Word: baryshnikov
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...Perhaps because he began by playing catch-up, Nureyev was not considered a natural dancer. He was blessed with a high leap and, in addition to athletic vigor, the noble, generous moves that are nearly impossible to teach. But he lacked, say, the sublime coordination of Mikhail Baryshnikov, and he had to work hard for his technique; a former colleague recalls that he was always looking for someone to teach him how to turn...
...Bayadere, he came to us as a dancer. He understood our shortcomings and was tireless in helping us and broadening our horizons." That was with the women. To Royal's men, Nureyev was nearly a catastrophe. He took over everything, and other promising careers never fully developed. Later, when Baryshnikov came West, Nureyev was to know similar emotions. The world was, in fact, big enough for two Soviet superstars, but the blazing of a younger version of his own career was not easy...
Much has changed over the years. Tharp is 51 and losing some of her plasticity, if none of her cheek. Baryshnikov is 44. Because of recurrent knee problems, his famous jump has been curtailed and he cannot lift Tharp, but his technique is as pure and liquid as ever. The evening, with mostly new works, tries to cope with the physical realities that confront them both and is only partly successful...
...worst comes first. A medley all too aptly titled Schtick is stale, botched Broadway, except for a fleeting, funny solo for Baryshnikov composed of stock classical-ballet flourishes. This kind of parody is familiar, but Tharp wisely keeps it light and witty. The heart of the evening is a suite for the two stars set to Pergolesi -- dreamy, deeply musical, full of surprising yet harmonious moves. In a zippy finale, the stars cavort, and six fine young backup dancers finally get to strut some very flashy stuff...
Probably Tharp will refine the evening during the tour. Maybe another oldie or two would not hurt. To see Baryshnikov's lyrical, muscular performance in One More for the Road (1983), a last-act highlight, is to watch a marvelous synthesis of classical and modern dance -- what their creative partnership is all about...