Former New York City Ballet principal, Allegra Kent, has made a triumphant return to the company as a guest coach for the ballet productions of “La Sonnambula” and “The Unanswered Question”. Having first encountered “La Sonnambula” as a child, Kent went on to portray the iconic role of the Sleepwalker in Balanchine’s revival of the ballet. In her role as guest coach, Kent is committed to guiding current dancers Unity Phelan and Taylor Stanley in their performances, emphasizing the importance of conveying deep emotion and a sense of mystery in their portrayals. With her vast experience, Kent describes the role of the Sleepwalker as one of “huge urgency” and “a great tragedy that is not explained”, creating a unique ballet that explores the depths of despair and the power of subtleties. Kent’s gratitude for her experiences with “La Sonnambula” is evident, as she expresses her appreciation to Balanchine, Alexandra Danilova, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (M.T.A.) for their contributions to her journey.
Allegra Kent’s Return as Guest Coach
Allegra Kent, former New York City Ballet principal, has made a triumphant return to the company as a guest coach for two iconic ballets: “La Sonnambula” and “The Unanswered Question.” Kent, who has a storied history with the New York City Ballet, brings her wealth of knowledge and experience to these productions, ensuring that the performances are nothing short of exceptional. Let’s delve into Kent’s background and her connection to “La Sonnambula,” as well as her work with current dancers and her understanding of the role of the Sleepwalker.
Background on Allegra Kent’s role in the New York City Ballet
Before we explore Kent’s return to the New York City Ballet, it’s important to understand the significance of her role within the company. As a principal dancer for many years, Kent established herself as one of the most notable figures in the world of ballet. Her grace, technique, and artistry captivated audiences around the globe, and she became known for her ethereal presence on stage. Kent’s contributions to the New York City Ballet have left an indelible mark, and her return as a guest coach is highly anticipated.
Return to the company for ‘La Sonnambula’ and ‘The Unanswered Question’
Kent’s return to the New York City Ballet is particularly exciting due to her involvement in two iconic ballets: “La Sonnambula” and “The Unanswered Question.” “La Sonnambula,” in particular, holds a special place in Kent’s heart, as she had an early exposure to the ballet and later performed as the Sleepwalker in Balanchine’s revival.
Kent’s Connection to ‘La Sonnambula’
Kent’s connection to “La Sonnambula” began in her childhood. As a young girl, she first saw the ballet and was immediately drawn to its haunting beauty. The ethereal quality of the Sleepwalker’s character intrigued her, and she knew in that moment that she wanted to someday embody that role. Years later, she had the opportunity to do just that when Balanchine revived the ballet and cast her as the Sleepwalker.
Kent’s Performance as the Sleepwalker in Balanchine’s Revival
Kent’s performance as the Sleepwalker in Balanchine’s revival of “La Sonnambula” was nothing short of mesmerizing. She brought a sense of mystery and emotion to the role, captivating audiences with every step she took. Her interpretation of the Sleepwalker went beyond technical precision; it delved into the depths of the character’s psyche, showcasing the internal turmoil and vulnerability that lay beneath the surface.
Emphasis on Conveying Emotion and Mystery in the Role
One of the key aspects that Kent emphasizes when coaching dancers in the role of the Sleepwalker is the importance of conveying emotion and mystery. For Kent, the Sleepwalker is not just a character to be portrayed but a vessel for raw emotions. She encourages dancers to tap into their own experiences and emotions, allowing them to infuse their performances with authenticity and depth. The element of mystery is also crucial, as Kent believes it adds to the allure and intrigue of the character.
Working with Current Dancers
Collaboration is at the heart of Kent’s work as a guest coach. During her return to the New York City Ballet, she had the pleasure of working with Unity Phelan and Taylor Stanley, two talented dancers who were cast in the roles of the Sleepwalker and the Male Soloist, respectively.
Refining the Performances of the Current Dancers
As a seasoned professional, Kent brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her coaching sessions. Her keen eye for detail and her ability to provide insightful feedback have proved invaluable to Phelan and Stanley. Together, they have worked tirelessly to refine their performances, ensuring that every movement and nuance is executed with precision and intention.
Understanding the Role of the Sleepwalker
Kent’s deep understanding of the role of the Sleepwalker stems from her own experience performing it. She describes the role as a “huge urgency,” a relentless pursuit of something that is just out of reach. The Sleepwalker, according to Kent, embodies a great tragedy that is not explained. It is this tragic mystery that makes the character so captivating and allows dancers to explore the depths of human emotions.
‘La Sonnambula’: A Unique Balanchine Ballet
“La Sonnambula” is a ballet unlike any other in Balanchine’s repertoire. It exudes a sense of despair and explores the subtleties of human emotions. Kent expresses her gratitude to Balanchine, as well as to Alexandra Danilova and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (M.T.A.), for their contributions to the ballet. Their collaboration and vision allowed “La Sonnambula” to come to life on the stage, and Kent is honored to be a part of this incredible production once again.
In conclusion, Allegra Kent’s return as a guest coach for the New York City Ballet’s production of “La Sonnambula” and “The Unanswered Question” is a highly anticipated event. Her deep connection to the ballet, her work with current dancers, and her understanding of the role of the Sleepwalker make her an invaluable asset to the company. The performances are sure to be captivating, and audiences are in for a treat as they witness the magic of Allegra Kent’s presence on stage once again.
