i went to the gala in 2011 at Lincoln center and got her autograph (she was sitting two seats in front of me). it was probably the happiest day in my ballet life.
I remember seeing this version before. She had to go back to the stage something like eight times, because the people just didnt stop applauding. The audience was so right: she is the best!
Classical ballet is such an exquisite thing. It is not for all. And this piece in particular. It is the gem of the gems. Kolpakova is iconic here... I don't know anyone who could be called iconic in this part after Kolpakova. By the way she is simply quite old here already. And still, you can only see it in some moments. I am glad the Kirov does remember how to dance it.
I prefer the japanese girl from 1993's Prix de Lausanne to Kolpakova. Obviously the ballerina's today work w higher lines, Kolpakova was doing a less than 90° arabesque.
She perfectly did Aurora when she danced at Kirov ballet, she was almost the best Aurora of that time, but what i find a bit unpleasant to eyes is that she does not (or can't) turn her legs out when she's doing ecartee from 1.32.
I agree with everybody here appreciating her classical elegance and technique, Uta420 and mrlopez, unfortunately they don´t make dancers like this anymore, there are good dancers of course but there are also gymnasts on point (no ofense to gymnasts, but ballet is... different). I really pray that someday ballet will go back to be the way it was...real art should never die!
I have to say, this is not the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Her technique is not very good, but her presence is nice. I think for older times this was nice, but she seems to take tension in her shoulders and neck, and I think she could be better, but over all, it was ok....
For "older times"? You obviously have never seen a film of her when she was younger. She sure didn't look like this! Her dancing became far more restrained with age, but to say that her technique is "not very good" is ridiculous. Her technique is perfect. What "tension" do you speak of?
She is one of my favorite dancers and the biggest reason is because of her pure understated style! Watching this is like a breath of fresh air compared to what the Mariinsky is currently shoving down our throats!
her technique is horrible? Are you serious? This is pure, classical technique. So pure in fact, and so easy, that never once does her dancing make a spectacle of itself. Nevertheless she was near retirement here, the last student of Vaganova to achieve the rank of prima.
she's the best aurora I've seen. lovely but never cute. porcelain and gem-like not juicy and elastic like so many tall girls. she has the royal air and french petite, but never a doll. she understands what is "brilliante" in music and so sparkles. there is a zharkarov bit here on the tube, she is so pliant and elastic she's like a rubber band! which takes the glitter out of the music and is often late
just what her opening sisson par terre, hwo she shoots out and became still like a china figurine. she shoots out farther than tall girls!!! who just kick their back legs... irina is exciting from go.
watch how she breathes thru the slow chene, and you don't see her push from a single to a double pique turn. she just slide thru the whole turn sequence seemingly without trying to put in any effort at all. the whole things looks like an adagio. we moderns may like strong women but she's a little princes from fable france. Long girls like zhakarov are good for the swan maybe, or lilac and florine, but really not aurora,
There were MANY dancers at the time this was filmed - 1977 - that were just as technically accomplished as today. It is anything but a recent thing.
Those with negative comments - what exactly are you looking @? Her classicism is perfection, everything is placed in the most precise manner possible, and with such ease and steadiness that her dancing never makes a spectacle of itself. She is a ballerina of the old gaurd, not a rhythmic-gymast in toe-shoes like many other danseuses today.
I agree with mrlopez2681, her technique is far beyond a lot of other "rythmic-gymnasts in pointe shoes". She's strong and hits and holds her positions. I'd much rather see a strong dancer with legs just above 90 or at 90 than a dancer with legs growing out the side of her head with no emotion or strength
this video's at the very least 30 years old, and ballet's evolved over time. kolpakova was wonderful for her time, and she's now a much-respected ballet mistress at abt.
This woman, Kolpakova, is the only reason I keep watching this otherwise rather boring and long ballet everytime it's on tv. Sorry, I have no idea about ballet, but she seems not to demonstrate a technique, but to express the subtlety and grace of a young girl. I thought she was very young at that time! Her performance seems very moving to me!
Unfortunately this does Kolpakova or her reputation no favours, whatsoever.
