right for sugarplum fairy. Nina was so durn perfect but it lacked playfulness and Megan’s was dramatic but lacked playfulness. I feel like Balanchine’s choreography overwhelms
I greatly prefer the Balanchine version because of the musicality and cleverness of the choreography (especially the passé into sous-sous moving stage left passage). I’ve danced all three versions myself as well.
This was a wonderful breakdown! Loved the mix of technical and character advice. The classical/Royal Ballet version is my favorite. The pink, the sparkle, its just perfection to me. The Balanchine version is a close 2nd because its similar to the version we did in my ballet school. I love that one too because it gives Sugar Plum more room for playfulness I think. The interaction with the angels gives this is my fairy world vibes compared to a queen's domain vibes. The Bolshoi version with Clara/Sugar Plum I dont like as much because it seems stark. The sequencing of the steps doesnt make sense to me and there's no color. I like when Sugar Plum is distinct from Snow Queen.
Isn't it impossible for us to see over our work, we can constantly watch over work. But when we watch on our work, we cannot do that work. Nobody wants to be fairy in a fairy land. All we need to do control is to remember when we're not under control. (Whence again the other control is controling in, and so on.) In ballet, I might find it difficult to collect with time. We can talk about fairy untill all the fairies are away (or on the next way). The end of it (in this way) was that ballet would leave you "incorrect", untill you dance, are allowed with dance or go the right movement. And the more the time is wanted with you to get position you get no position (whether there was a time for you took calling you up, copying the placefull up or maybe like "showing it up". Technical, it😢
Grigorovich: Hear me out. Italian fouette, a double pirouette from fifth (LEG CLOSED IN BACK THO?!?), into a triple fouette. What could go wrong. Also Italian fouettes into a high coupe instead of an attitude. Balance is an illusion.
I do love the Russian version the most, I think it captures the music better. But I was also impressed by the Royal Ballet version. Obviously all three dancers are fantastic.
In any event, the ORIGINAL name for the character from the story is Clara. It is also not worth pointing something pretty minor that has no bearing on the actual substance of the video and only shows you are being unimaginative and pedantic. It would be nice if you actually contributed to the discussion and not merely be a troll.
@@jeffrogers4989 я тут обсуждения не вижу, одни сплошные восторги.. хотя не думаю, что Кэтрин - большой специалист в вариациях русской классики, она же в основном Баланчина исполняла, а это совсем не классический балет.
@@СветланаОдинцова-ж1я The discussion comes from the fact that you felt like you needed to inform her that Clara's name in the Russian version is Masha. I get that, but I guess it was just the delivery. Personally, I don't think most Russians are are great experts in Balanchine. But that is neither here nor there. The Russian version has been changed so much over the years, we can now enter into a discussion about what defines "classical."
Kaptsova, Cutherbertson, and then I guess the Balanchine one. His reworking of Petipa's works always leaves me cold. Maybe he was in a bad mood when he tackled this but the choreography makes the dancer look like a hack. The port de bras looks sloppy. I guess because the tempo is SO FAST! Nonsense.
Hello from Toronto Canada I Am going tot see The Nutcracker In Toronto The National Ballet Of Canada next week I haven’t seen the Nutcracker since I was a little girl . I’m so excited . I love this video thank you Kathryn I’ve been taking Adult ballet classes for about 6 years it’s so good but also hard . I’m taking an Absolute Beginner Class workshop at the National ballet in Canada they have a In Studio program. Catering to adult ballet different levels . Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year filed with health happiness, joy, and love blessings from Toonto.🎄♥️🇨🇦🩰🎼
Your analysis is amazing Kathryn! It's so fascinating to have it all broken down. I loved all three. They are all such beautiful dancers and have such distinct styles. It's difficult to compare them and choose a favorite.
I love Lauren Cuthbertson! She makes such a tricky variation look light and breezy.
