Alistair Macaulay wrote an article about some of the important losses and triumphs in dance this year, but he left out one loss in particular that I think needs to be remembered: Ninel Kurgapkina died this year. As the Mariinsky becomes ever more athletic, their dancers could really use her stylistic guidance. One of the most important dancers she produced was Zhanna Ayupova, who was both excellent (much better than most--if not all--of the principals the company has now) and underrated. As Nureyev's frequent partner whilst he was in Russia, Kurgapkina had invaluable experience, and although extensions crept higher and higher even when she was alive, her students and the dancers she coached always retained beautiful upper bodies and the refinement that marks the Mariinsky's style. Without her, I'm afraid the company will only decline faster.
Read the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/arts/dance/20macaulay.html?_r=5&partner=rss&emc=rss
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