QUOTE (Lovebird @ Jun 4 2006, 06:38 PM)

Why is Alina Somova so hated? She is not such a bad ballerina, and anyway she is still quite young. Give her a chance and she could become a better ballerina

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She's been a professional since 2003. Yes, she graduated Vaganova Academy. I've seen her Corsaire ppd, and her Paquita (variation #1) as well as other roles. For me, the main problem I have with her is that her
style and technique of execution is an aberration and deviation from the established and familiar Vaganova style. The foundation of the Maryinsky's repertory is Petipa. Her 'in your face' execution of the steps, and lack of characterization of the old warhorse roles, do not conform to the grace, precision and delicacy that is the basis of Petipa's choreography. For example, she constantly whacks the side of ear when she performs developpes. Her sense timing is erratic and un-musical. I think that she would do very well if coached intensely in Forsythe or some Balanchine, but Petipa is not for her, particularly Odette/Odile and the academicism of Aurora. Basically, Somova is an acquired taste. You either like her, or you don't.
Now, to be fair, and giving her the benefit of the doubt,
how she is coached is
not her fault. Madame Olga Tchyentchikova (Vazieva) is her coach and benefactor.
It's her primary responsibility to correct her pupil. According to reports, on site in St. P and wherever she has appeared abroad, there has been no change in her interpretations, nor has she improved upon them. Yes she is young, and there is still time for her to do a U-turn on the road she's on, but personally, I wouldn't recommend her, nor would I pay to see her again.
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