Ivan Vasiliev Flames of Paris Solos

[@operagroupie]

I don’t care if he’s has perfect technique or not, he’s amazing to watch. Truly a strong dancer.

[@MrLuis85698]

agree with you , I will paid double to see him over the Daniil and Leonid , that are way boring to watch in the roles where Ivan shines

[@nnnnnnnnnnn7292]

He is the essence of Russian male ballet dancer - heroic, brave, soulful, with great height and width of movements, incredible jumps and powerful energy. You just can't stop admiring. Very masculine indeed. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dancingbluecrane2813]

Ivan Vasiliev is what I would call a HEROIC type of dancer and the most incredible one of our time, as opposed to a lyrical dancer like Tsiskaridze, for example. If Ivan Vasiliev's ballet technique and balletic lines were not solid, he would never be able to dance with such abandon. He throws himself into seemingly reckless moves, and at speed, because of his drilled ballet grounding. The impression given here of his being "merely" an athlete is because this video is intentionally showcasing his bravura moments only. He is an excellent actor-ballet dancer throughout the entire classical ballets in which he is cast. However, because of his relatively short and powerful build he is not the customary noble-prince type in stature. Yet, he dances such princely roles with an elegance of his own too. It would be good if the ballet audiences would distinguish between types of dancers as they do for opera singers. One needs to know that we as spectators come to expect the impossible. Personally, I find western audiences want the breathtakingly energetic Russian leaps, yet then dismiss such marvels because they do not seem controlled and noble at the same time. Ivan Vasiliev dances with furore where MUSICALLY and DRAMATICALLY appropriate & is a legendary ballet dancer that should be far better known worldwide, in my opinion. appropriate

[@dancingbluecrane2813]

The added word "appropriate" is an accident, my apologies.

[@НатальяСавельева-у9э]

I have watched ballet since the 60s and most of the ballet soloists had a powerful figure. I figured it should be in order to easily lift a partner. When I look at thin and slender now, I am afraid for the ballerinas. The dancer's legs tremble and step over. It seems that he is about to drop the girl with support. And the supports themselves became simple, so as not to complicate the safety of the partner.

[@marielatarnowska4238]

I admire him in every role he dances and besides being a great dancer he is a great actor !! Together with Osipova they are the best !!!

[@joyalways1179]

Those legs make him fly! Incred!

[@ileanamuntean7338]

He communicates joy and energy.

[@erinfleming4878]

We need more hot guys like Ivan in ballet.

[@NN-nnn]

Powerful and passionate. And a perfect partner. I'm in love with his dancing.

[@ВераЧашкина-ч9и]

Иван Васильев великолепный! Спасибо за пояснения, очень профессионально!

[@Zoroastroncom-fm1pp]

Ivan is the best!!!

[@lilbatz]

Oh my word. Where has he been all my life? Granted maybe not the fussiness in technique, but so enjoyable. A show with him AND Natalia? I'd cut someone to see that show. 😆

[@dancingbluecrane2813]

Enjay, you can find such Osipova with Vasiliev performances recorded and available, at least in parts, if you search online, especially in their Bolshoi Don Quixote or Flames of Paris performances before they separated in about 2012.

[@MrLuis85698]

I saw both before they were stars in 2000 , and they took my breath away

[@cjinpa5713]

As a more ‘athletic’ former dancer myself as a women I very much enjoy what performances I’ve seen if his on KZbin. Because of my own poor natural turnout I switched to the ballroom world but took the lines I learned to tue best if my ability with me there. It doesn’t disappoint me in any way that he’s given the rolls that suit him and not the ones that don’t. What the point of an entire company if not to use all your dancers in the roles that suit each of them. Just my opinion.

[@gilliangunstensen2595]

Thank you for the description.His moves are simply incredible.

[@ТатьянаШатикова-с4ъ]

Прекрасный Иван Васильев и прекрасный комментатор!!! Спасибо!

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks!

[@jill-p7n]

He is also fantastic as Spartacus. That role requires Ivan's energy as well. At the same time, he is one of the best in the love scen, when he both needs physical energy and endless tenderness.

[@donnadoell4196]

He's one of my favorites!

[@jonnarobinson7541]

I always love your videos and comments. You are 100% right about Ivan. I have twice seen him live. He dances with a abandon and can be very loose and his technique. However, he dances with such strength, joy, and energy that you cannot help but love him. Every role he is simply dancing Ivan. The encores go on and on. Baryshnikov is the best male dancer ever, but Ivan is sure an interesting guy💕💕🤩

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks Jonna!

[@fulvialimido4375]

One of the best dancers!

