Blog

Aleksandra Efimova and Alexei Ratmansky, the American Ballet Theatre's resident choreographer.

There is something magical about seeing an iconic ballet performed to perfection. That was the case this weekend when New York’s American Ballet Theatre performed the romantic classic, Giselle, at the Auditorium Theatre.

On Friday night, I had the pleasure of hosting a beautiful reception at the Russian Pointe Dance
Boutique prior to the performance, and about 100 guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as they mingled with representatives of the American Ballet Theatre.

Then on Saturday, I had the privilege of seeing the stunning Natalia Osipova and David Hallberg
perform the roles of Giselle and Albrecht.

Giselle is a demanding part both physically and emotionally. To do it right, the lead ballerina must be able to act like a charming, country peasant who has fallen madly in love in the first act, and then transform in the second act into an otherworldly spirit who has died of a fragile broken heart. Osipova fulfilled the role beautifully, with flawless dancing and heartfelt facial expressions that perfectly captured her character.

Another highlight of the evening was meeting the American Ballet Theatre’s resident choreographer, Alexei Ratmansky, who is presenting the company’s new production of The Firebird in Costa Mesa, Calif., next week.

Although the American Ballet Theatre has been visiting Chicago regularly for the past several years, this marks the first time that the acclaimed company has performed at the Auditorium Theatre. In fact, Brett Batterson, executive director of the Auditorium Theatre, announced in February that the American Ballet Theatre has
signed a six-year contract with ABT.

I am looking forward to welcoming the American Ballet Theatre back to Chicago again soon!

A grocery store in Moscow.

I love visiting Russia ― not only so I can eat some of my favorite foods and catch up with old friends, but also so I can visit the Russian Pointe manufacturing facility where all of the magic happens.

This summer, I traveled to St. Petersburg, where I visited family and spent time at my old school, the Art School at the Hermitage State Art Museum. I would not be where I am today without the well-rounded education I received there, both in academics and the arts.

Then, I traveled to the Russian Pointe manufacturing plant in Moscow, and as always, we are very busy at Russian Pointe!

I spent time working with our expert cobblers to ensure we are maintaining impeccable quality, and I also helped train new cobblers and taught them about our high standards and commitment to excellence.

In addition, I wanted to make sure we are meeting our demands, and I looked for opportunities to improve our production. Once again, I feel fully confident that our cobblers are producing the highest quality pointe shoes on the market!