I'm not sure I've ever seen anything as beautiful as Lauren Cuthbertson's hands in motion! I'm reminded that the teachers at my school when I was young emphasized both that sort of delicate shaping of the hand AND energy right though to the fingertips, though I'm not sure I've ever seen as well exemplified as here.
Cuthbertson is my favourite. Almost otherworldly.
This is the first dance breakdown that I really felt like I needed an better knowledge of dance terms to understand the specifics of each dance. What this video demonstrated is that not only was the choreography unique for each company, which I didn’t know, but each dancer presented the Sugar Plum Fairy differently. Lauren felt a touch more elusive, Nina felt more mischievous, and Megan seemed more like the friendly aunt.
I'm not a ballet dancer nor do I know very much about the "technical" side of things but I love ballet as a form of art and a craft. It's always a delight to watch your videos and learn how much dedication, patience and attention goes into mastering and understanding all those techniques and little details you've mentioned and putting them together (all at onece!!) in a form of a beautiful performance which looks almost effortless and brings joy to ballet enthusiasts like myself. Thank you for your work, Katie
Nina is the queen !!!!! They re all beautiful but Nina is just fabulous in this ….
I agree! I think Grigorovich came the closest to embodying the spirit of the music in his choreography. And it's not just complex for the sake of complexity (or to show off what an accomplished choreographer he was). It paints the portrait of the heroine for us - her personality, her emotions - a girl who's kind enough, brave enough and imaginative enough to overcome all the obstacles and become the princess of the fairy kingdom (and to get her prince, of course). And Nina is just the right choice for this role.
Agreed.Nina is the ultimate Sugarplum. She's just perfect in the role
Rewatched this off your Ballet Deconstructeds from this year and I really like these types of comparisons (between different choreographers/schools). Would love to see some more of these, especially with other famous solos (Odile's variation would be an interesting one, especially given the two different music choices).
I think I like the russian version the most because for me it feels the most right with the music. What I see is what I hear kinda thing. But you know.. I could watch all on these on repeat for days!
I am biased since I grew up watching the bolshoi but I must agree.
I think it's just so satisfying! It's like the legs and the music are perfectly synced up, almost like the legs are making the music.
Thanks so much Kathryn! Fascinating to watch. Three beautiful versions.
I love the Ballet Deconstructed videos! They are incredibly informative, and now I notice subtleties that I didn't before.
I looove Fairy Clara, so joyful. Like when someone is chosen as mayqueen, you have fun and is so happy with it
Yay! Most definitely needed a Kathryn ballet pick me up today. Always loved the royal ballet costumes and choreography. Wishing you the best, and lots of love from England ❤
I watched a lot of dancers doing the Royal Ballet Version and liked Lauren Cuthbertson best, now I know why. Interesting to watch the other versions.
I love the royal ballet version to be honest. I like that the choreography is not as hardcore like the Russian version. Balanchine i thought it would always be gorgeous especially using a wand to make the port de bras more fluid.
I’m dancing the Royal Ballet’s sugar plum tomorrow, and I just wanted to say thank you for helping with these tips! These are some things my teacher didn’t point out so it really helps to get advice from more than one person. Wish me luck!
Have an amazing performance! ! I’m so glad this helped!
There is SO much to ballet, as is evident from these videos. Thank you!
I do love the Royal Ballet classical version, but how interesting to see how they all work. Beautiful 😊
stunning ballerinas! it always takes my breath away when I see how well they interpret the music and character, take care of all those little details that you deconstructed for us today, love love love it!
the gas/steering wheel analogy was super helpful!
This is amazing to hear and see all of the tiny details. I think I love the NYC Ballet version the most. It seems so magical, and I adore Megan. I would love to see the Sugarplum and Cavalier coda broken down - those hairpin turns in manege always look so difficult.
🩰
For sure! I will probably do that! ❤️
So informative even for non dancers like me... thanks for your precious work. It really makes me think about the knowledge a ballerina has to have, from every technical detail of the movement to the music...