Here she's 50, and sadly what you're watching is the remnant of a great technique. It was a time when the Russian's were going long long past their prime. But in her youth, she was one of the all time greats.
what a terribly rude person you are ballerina08! I'm sorry for you.
This is one of the greatest Auroras, reknowned for her classicism, her musicallity, her understanding of the subtleties of vaganova style and the role of Aurora. She has influenced most Auroras at the Mariinsky and many at the ABT (where she coaches).
If she looks 30 to you it is an accomplishment in itself because she is 52 in this video. This is her farewell and the applause is the whole of her remarkable career.
Well, i think you have to calm down and stop calling people names. And I didn't even claim that I can do better, you did. And if you really can then good for you. But I still doubt that. XD
wow...you're such a rude, nasty, non educated and vulgar human being...i'm amazed you are even within the noble and graceful world of ballet, so unsuited for ordinary entities like yuself. kneel down and uncover yourslf in precense of greatness...
Please stop posting mean comments like "this was terrible, she couldn't dance at all"! They're professionals and I'd like to see you doing better, if you can. And besides, she is good at this variation. >:[
Here you see Irinas Kolpakovas farewell performance in (Tutu character) Aurora. She was one of the most important ACADEMICAL Primabalerinas of the 20th Ceuntry, She was last Vagavovas pupil I think.
It doesn't look like now but she moved female technigue foward in 70's like nobody in the world and still she preserved ACADEMICAL PRINCIPLES of the classical ballet....and everythink else is just just matter of individual taste. :-)
Remeber, Aurora enters on stage 16 year old and gets married 116 years old in the end of the ballet and in between she was running in the forest like vision to make sure the Prince will notice. This part requires everything: strongest technique even the choreography seems easy (that's how Mr. Petipa created it more than hundred years ago), talent, professionalism, absolute knowlege of academical rules, musicality, great actig mastery even from the point of audience
The Sleeping Beauty is concidered Academical "mile stone" in the professinal ballet world = if you could well interpreted Aurora you place in the theatre is safe.
It requires perfectly clean and strong technique and absolute knowlege of the original (Russiann-Petipa-Vaganova school) source, then you may follow any company idea you want, but if you don't know the basic you are wasting your and the auduience time.
I love Irina!!! Some people say she's Russia's most famous Aurora. You can see how much people love her by the applause. She's an amazing teacher as well. She came to our summer camp like 8 times. I've even kicked her once. Oops. Her husband is also a regular at the camp.
yes Aurora is one of my favourite roles. I saw many interpretation of the Sleeping Beauty. Of course, this is a performance very old and now the technique has changed a lot...but I don't know, I don't find Irina anything special, I mean she gives me nothing.
i really like her lines, but beyond the pretty classical lines the role hasn't really given me anything ... so i'm curious to know which interpretations you like. the later auroras i've seen still adhere, more or less, to the classical aesthetic.
I think my favourite Aurora is Viviana durante's. I have her performance on dvd and I think she has a geat technique and interprative quality. You can find her on youtube.
i went to the gala in 2011 at Lincoln center and got her autograph (she was sitting two seats in front of me). it was probably the happiest day in my ballet life.
heeharaseberry 1 month ago
I remember seeing this version before. She had to go back to the stage something like eight times, because the people just didnt stop applauding. The audience was so right: she is the best!
ideanus 2 months ago
Guapa!
theamazingsoter 5 months ago
RUSSIANS the BEST !
LOVE !
hulik243 7 months ago
She danced with such purity of the line, regal deportment , exquisite epaulement and port de bras!
banchasu 1 year ago
She was 49 years old during this production and yet she looks like a young girl and makes an amazing performance!
ideanus 1 year ago
Classical ballet is such an exquisite thing. It is not for all. And this piece in particular. It is the gem of the gems. Kolpakova is iconic here... I don't know anyone who could be called iconic in this part after Kolpakova. By the way she is simply quite old here already. And still, you can only see it in some moments. I am glad the Kirov does remember how to dance it.
slawayaru 1 year ago
I prefer the japanese girl from 1993's Prix de Lausanne to Kolpakova. Obviously the ballerina's today work w higher lines, Kolpakova was doing a less than 90° arabesque.
