"Swan Lake" Part 7 Makarova & Ivan Nagy (Pas de Deux)

Grand Pas de Deux. Natalia Makarova (Odette) and Ivan Nagy (Siegfried). American Ballet Theater. Telecast on June 30, 1976. Staging by David Blair after Petipa and Ivanov. Conducted by Akira Endo. Scenery: Oliver Smith; costumes: Freddy Wittop; lighting: Jean Rosenthal.


Natalia Makarova (Odette/Odile), Ivan Nagy (Prince Siegfried), Lucia Chase (Princess-Mother), Enrique Martinez (Wolfgang), Terry Orr (Benno), Marcos Paredes (Von Rothbart), and William Carter (Spanish dance), with Warren Conover, Kristine Elliott, Nanette Glushak, Jolinda Menendez, Hilda Morales, Kirk Peterson, Frank Smith, Marianna Tcherkassky, Clark Tippett, Charles Ward, Rebecca Wright, and artists of the company.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• ballet
• swan
• lake
• natalia
• makarova
• ivan
• nagy
• petipa
• ivanov
• abt
• tchaikovsky

[Andante735]

Having seen her in performance many times, I would also mention the absolute command of the stage she had. It wasn't the exquisite fluidity, beautiful arched feet, or the perfect placement - when she was there you couldn't look at anyone else. As Odette, I remember the absolute silence - you could hear a pin drop. Notice how she's almost vacant, how she loses her persona and just merges with the music. It's sublime and almost makes the need for anyone else to dance it obsolete.

[saranewton429]

Not in the last 30 years has anyone, no high extensions, multi fast turns, anything surpassed the artistry and sensual pleasure of watching Natasha. She makes you feel the yearning and loss.

[nicolezly]

she has a melting quality... i am not sure if that makes sense..

[manderson610]

@iphi7genia I noticed the beauty of the violin and orchestra too! What has happened since then???

[manderson610]

She was a TRUE ballerina--not a gymnast like they are today! I miss the likes of Makarova and Kirkland so much...

[felicityb247]

One of the GREATEST.

[felicityb247]

One of the greatest. 

[sambossify]

Yes I love what you said Andante about the vacant Makarova. She created a space within her by surrendering part of herself on stage so that she became truly a vehicle for the Divine.

[themariomontenegro]

the best ballerina in the world ever. THE BEST !!!

[kmpanopio]

Incomparable, so beautiful. Makarova is by far my favorite Odette and Ivan Nagy my favorite Siegfried. Both of them together are so perfect in this pas de deux (perfect, in synch angles and chemistry), that the other performances I've seen paired with other partners seem disappointing to me no matter how beautiful they are as individual dancers.

[afitzj18]

the best swan lake grand pas de deux i've ever seen. BY FAR.