brilliant dancing - just saw Symphony in C performed by the San Francisco Ballet, and while it was excellent it's hard to equal the performances of John Clifford and Sara Leland. I've watched this video many times - thanks so much for posting it and congratulations
When asked to explain how he did his famous leaps, Nijinsky is quoted as replying something like "I just jump up, stay there for a while, and then come down." The same could be said of John Clifford's grand jetes. He just seems to pause up there for a moment, a magical illusion. Neither bland cardboard prince nor robotic technician, Clifford was a unique dancer who radiated the joy and excitement all ballet should have. His choreography has the same quality.
Sara Leland seems to be a somewhat forgotten NYCB principal dancer, but she was just lovely! Precise, lyrical, feminine, joyous . . . I really enjoy her dancing. And yours too, John Clifford!
Thank you for sharing, John! I am surprised that this was obviously broadcasted on German TV. I watch so much TV, but I seem to miss all the good stuff, haha
John Clifford, you were a wonderful dancer. I'm sorry that I never had a chance to see you dance, since I didn't start to go to NYCB until 1981. I have fond memories of Bart Cook as the comic figure of the husband with Stephanie Saland, in The Concert. I wonder if you danced that role too?
Balletto comunicante l'esprit de joie della danza attuato con pose figurali efficaci e gradevoli. Ottima la regia ideativa del coordinamento del corollario danzante. Impressione sensibile di facilità esecutiva d'acchito da parte di tutti.Ottima la riconduzione dei passi all'euritmia melodica. MOLTO BRAVI TUTTI GLI AGENTI IN PROSCENIO BIGHIN GIULIO RENZO
The musicality is stunningly beautiful. It’s as if every step just came into your body as the notes were being played and you were there, completely there. No sense of rote, complete ease and presence. ( though I am sure you were working hard to do that!😉) And was that Merrill Ashley performing in one of the couples?