I was so lucky to see the Royal Ballet live in Covent Garden, i flew from Italy doing myself a present. Iana Salenko was guesting as Sugarplum with Steven McRae. An unforgettable performance, the energy flew through the house uplifting everyone, even the corps, visibly tired in a night in January almost at the end of the whole run of Nutcrackers. So Royal ballet's version is in my heart 😊
Love these ballet deconstructions ❤
I love these video's, how you analyse them, lovely!!
Kathryn, Thank you for this analysis, which I appreciate greatly as a member of the audience.
My favourite version is definitely the classical version the Royal Ballet do; I haven't see it in London (yet!) but I have seen their broadcast version a few years ago - they livestream to various cinemas around the country which is almost like being at the Royal Opera House depending on the cinema! The Russian version is really interesting especially with the different tempos of the music, but I'm a Brit and therefore the RB is near and dear to my heart.
It’s a classic! And so so beautiful!
Katie, you definitely also have that cute mischief look when I saw you dance Sugar Plum last year in Texas. It was a playful expression and you danced beautifully! ❤
Megan Fairchild is so awesome! She's a beautiful dancer. I adore the Royal Ballet but will always have a soft spot for our American dancers. The Russian version really looks very hard. I couldn't imagine dancing that! My turns have never been my greatest feature as a dancer.
Love this . I too am that working mom that’s getting back into dance.. rebuilding endurance and foundation/technique!! Thank you!!
Could you deconstruct the bluebird variation from sleeping beauty? I think i'm gonna do it for a ballet competition
Thanks Katie, I love these videos! ❤
I'm so glad to see one of these!!
I love these especially as an enthusiast I get to see how things work.
i’m doing a similar version to Royal Ballet’s sugar plum this year (it’s tradition at my studio for seniors to do it!), and this video already feels like it’ll help me! i realized i’ve heard a few of your notes from my teacher already (the hitchkick height and pulling up with the arm in third/fifth particularly), but i especially appreciate how you described the characterization of sugar 🫶🏽
Good luck with your performance! ❄️
I just always loved Megan so much!
Love your ballet deconstructed videos! ❤
Thank you for explaining everything so well! It helps me as a fan to appreciate the art form even more. The complexity is jaw-dropping. I can't imagine needing to think of all these technical details every second while also successfully portraying a character on stage!
Hope you're doing well! 🙏😍💐🩰🪄
I love it when you demonstrate the mischievous gaze--you're very convincing! It shows how important the face is in ballet; I think her face is what makes Marianela Nuñez hors de concours. Aside from which ballerina I like the most, I find the Grigorovich the most interesting. Those hops on pointe in plié look incredibly hard. To my surprise, the Balanchine looks the most classical to me.
Love these videos! Such fantastic insights. I’ve always loved Cuthbertson but I’ve totally fallen in love with her Sugar Plum now!
I am a total ballet nerd when it comes to different versions of ballets and the history of the different methods etc etc. Thank you so much! I am working on SPF for a small performance at my church, so this was a lot of fun 😍😍😍
im doing the classical version with a few tweaks (aka no gargoulliades i always look like im twitching) and this was super helpful. thank you!
You are so amazing at helping me understand, appreciate and enjoy ballet even more than I already do! Thank you!❤ bonus, focusing on the pretty little details of sugar plum dances helped me cope with some anxiety I was experiencing today, so thank you for that too!❤❤❤
The Balanchine version is the most fairy-like to me, but all three dancers are amazing!
would love to hear your thoughts on balanchine specific variations/ ballets!❤❤
They are all 3 gorgeous and beautiful....but Meghan for me looks like she lives on pointe shoes. Everything she does seems so natural like she is that fairy. Like she is placed but it doesn't look " placed " ...it looks like that is the way she would move in normal life. Very special. Probably just the amount of times she was on stage in her life. And lots of just natural talent combined. Thanks for taking the time to analize this
I love when you compare different ballet styles !
