Controlled mayhem at ABT

Last night (July 1) was such a fun night at ABT. What was supposed to be Michael de la Nuez's début as Basilio in Don Q, became, because of his partner Christine Shevchenko's injury, a pot-pourri of débuts. Devon Teuscher and Andrew Robare in Act I, de la NUez and SunMi Park in Act II, and Léa Fleytoux and Jake Roxander in Act III. Three times the fun. The biggest surprise for me was Teuscher, whom I wouldn't necessarily have imagined as Kitri; I think of her more as a dramatic ballerina. But her timing and the scale of her dancing were perfect for the role. Every jump had weight and impact, and every change in mood and exchange with her partner registered. And oh boy, Andrew Robare! Why had I never really noticed him before? Real polish, flair, charm. They looked great together; chemistry, communication, a sense of fun. In ACt II SunMi Park glowed; de la Nuez didn't get to dance enough, alas, but was explosive in the Cup Dance, which has been restored. Léa Fleytoux and Jake Roxander danced the all-too-famous pas de deux in the final act impeccably. Roxander displayed all the tricks; Fleytoux's fouétté turns were spectacularly musical. Special mention to Thomas Forster as the dashing Espada, which he danced with a healthy dose of irony, and Zimmi Coker, a twinkling, gentle Amor. I'd now like to see all these casts. Lots of talent through the ranks at ABT.

Mike de la Nuez and SunMi Park

Devon Teuscher and Andrew Robare

Lá Fleytoux and Jake Roxander