[@megofiachra3247]

Thanks for the explanation of ballet terms! A long time lover of watching and attending ballet, I’ve never researched technique and terms. Very interesting. (And Ivan is absolutely fabulous.)

[@asclepius3117]

Kent, another great tape!!!! I have watched this version so many times with awe. Ivan eats up the stage. For years I tried to find out the name of the the piked saut de basque variant. Well at least it has no name and I will refer to it as a "pistol." You are so right about his thighs. I 've seem him dance live a few times with ABT and Mikhailavsky in NYC also and the muscularity of his thighs is even more evident than in videos - almost distracting. He is truly a must exciting dancer. Love your comments.

[@asclepius3117]

I saw him in person several times. He is all that and more.

[@vanessak.sanders1292]

He is very suited for the roles you mentioned. Therefore thrilling to watch.

[@raywasabi2900]

Fantastic dancer!

[@claireelisewangpiano]

I just want to say I love your videos. I love your analysis of these dancers, and I am consistently blown away by the examples you choose. Thank you!

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks Claire!

[@minissa2009]

I'm not the Polunin fan some people are, and I don't know how they can go on about how unique he is when there are dancers like Vasiliev in the same ballet-o-sphere. And going back a generation or so, the Bolshoi had another danseur with a similar build (Irek Muhammedov) who danced similar roles like Spartacus but I think also got the more typical danseur roles like Jean de Brienne. I adore Vasiliev (thank you for adding to my vocabulary on some of those jumps) and really like his energy. Unlike Polunin in his final years with the Royal, he looks like he loves what he's doing. I was so sad when he and Osipova ended up at different companies because her Plisetskaya-like jump matched his so beautifully. From what I've seen, he was also a careful and considerate partner. Thanks for this! EDIT: Actually, on his emboite preparation for those tours, his very last movement is almost a small pique turn---he goes to releve, anyway. Can you comment (sorry, I'm a girl, didn't do many double tours!)? It seems like that would help in developing your momentum to go into the jumps.

[@KentGBecker]

I agree, it is a small pique turn into the tour. There is still a lot of momentum from the emboite turns before the small pique turn.

[@marinalucialib2886]

Why the comparassion to Polunin? They both are fantastic! In their own way (polunin "the gracefoul" Ivan "the fire", at least for me)

[@minissa2009]

@@marinalucialib2886 Agree. It just seems like Polunin gets all the attention when there are danseurs at least his equal. Not really sure where his teacher got the perspective that his was a talent seen only once in 100 years

[@dancingbluecrane2813]

Minissa, I agree , if Ivan Vasiliev had settled in the West he would outshine the likes of Polunin. Polunin is overrated as people are ignorant of how many such excellent technicians Russia has taught & produced these days, and, unfortunately, Ivan Vasiliev is underrated, or else his energetic musicality is misunderstood as "mere athleticism"! The world should be in awe, actually.

[@НатальяСавельева-у9э]

@@dancingbluecrane2813 You are a little wrong. Ivan is currently a very popular dancer in the world. He has toured many countries around the world and is the most sought-after and highly paid ballet dancer in the world. Ivan is known by all amateurs and professionals in the world. He does not need such PR as Polunin's films. Polunin is looking for himself in different genres of art. They are close in age, but their fate is different.

[@Peter-tz6rx]

Yun Byul of Korea also performs triple saute basques, huge double cabrioles (or smaller triples) on stage. However, I find Vasiliev more exciting, (and sometimes frightening), to watch.

[@BadPepsiMan]

He is handsome and always smiley on interviews. Very entertaining dancer.

[@andythompson6874]

As someone with only a cursory knowledge of ballet, I fully understand that Vasiliev is not the darling of the classical ballet purist crowd. However, he is the only male ballet dancer that any of the males in my family will watch. He is not the least bit effete', but much to the contrary, he looks, acts and moves in such an athletic, masculine manner. Even my nephews, who wrestle in high school and college, have made comments on Vasiliev's thighs. Again, I understand Vasiliev is no Nureyev, but apparently, Ivan isn't expected to be by many men who respect and admire his abilities.

[@marielatarnowska4238]

Before him , his father was a great manly dancer .

[@MrLuis85698]

agree 100% with you , he is the MALE dancer to watch , is you want exquisite moves, pay attention to the ballerina delicate moves when her turns come

[@josephcollins6033]

With you, brother! He reminds me of a man I consider THE GREATEST 'danseur' ever, Irek Mukhamedov. Incredible and always looks like a man.

[@MrLuis85698]

@@josephcollins6033 Agree, The fact that Male dancers tends to dance delicate as the female ballerinas is absurd to me.