My teacher is making us work on Sugarplum, but since we're in Paris, we're learning the Nureyev version. And... I love Nureyev, but really, his Sugarplum is a mess lol. One of the hardest versions I think, but quite unmusical, and it just looks weird. If Myriam Ould-Braham can't save it, there's no way I will. (it's an interesting challenge to learn, though).
I feel for you! When I first saw the pas de deux from Nureyev's "Nutcracker", I was flabbergasted. My first thought was like "But it's such... mauvais ton!" The needlessly complex, pretentious, yet ultimately shallow choreography is a disgrace to the music.
Well, Nureyev was no choreographer whatever he himself might've thought. His additions to classical ballets (such as "Swan Lake" or "La Bayadere") really look like patches on the fabric of the original choregraphy. I wish he would've stuck to dancing.
Oh wow! I need to watch that one!!!
@@Kayra-r9e I can defend Nureyev as a choreographer, or at least some of his work. His choreography can get very messy, I agree, and Sugarplum is one of the worst offenders. However, he is in my opinion underrated as a storyteller. His psychological take on Swan Lake was at the time something new : most of the previous versions are fairytale-like, and it wanted to show that it also speaks about the depth and darkness of human soul. That’s why we get a very complex relationship between Siegfried and his mentor, that Odette is a mere ideal that the prince loves because he wants to detach himself from reality… However, since “fairytale but make it dark” has been done to death since, it does not hold the same impact today.
His best work is Romeo and Juliet, where he shows a deep understanding of the source material, even superior to MacMillan (who’s an amazing choreographer, but ending his ballet on the death of the lovers without mentioning the families reaction is a choice I don’t understand). Nureyev understands that it’s not the “world’s greatest love story” but the story of a young love, that could have blossomed into so much more but got crushed in horrible ways by a family feud before it could. He dares to adapt some of the vulgar humour on stage (which again, makes complete sense when you consider it’s a story about horny teenagers). If I can quote one one moment of choregarphic genius from Nureyev, it’s the act 2 finale from R&J that focuses on Juliet who goes from grief from Tybalt death to anger at the whole world (her family, Romeo, everyone), to love and despair and ends in a foreshadowing of her death. It’s brilliant, and I tear up every time. (there is also a part in the act 3 where she dances with the ghosts of Mercutio and Tybalt to symbolize her hesitation between her love for Romeo and her loyalty to her family and it works so well).
However, I’m the first to admit a lot of things in his repertoire just… Don’t work. Sometimes weird parts of a ballet are saved by en overall narrative, but Sugarplum is just painful to watch and the whole Nutcracker feels weird. I hope José Martinez will bring in a new version (and a new Cinderella, which is the most urgent case of “need an update”).
@@azarkiem6216 (you posted a year ago...but I just watched). Some 50 years ago I saw Nureyev, Carla Fracci and Dame Margot dance R&J in NYC. Dame Margot played the mother, and they had choregraphed a special short pas de trois. FIfty years later I still remember both the balcony scene and that dance of the three of them.
I am absolutely loving these videos! Thank you for doing them, they are incredibly interesting and educational 🥰 Any chance you can do one for In in the middle somewhat elevated. Such an amazing ballet
This was so interesting to watch!
I absolutely love these! ❤
Love this video! Such great information and observations. Are you and Sean still going to keep the pod going?
That Gregorovitch was a sadist. I have never seen this version before and when I literally blurted out WHAT THE F! on those turns! All are amazing but holy cow my hat is off to Nina!
Im thinking a deconstruction of Giselle the Myrtha and the willis variation since Halloween is around the corner.
Oh, that was so interesting, Kathryn. Am I right in saying then that, in the Balanchine version, the ballerina doesn’t immediately have to launch into the pas de deux and coda? That almost feels like cheating! I also think the Balanchine version lacks the grandeur of the Bolshoi and Royal versions, but that may just be that I am used to the latter. Three beautiful dancers, however.