MsGrrrl 1 year ago
All due respect but this is nothing compared to Zakharova.
MsGrrrl 1 year ago
@MsGrrrl You are joking, surely...
oldoperafan 1 month ago
I don't really like her style of dancing this particular variation, but she did dance it (in the technical way) perfectly, so I must give her props
CvilleDancer 1 year ago
She perfectly did Aurora when she danced at Kirov ballet, she was almost the best Aurora of that time, but what i find a bit unpleasant to eyes is that she does not (or can't) turn her legs out when she's doing ecartee from 1.32.
AnitnelavCoeur 1 year ago
mmm, she could give more of her!!! I dont like her
cherrycanelita 2 years ago
I have worked with her!!!
She is a great artist with a great personality!!!
I LOVE IRINA!!!
BEAUTIFUL!!!
18Solor90 2 years ago
old school
OJTS007 2 years ago
you people should respect everyone opinions...some of us like, some not.
why do u always have to insult and be rude?
gosh..
ignezz 2 years ago
not bcuz of her flexibility , but the way she dances..i dont know how to explain cuz im dont speak english :$
ignezz 2 years ago
im sorry but i am not impressed
balletbunhead777 2 years ago
me neither..i dont like her legs :|
ignezz 2 years ago
i know shes so not flexible add my other channel laurelballerinafly
balletbunhead777 2 years ago
She is so musical! Wow.
panyatna 2 years ago
I agree with everybody here appreciating her classical elegance and technique, Uta420 and mrlopez, unfortunately they don´t make dancers like this anymore, there are good dancers of course but there are also gymnasts on point (no ofense to gymnasts, but ballet is... different). I really pray that someday ballet will go back to be the way it was...real art should never die!
odile77 2 years ago 2
I have to say, this is not the most amazing thing I have ever seen. Her technique is not very good, but her presence is nice. I think for older times this was nice, but she seems to take tension in her shoulders and neck, and I think she could be better, but over all, it was ok....
donquixote444 2 years ago
For "older times"? You obviously have never seen a film of her when she was younger. She sure didn't look like this! Her dancing became far more restrained with age, but to say that her technique is "not very good" is ridiculous. Her technique is perfect. What "tension" do you speak of?
mrlopez2681 2 years ago 3
Do you have the male variation and the coda?
dudalovetendo 2 years ago
She is one of my favorite dancers and the biggest reason is because of her pure understated style! Watching this is like a breath of fresh air compared to what the Mariinsky is currently shoving down our throats!
9415908 2 years ago
Is this really old? because her technique is horible.
reginaholic 2 years ago
her technique is horrible? Are you serious? This is pure, classical technique. So pure in fact, and so easy, that never once does her dancing make a spectacle of itself. Nevertheless she was near retirement here, the last student of Vaganova to achieve the rank of prima.
mrlopez2681 2 years ago 5
she has beautiful legs but I don't really like her posture with her back hunched over...
kbtdancer1222 2 years ago 3
she does not look 16 or 18. Its like seeing my mother dance
hahaha2531 3 years ago
she's the best aurora I've seen. lovely but never cute. porcelain and gem-like not juicy and elastic like so many tall girls. she has the royal air and french petite, but never a doll. she understands what is "brilliante" in music and so sparkles. there is a zharkarov bit here on the tube, she is so pliant and elastic she's like a rubber band! which takes the glitter out of the music and is often late
unsatura 3 years ago
just what her opening sisson par terre, hwo she shoots out and became still like a china figurine. she shoots out farther than tall girls!!! who just kick their back legs... irina is exciting from go.
unsatura 3 years ago
watch how she breathes thru the slow chene, and you don't see her push from a single to a double pique turn. she just slide thru the whole turn sequence seemingly without trying to put in any effort at all. the whole things looks like an adagio. we moderns may like strong women but she's a little princes from fable france. Long girls like zhakarov are good for the swan maybe, or lilac and florine, but really not aurora,
unsatura 3 years ago
wow she was absolutely beautiful! but the audience were annoying.. did they HAVE to clap in unison?