[@josephcollins6033]

@@MrLuis85698 Bravo, dear Luis!

[@eleneropota195]

Pasiune,muncă asidua și mulțumire sufletească în realizarea actului artistic este ceea ce îl caracterizează pe artist.Felicitari.

[@scribs8017]

Ivan Vasiliev is who I wish to dance like

[@ЕвгенияЛоманович]

Спасибо за Ваши профессиональные комментарии!

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks for your comment. I hope the Russian subtitles are fine. I don't know Russian but had it translated for Russian fans.

[@danieltaboga2865]

C est un Danseur puissant certes ce n est pas toujours propre mais sa dynamique et son enthousiasme dans sa danse nou fait oublier cela...tel Michael Barysnikov danseur qu.on aimerait avoir à l opera de paris

[@GeorgeOu]

His pistol saut de basque is done in figure skating

[@KentGBecker]

Thanks! I wondered where the term came from.

[@josephcollins6033]

THANK YOU, DEAR KENT!!!

[@kim.young.]

my idol!!!!!!

[@chiedu90069]

I love Vasiliev, He's one of my favorites, but I wouldn't want all male dancers to dance like him. His athleticism is breathtaking as well as his stage presence. But I also love watching male dancers who focus more on precision and technique.

[@bettymaines6305]

Well said. Different dancers can be appreciated for different reasons. He dances to his strengths, which is wonderful.

[@williammorris584]

He makes the ‘conventional’ double cabriole derrière you provide as a contrast look insipid by comparison

[@shelleynobleart]

So nice to hear intelligent analysis of classical dance. You put together the best possible looks at dancers for dancers and fans alike. I admit Vasiliev makes the comparison dancers you brought in here look dishwater dull. But his dynamic acrobatic style, while entertaining, doesn't have the refined control that are hallmarks of ballet for me. Bravura, yes. But nobility perhaps lacking. Nureyev was savage in his youth as well, but later grew in his finesse. I saw him live in the late 70s, late in his career, and found his acting to be as thrilling as his giant leaps once were.

[@minissa2009]

That's why the Rudi/Dame Margot pairing had such vitality. His wildness was a perfect foil to her very English-style purity and refinement. I saw him with several different companies in that time period and he certainly never lost his sheer stage presence (also his petit batterie remained really quite good long after his line went). I honestly would rather see Vasiliev than a lot of more pure classicists because in part (for me) the art of dance is about that energy that brings the music to life. And maybe a little unfair to point out his lack of precision and turnout considering this was the Bolshoi---their history tends to be of big bravura jumpers and turners who look great in motion but prepare from a sort-of second position (turns) and come down from jumps like double tours in a sort of maybe turned in third-ish position. I think glasnost sharpened these elements of techinique; in return, they taught the West fluidity and dramatic expression. But this is why it's art---the same elements don't appeal to everyone equally.

[@anaabendroth3460]

No mention of Spartacus??

[@marialuisadellagramatica9672]

superbo!! soltanto 424 like????

[@TariART]

like this

[@altantsetseglhamganbold2610]

Ivan Vasileev delhiid gaihagdah sor balletchin.Gaihaltai

[@josephcollins6033]

Should I order this dvd? I can't find another dvd with Vasiliev.

[@KentGBecker]

The Bolshoi Flames of Paris is a lot of fun with young Vasiliev and Osipova as leads. I have the DVD and saw Mikhailovsky at Lincoln Center. Rather campy at times, but entertaining.

[@josephcollins6033]

@@KentGBecker Thanks, Kent. I will order it. Now, educate me: is "Mikhailovsky" a pet name for Baryshnikov? Sorry for spelling. :))

[@josephcollins6033]

@@KentGBecker Thanks, Kent. I will have to order that dvd!!! I appreciate your help and expertise.

[@anasamente5971]

He's the best cause he's is a MAN. The others dance like women........

[@GrandOldMovies]

He seems able to let momentum carry him through on his more athletic moves. He must be incredibly strong to be able to control each finish. Though the final impact of watching, for me, is more of a series of spectacular gymnastic stunts that that of a cohesive dance.

[@I_Have_An_Opinion_Always]

You come off as very condescending, idk, maybe you can’t help yourself.

[@carolynfeldman9643]

He reminds me more of a gymnast on a floor mat rather than a ballet dancer.

[@ПротваМоре]

Вы не правы!😣

[@evgeny9965]

IV , is too much the acrobat.

[@gonefishing167]

Just love Ivan. And with Osipova ? - pure magic on stage. He walks like a panther and dances with such joy. From what I’ve observed , such a good partner. 🩰🩰🙏👵🇦🇺