Correct! The Balanchine version is h to r beginning of Act 1, and the PDD and coda are at the end. Having done it both ways…. i’s LIFE CHANGING 😂
I'm from Chicago and the Russian girls always blow me away! Their postures and stage presence......especially in the background. They're not just standing there; they too are expressing something
I definitely like the RB version best. It is just so regal...also I may be a purist at heart.
I love them all. All three are each in their element and proper context. You are so amazing to honor them all! I learned so much. Such artists and athletes. As ballet gets more diverse I will be even more excited. More skin tones, body types and cultural nuances.
For me, the Royal Ballet version is just the best. The 2nd version is too jam packed with """tricks""" for me, and the 3rd version just lacks the magic. But all 3 dancers are gorgeus!! 😍
Also, love how you just pay. Attention. To. Literally EVERYTHING. It's absolutely amazing and shows such deep knowledge and professionalism. Love!!! ❤
I would be interested to know what you think of Nureev's version. It is so different from others.
My favourite is still the Vaganova/Mariinsky version haha 😅 I feel its the most musical and elegant!
I think my favorite version is the Ivanov/Wright choreography that Cuthbertson is doing. I love a mischievous fairy queen, and even though Balanchine's version keeps the Sugar Plum character for this dance, she is much more motherly, with all the little angels there.
Yesss Bluebird variation next please!!
As someone who used to play a classical instrument very badly, the tempo shift in the Bolshoi version always makes my blood pressure spike with sympathy stress... so I have to vote for the other two! Love this series of videos, both all the technical insights and the appreciation for such beautiful and skilled dancers.
I've been trying to figure out why we all get so dizzy where we can't see,during and after the menage? I used to Compete in Figure Skating when I was younger and never got dizzy. Ballroom never dizzy. I thought it was just me, then I heard the Professionals couldn't see after menage too. I Loved All of them for different reasons. If I had to pick one from here, it would be Kapsova.😊❤
I love the description "fairy, delicate, sparkle" and does "soft and sharp" mean slow and fast? Also I'm still confused about the Bolshoi Grigorovich version not having a sugar plum but Clara doing it. And which version does Osipova do? it's my favorite I've seen so far.
Great video
Megan is my favourite ❤
Megan’s was my favorite. 💓
I love The Royal Ballet perfection
Great, great video I love this kind of content beautiful the constructions please do more of these kind bra❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Balanchine's version just reflects the music so masterfully. It's superior.
Wonderful analysis . I’ve always wondered why ballerinas wear arm frills? If that’s even the correct term..
hii! Could you do a video on how to deal with irregular periods whilst doing dance, as its very hard to know what to do when you dont know when it will happen.
You might try using a menstrual cup during practice? They are flexible/ comfortable and are not as dangerous as tampons if left in for longer hours. 🤷
.. more.. more..!!✨🥰
I love Balanchine version. She seems the most fairy like. Almost like she came alive from a music box.
I love the Royal Ballet version because that is the version I was taught when I was young….I feel it goes with the music perfectly!
They're all beautiful, but I'm partial to the Royal Ballet version.🩰
Can you deconstruct Olga Smirnova? Especially her Nikiya or Etudes. Edit-you said Nina's surname correctly!
What about the version with all the hops? What is that one? I’ve seen a video of Evgenia Obraztsova doing it. Is that a popular version?
Keep doing what you’re doing Kathryn! Amazing!
Please do one these on the Pas de deux from Nutcracker and due drop and other ballets.
is it possible for you to make a 'ballet styles and differences between them video? :)
NYCB dancers dont seem to touch the floor......such graceful rapid movements. So fascinating to watch
The British are great actors as well as dancers. I feel like Im watching an episode of the Crown which I loved
I like Lauren best, but maybe it's because I like that version best. But I think Megan is lovely too.
