Despite the shallowness of the Tilles Center's stage, it was nice to see a touring company offering recently prepared, lovingly rehearsed showcase performances. Local ballet companies (and orchestras, too) rightly complain about being unfairly judged against visitors all spiffed up for their special occasions. But the contrast between repertory routine and a company honed to its best can be refreshing.
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The tour repertory dwells on the past because that is what audiences and presenters want, perhaps, but also because Mr. Villella has been scrupulous about presenting such masterpieces, in many of which he danced himself, in the best possible light. That is partly a question of strong coaching, seeking out the best experts wherever they might be found, partly a matter of his ensemble of dancers and partly a matter of care and the opportunity to focus on particular ballets within a limited season.