Clockmouth 3 years ago
it is a very old European tradition to clap in such a manner at the theatre......you must be American??
mrlopez2681 3 years ago 2
Comment removed
mrlopez2681 2 years ago
There were MANY dancers at the time this was filmed - 1977 - that were just as technically accomplished as today. It is anything but a recent thing.
Those with negative comments - what exactly are you looking @? Her classicism is perfection, everything is placed in the most precise manner possible, and with such ease and steadiness that her dancing never makes a spectacle of itself. She is a ballerina of the old gaurd, not a rhythmic-gymast in toe-shoes like many other danseuses today.
mrlopez2681 3 years ago 5
one more thing - this is right before she retired, she danced very different when she was younger. Shes was about 44 years old here.
mrlopez2681 3 years ago
I agree with mrlopez2681, her technique is far beyond a lot of other "rythmic-gymnasts in pointe shoes". She's strong and hits and holds her positions. I'd much rather see a strong dancer with legs just above 90 or at 90 than a dancer with legs growing out the side of her head with no emotion or strength
Uta420 3 years ago 10
She is perfect, wonderful ballerina...brava Mrs. Kolpakova!!!!
Bailarette 3 years ago
this video's at the very least 30 years old, and ballet's evolved over time. kolpakova was wonderful for her time, and she's now a much-respected ballet mistress at abt.
mayday822 3 years ago 2
ok so im no dancer or (well used to be when i was younger) but anyways, i seemed to like her! at her time, she as one of the greatest ballerina!
moosterjj21 3 years ago 2
This film is from th e 70s or 60s, so there are many different ability changes between then and now!
ali12154 3 years ago
i think all of you who are saying shes crap should shut up
god you infuriate me
get a grip shes a better dancer than you
and to people who like this well done you know a good dancer when you see one
wiseryan19 3 years ago
whats wrong with her... maybe she is old
lacks extension
doesn't turn out
smiles weird
she lacks everything
dancingrainflower 3 years ago
shes a beautiful dancer its just her arms(wrists mostly) they are a little to "flippy" when they are not supposed to be
kw713 3 years ago
Exactly Moosterjj21
kirov1bolshoi 3 years ago
why hate? shes good! i like her in sleeping beauty!
moosterjj21 4 years ago
Number 1: You people know nothing.
Number 2: I think this i Beautiful for begin a old film
Number 3: Ballet is better than it used to be in those times.
I think she good.
kirov1bolshoi 4 years ago
for some reason... i just don't like this! at all
danceprincess375 4 years ago
me either, i think its because it seems a little awkward or something, i cant quite put my finger on it
xballerinadreamsx 4 years ago
That woman is way to old to be playing Aurora
twirln55 4 years ago
agreed :)
xballerinadreamsx 4 years ago
This woman, Kolpakova, is the only reason I keep watching this otherwise rather boring and long ballet everytime it's on tv. Sorry, I have no idea about ballet, but she seems not to demonstrate a technique, but to express the subtlety and grace of a young girl. I thought she was very young at that time! Her performance seems very moving to me!
milenako 4 years ago 3
Unfortunately this does Kolpakova or her reputation no favours, whatsoever.
Here she's 50, and sadly what you're watching is the remnant of a great technique. It was a time when the Russian's were going long long past their prime. But in her youth, she was one of the all time greats.
KBbrown 4 years ago
You call yourself a "ballerina" yet you have no idea who Irina Kolpakova is? That's a shame.
annakarenina1111 4 years ago 14
what a terribly rude person you are ballerina08! I'm sorry for you.
This is one of the greatest Auroras, reknowned for her classicism, her musicallity, her understanding of the subtleties of vaganova style and the role of Aurora. She has influenced most Auroras at the Mariinsky and many at the ABT (where she coaches).
