Phaedra392
Oct 4 2002, 12:42 PM
This is a long shot, but I've been wondering about this for ages, and never knew who to ask till I found this site. In a PBS series called (I think) "Innovations," there was an episode broadcast maybe 4 years ago that was dedicated to the subject of injuries peculiar to the performing arts. One segment featured former NYCB soloist Diana White, in which she discussed the foot surgery she had to correct a painful condition near her heel. The program showed her dancing in a classroom to piano music for about 60 seconds. I was wondering if anyone knew what the excerpt she danced was from. It was exquisite, and I suspect it was Balanchine, and the music was wonderful. I'd be much indebted to anyone who could answer this question.
too bad there can't be video-grabbing and streaming here, so one could see the clip in question and answer your question.
d.w. had a few solo roles but w/ no more to go on than that this was a solo rehearsal in a studio w/ piano, it's rather difficult to guess which dance she was working on.
i'm personally unfamiliar w/ the PBS series you mention, but other BA post-ers might well be familiar with it and be able to identify the dance for you.
Phaedra392
Oct 4 2002, 02:16 PM
rg - You're right. If I could stream this tape, I'm sure countless experts on this board would instantly recognize it. Without the clip, it's not very likely that I'll get my answer. But it would be great if someone out there has seen this excerpt and remembers it. I've been dying to know.
Phaedra, I'm working on getting the answer for you. It may take me a few days...into next week. I'll let you know what I find out.
Phaedra392
Oct 7 2002, 07:19 AM
BW -- Thank you so much! I've waited such a long time for this, I guess I can wait a while longer!
When asked your question, Phaedra392, Ms. White's immediate response was "Prayer from
Coppelia"...then she stopped and said that it might have been from the "pas de deux from
Swan Lake"...but she was really pretty sure it must have been "Prayer from
Coppelia" - so now it's up to you Phaedra392! ;)
Phaedra392
Oct 10 2002, 07:46 AM
Thank you so much, BW! I'm so impressed that you went right to the source. I adored Ms. White, and I feel sure that the segment must be from "Coppelia" and not "Swan Lake." I'm so relieved to finally know. Now if I could just get my hands on the Patricia McBride broadcast tape of that ballet, I could die happy!
curious about which 'swan lake' 'pas' this might have been:
the 'Pas de Neuf'?
or has D.W. danced Odette in Balanchine's "Swan Lake"?
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