I read this with enormous pleasure even though I was not aware of Kirsten Simone. Your account of the time you spent with her, and the photos, are tender and vivid. And the always astonishing connections between companies and traditions--Balanchine and Denmark; Ratmansky in Denmark; Disney and Tivoli and Denmark!--remind me of the long, long chain of teachers and dancers and choreographers that make this art form so moving. (I'm watching the Disney: NOT BAD, despite differences in technique and early technology, you can see Simone's gifts shine through. I'm not done...I hope they're not going to marry off poor Mette!). Just--thanks.
Thank you for this lovely comment. It's so true, there are so many connections; ballet is like an extended family, quarrels and differences of opinion included. I love the Danish wing of the family, so specialized, so unique, and at the same time so connected with tthe other branches of the family tree.
Oh, thank you! I just saw this, very belatedly and almost by accident. The family metaphor is perfect. My ballet teacher--who danced with both NYCB and ABT, had eclectic training (Russian and RAD as well as SAB)--always refers to her teachers and mentors, and the differences in style among various traditions. In her repertoire is a "Madame Youskevitch" combo that's a killer!
I read this with enormous pleasure even though I was not aware of Kirsten Simone. Your account of the time you spent with her, and the photos, are tender and vivid. And the always astonishing connections between companies and traditions--Balanchine and Denmark; Ratmansky in Denmark; Disney and Tivoli and Denmark!--remind me of the long, long chain of teachers and dancers and choreographers that make this art form so moving. (I'm watching the Disney: NOT BAD, despite differences in technique and early technology, you can see Simone's gifts shine through. I'm not done...I hope they're not going to marry off poor Mette!). Just--thanks.
Thank you for this lovely comment. It's so true, there are so many connections; ballet is like an extended family, quarrels and differences of opinion included. I love the Danish wing of the family, so specialized, so unique, and at the same time so connected with tthe other branches of the family tree.
Oh, thank you! I just saw this, very belatedly and almost by accident. The family metaphor is perfect. My ballet teacher--who danced with both NYCB and ABT, had eclectic training (Russian and RAD as well as SAB)--always refers to her teachers and mentors, and the differences in style among various traditions. In her repertoire is a "Madame Youskevitch" combo that's a killer!
A lovely tribute. I thought you might like this film from 1967.
https://youtu.be/RMnssDZDjU0?si=Ziv6dRcEbRp5Jjas&t=1480
how beautiful! thank you
What a beautiful tribute! Thank you