If she looks 30 to you it is an accomplishment in itself because she is 52 in this video. This is her farewell and the applause is the whole of her remarkable career.
ondine217 4 years ago 6
Well, i think you have to calm down and stop calling people names. And I didn't even claim that I can do better, you did. And if you really can then good for you. But I still doubt that. XD
annuli88 4 years ago
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No she's not. Bitch calmo down and see me...can u do better...this shit is terrible
ballerina08 4 years ago
wow...you're such a rude, nasty, non educated and vulgar human being...i'm amazed you are even within the noble and graceful world of ballet, so unsuited for ordinary entities like yuself. kneel down and uncover yourslf in precense of greatness...
cubanmiamiboy 4 years ago 4
Please stop posting mean comments like "this was terrible, she couldn't dance at all"! They're professionals and I'd like to see you doing better, if you can. And besides, she is good at this variation. >:[
annuli88 4 years ago
well i dont think it was horrible, but its deffinetly not my favorite.
ballerinnnna 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
LOL..I know..im onlii 17 and can do better than her...she looks 30!
ballerina08 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
eww that was terrible!
ballerina08 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Ur Rigth plus a minute and a half of just clapping...She didn't deserve that!
allthatjazz343 4 years ago
She's so graceful!Beauty! Beauty!
nutbambi 4 years ago
good, but I don't like her in this role
petigrace 4 years ago
Here you see Irinas Kolpakovas farewell performance in (Tutu character) Aurora. She was one of the most important ACADEMICAL Primabalerinas of the 20th Ceuntry, She was last Vagavovas pupil I think.
It doesn't look like now but she moved female technigue foward in 70's like nobody in the world and still she preserved ACADEMICAL PRINCIPLES of the classical ballet....and everythink else is just just matter of individual taste. :-)
sunnybrett 4 years ago
Her part seem shallow and on top of it natural individuality that gives it autenticity.
It may sound fulish but mostely balerinas around late 20's to 30's get it just right.
sunnybrett 4 years ago
Remeber, Aurora enters on stage 16 year old and gets married 116 years old in the end of the ballet and in between she was running in the forest like vision to make sure the Prince will notice. This part requires everything: strongest technique even the choreography seems easy (that's how Mr. Petipa created it more than hundred years ago), talent, professionalism, absolute knowlege of academical rules, musicality, great actig mastery even from the point of audience
sunnybrett 4 years ago
The Sleeping Beauty is concidered Academical "mile stone" in the professinal ballet world = if you could well interpreted Aurora you place in the theatre is safe.
sunnybrett 4 years ago
It requires perfectly clean and strong technique and absolute knowlege of the original (Russiann-Petipa-Vaganova school) source, then you may follow any company idea you want, but if you don't know the basic you are wasting your and the auduience time.
sunnybrett 4 years ago
Sleeping Beauty - Aurora, is one of the most coplex, difficult and for many balerinas "ungrateful" parts.
sunnybrett 4 years ago
I love Irina!!! Some people say she's Russia's most famous Aurora. You can see how much people love her by the applause. She's an amazing teacher as well. She came to our summer camp like 8 times. I've even kicked her once. Oops. Her husband is also a regular at the camp.
DeeDubz1124 4 years ago
I really don't like her...she is boring
graziana22 5 years ago
do you like the role of aurora in general?
sylphida 5 years ago
yes Aurora is one of my favourite roles. I saw many interpretation of the Sleeping Beauty. Of course, this is a performance very old and now the technique has changed a lot...but I don't know, I don't find Irina anything special, I mean she gives me nothing.
Of course, this is my opinion...
graziana22 5 years ago
i really like her lines, but beyond the pretty classical lines the role hasn't really given me anything ... so i'm curious to know which interpretations you like. the later auroras i've seen still adhere, more or less, to the classical aesthetic.
sylphida 5 years ago
I think my favourite Aurora is Viviana durante's. I have her performance on dvd and I think she has a geat technique and interprative quality. You can find her on youtube.
graziana22 5 years ago
ty i will def check it out
sylphida 5 years ago
Did you see her? she is just fabulous !!
graziana22 5 years ago
yes, she is lovely, i hadn't seen this choreography before either
sylphida 5 years ago