Wednesday July 1, 2009 - SYLVIA is a pleasing affair only because of the Leo Delibes score. As a story ballet, it's totally contrived and dramatically thin. Tonight at ABT, despite excellent dancing, I found myself unable to connect to it. Above: the legendary ballerina Olga Preobrajenskaya costumed for the title-role.
Michele Wiles and Roberto Bolle both looked marvelous and danced marvelously, but so much of the first act is mere filler for fauns and nymphs dancing not-very-interesting choreography. I admit to leaving during the intermission.