Lauren Cuthbertson was my favorite because it felt most right for sugarplum fairy. Nina was so durn perfect but it lacked playfulness and Megan’s was dramatic but lacked playfulness. I feel like Balanchine’s choreography overwhelms
I greatly prefer the Balanchine version because of the musicality and cleverness of the choreography (especially the passé into sous-sous moving stage left passage). I’ve danced all three versions myself as well.
Katie❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😄
This was a wonderful breakdown! Loved the mix of technical and character advice. The classical/Royal Ballet version is my favorite. The pink, the sparkle, its just perfection to me. The Balanchine version is a close 2nd because its similar to the version we did in my ballet school. I love that one too because it gives Sugar Plum more room for playfulness I think. The interaction with the angels gives this is my fairy world vibes compared to a queen's domain vibes. The Bolshoi version with Clara/Sugar Plum I dont like as much because it seems stark. The sequencing of the steps doesnt make sense to me and there's no color. I like when Sugar Plum is distinct from Snow Queen.
Isn't it impossible for us to see over our work, we can constantly watch over work.
But when we watch on our work, we cannot do that work.
Nobody wants to be fairy in a fairy land. All we need to do control is to remember when we're not under control. (Whence again the other control is controling in, and so on.)
In ballet, I might find it difficult to collect with time. We can talk about fairy untill all the fairies are away (or on the next way). The end of it (in this way) was that ballet would leave you "incorrect", untill you dance, are allowed with dance or go the right movement. And the more the time is wanted with you to get position you get no position (whether there was a time for you took calling you up, copying the placefull up or maybe like "showing it up". Technical, it😢
Megan is my favorite easily.
Grigorovich: Hear me out. Italian fouette, a double pirouette from fifth (LEG CLOSED IN BACK THO?!?), into a triple fouette. What could go wrong.
Also Italian fouettes into a high coupe instead of an attitude. Balance is an illusion.
I do love the Russian version the most, I think it captures the music better. But I was also impressed by the Royal Ballet version. Obviously all three dancers are fantastic.
“Are you sick of this music yet?” For decades, yes.
В русской версии это не Клара, а Маша.
Different name yes but same character
In any event, the ORIGINAL name for the character from the story is Clara. It is also not worth pointing something pretty minor that has no bearing on the actual substance of the video and only shows you are being unimaginative and pedantic. It would be nice if you actually contributed to the discussion and not merely be a troll.
@@jeffrogers4989 я тут обсуждения не вижу, одни сплошные восторги.. хотя не думаю, что Кэтрин - большой специалист в вариациях русской классики, она же в основном Баланчина исполняла, а это совсем не классический балет.
@@Vale-kg3vd надо быть точным)
@@СветланаОдинцова-ж1я The discussion comes from the fact that you felt like you needed to inform her that Clara's name in the Russian version is Masha. I get that, but I guess it was just the delivery. Personally, I don't think most Russians are are great experts in Balanchine. But that is neither here nor there. The Russian version has been changed so much over the years, we can now enter into a discussion about what defines "classical."
Russian choreography not delicate enough, and Sugar Plum I thought should be in pink.
Gargs always look weird. I'd rather see a soft, high pas de chat!
Agreed!
Kaptsova, Cutherbertson, and then I guess the Balanchine one. His reworking of Petipa's works always leaves me cold. Maybe he was in a bad mood when he tackled this but the choreography makes the dancer look like a hack. The port de bras looks sloppy. I guess because the tempo is SO FAST! Nonsense.
Strongly disagree.
What a GYAT😅😅😅
Hello from Toronto Canada I Am going tot see The Nutcracker In Toronto The National Ballet Of Canada next week I haven’t seen the Nutcracker since I was a little girl . I’m so excited . I love this video thank you Kathryn I’ve been taking Adult ballet classes for about 6 years it’s so good but also hard . I’m taking an Absolute Beginner Class workshop at the National ballet in Canada they have a In Studio program. Catering to adult ballet different levels . Wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year filed with health happiness, joy, and love blessings from Toonto.🎄♥️🇨🇦🩰🎼