Originally the two lead dancers were supposed to be me and Gelsey Kirkland, and Balanchine was reviving this older ballet of his especially for us. Unfortunately we both decided to leave the company before the premiere. His COPPELIA too was started on Gelsey and myself for that same season. She left to be Baryshnikov's partner at American Ballet Theater, and I left to found my own Los Angeles Ballet. On reflection I should have, and could have, waited a few more years before going to LA...but the impetuousness of youth got me.
21 авг 2024
