Not my favourite ballet but lost and lost of beautiful dancing. The production is fabulous in my opinion - the exotic Spanish-flavoured sets, the costumes in burnt oranges, reds and blue-greys, the lighting - everyone seemed to glow. The scene in Dulcine's Garden was particularly beautiful, though the shimmering blue tutus the girls were wearing made the wierdest rustling sound like they had marbles in their pockets.
In any case Nureyev's choreography was both sparky and completely engaging, though the openings scene with Don Q, and the windmill scene in Act II have me completely baffled. I just kept thinking I wanted to get back to the pointless divertissements.

It's obviously unfair to critique a rehearsal. So I'll just say how fantastic Cojocaru and Putrov looked and I defy anyone who says they're not ready for principal roles. Cojocaru was light on her feet with lovely high extensions and jumps. Her Kitri was mischievious and in love with a hint of sensuality that I thought wiped away the 'sugary-sweetness' tag that seems to go with her on this board. And I can't wait to see what more Putrov can do - some of his solos were wonderful to watch. I'm putting my hopes in him a a future young star. The two together have loads of charisma and confidence and their wedding pdd earned loud applause. They have real chemistry and look so right for each other onstage. I really hope that their's is a partnership that continues.

Plus points for Zenaida Yanowsky - she's a terrifically commanding Street Dancer (don't know about the Odile-like costume though) and I really, really hope Stretton recognises how wonderful she dances and gives her some principal roles soon. Marianela Nunez and Gillian Revie danced as Kitri's friends. Jamie Tapper and Laura Morera glittered as the Queen of the Dryads and Amour respectively - I don't think RB's short of fresh female talent in the soloist ranks.

The rehearsal itself is such an odd affair. How do they allocate seats anyway? I was lucky to be in the grand tier (not too far from Stretton. I could swear I heard him commenting on this and that throughout the rehearsal. And boy, were there a few choice things I'd wanted to say to him...if I had the stomach!) I could see the amphitheatre was full, but there were so many spare seats in balcony, grand tier and stalls.

Okay, enough gushing. Rojo and Kobborg are the ones I'm really looking forward to next week. Can't wait!