Work ( boring title )

I'm working on 2 new ballets for the festival and getting ready for my Galas and guest performances during the time off, a lot of traveling to many different places and meeting ballet friends from around the world
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Written by Maria Kochetkova On Tagged

San Francisco Ballet - Giselle

"Balletomanes in the ornate lobby of the San Francisco War Memorial seemed busy Saturday evening, discussing what will happen in a few days. Instead of focusing on the business at hand, the opening of the "Giselle" revival with the "A cast," talk was all about the coming role debut Tuesday of Bolshoi's/Royal Ballet's Maria Kochetkova, to be partnered by Joan Boada." The Examiner
"The buzz among serious ballet watchers is for Maria Kochetkova, who will make her company debut as Giselle on Tuesday." San Francisco Chronicle
"Maria Kochetkova did not disappoint in San Francisco Ballet’s “Giselle” last night. Yes, she is tiny, porcelain-skinned, and feather light, but the key to her interpretation was this: You could see how much trust she was putting in her Albrecht, and just how dangerous and exhilarating that trust was. When Albrecht sat on the bench next to her, when she counted out the “he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not” flower petals–none of this happened with a coy flutter of lashes, but instead with swallows of fear. Even little passages like the series of piques where she kisses her fingers and they touch hands became not mere flirtations, but tests–can I trust you?–followed by not just romantic elation, but relief. Her Albrecht Joan Boada nuzzled her like a kitten he’d taken in from the cold, while in his rakish excitement we saw the mounting danger, that he did not realize the magnitude of sin he was committing in toying with such a delicate soul. The first act was pure drama, and rightly so, Kochetkova’s technique unostentatious–even her fleet jumps seemed an expression of Giselle’s irrepressible joy in dancing, not feats for their own sake. Surprisingly, Kochetkova does not have a huge arabesque penchee to dazzle us with, but in the second act, she called on that buoyant jump again, a benevolent wisp in the air on that series of changements with one foot in coupe. Meanwhile, Boada was in good form with beautiful feet and a stretch that reaches well beyond his small proportions. He was an extravagantly penitent Albrecht, replacing the fluttering beaten jumps that so pierced the heart in Tiit Helimets’ interpretation with an odd run of frenzied brisees. The final moments were telling. In Yuan Yuan Tan’s performance, as Giselle sunk back into the grave, Tan lolled her head as though to protest leaving him, almost like Odette in the second act of “Swan Lake.” In Kochetkova’s final moments, she gazed upon Albrecht lovingly, but she did not shake in protest of their separation. She accepted it–and everything: his betrayal of her, his penitence. This was not a tragic final parting, but a bittersweet one. It seemed to me perfectly in character. And it made this performance of “Giselle” one I will never forget." Rachel Howard
"Maria Kochetkova, the company's new prima ballerina direct from Russia, turned in a company debut performance that was instantly legendary." SF Mike
Performances: Tuesday, Feb 19th, 8pm Saturday, Feb 23rd, 8pm
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Written by Maria Kochetkova On Tagged , ,

San Francisco Ballet at 75 - Diamond Gala

La Esmeralda pas de deux reviews:
"Meanwhile fellow Cuban Joan Boada struck up a heated new partnership with Kochetkova, he dashing with usual recklessness through tours while she delighted the standing-room die-hards with her fouette turns, not only tossing in ample doubles but rotating her spot (a gyroscopic feat much harder than it looks)." San Francisco Chronicle
"Petite and lightning-fast Maria Kochetkova, who joined the troupe last fall, has found a congenial partner in Joan Boada. Their pas de deux from "La Esmeralda" sparkled with whipping turns, flying jetés and an insouciant sense of competition." San Jose Mercury News
"In the boy-and-girl-outdo-each-other category, Joan Boada and company newcomer Maria Kochetkova both showed world-class technique and consummate artistry in the classic 'La Esmeralda' pas de deux." The Examiner
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Written by Maria Kochetkova On Tagged , ,