En direct, Vidéo: Rechercher des critiques de musique classique, opéra et ballet | Kevin McKenzie

ABT's Giselle was the kind of glamorous, old-school ABT night of yore. You sensed the entire company leveled up for the occasion. One hopes that Smirnova will return in the future.

ABT's Swan Lake suffered due an obvious lack of rapport between its lead dancers but there was still some fine dancing on offer.

A star was born, and she was launched into the galaxy. Impressive New York debuts in Swan Lake from Chloe Misseldine and Aran Bell.

Magnificent leading dancers elevated the performance, but nothing can detract from the fact Kevin McKenzie's Swan Lake is looking tired.

It’s only her third performance of role, and her New York debut, but it was so polished that Brandt immediately jumped to our writer's personal short-list of great Giselles.

Kevin McKenzie's production of Swan Lake at ABT usually has little to commend it, but Christine Shevchenko's Odette/Odile is the real deal. 

American Ballet Theater's Swan Lake is enjoyable

Imagine being trapped, for the rest of your life, in a swan’s body. Webbed feet, feathery wings, lakeside nest, the whole bit. Would you resign yourself to this “fowl” existence or refuse to accept your fate – no matter the consequences?Swan Lake is about one woman, Odette (danced by Veronika Part), in this fantastical situation.

If you’re a regular theatergoer you may notice a discreet sign in the lobby when you show your ticket at the door. A slip of paper inserted in your program catches your eye, “In this evening’s performance of Giselle, the role of...” Your heart sinks: an understudy.No one wants to hear that a cast member in any production is unable to perform, especially not when it’s due to injury.