NYCB Farewells: Yvonne Borree

Sunday June 6, 2010 - Erik Tomasson's photo of Yvonne Borree and Jared Angle in DUO CONCERTANT from their 2008 guest appearance at San Francisco Ballet. Today the same two dancers performed this Balanchine duet as Yvonne's farewell to the New York City Ballet stage where she has danced since 1987.

Yvonne Borree's delicate lyricism drew me to her in the years when she began to emerge from the New York City Ballet's corps. She was my first Princess Florine in the Martins SLEEPING BEAUTY (with Ethan Stiefel!), and she seemed like a natural successor to Kay Mazzo in many roles.

Over the seasons, Yvonne created a lovely impression in several roles: her signature DUO CONCERTANT, STRAVINSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO, SERENADE (the Russian girl) and as Sean Lavery's Juliet. Her Swanhilda was both winsome and determined, her Aurora full of hopeful romance. She was also surprisingly cast in SEX (in Peter Martins' THEM TWOS) and she made it languidly hot. In Voices of Spring in VIENNA WALTZES and in DANCES AT A GATHERING she gave me some very appealing images, and she was particularly charming as the dowdy, spinsterish Librarian who dreams of being a Mermaid in Wheeldon's CARNIVAL OF THE ANIMALS.

Yvonne was frequently cast with Nikolaj Hubbe, the gallant Danish prince of the dance who always made the raven-haired ballerina look her finest. Above, in SYMPHONIC DANCES. When Nikolaj bade farewell to New York City Ballet, Yvonne broke down during the curtain calls and clung to him so endearingly.

Nikolaj was her most frequent partner...

...and she also danced often with Nilas Martins...

...Jared Angle...

...and Philip Neal. NYCB production photos by Paul Kolnik.

This afternoon's farewell performance was one of the most moving experiences in the theatre that I can recall. When Yvonne and her partner Benjamin Millepied walked onstage for the third movement of BRAHMS-SCHOENBERG QUARTET the audience gave her a prolonged, warm ovation. The conductor was simply unable to start the music while everyone saluted the ballerina. The moment was captured by Paul Kolnik in the above photo, with Likolani Brown, Ashley Laracey and Alina Dronova as demi-solistes.

Once they were able to begin, things went beautifully - Yvonne calm and radiant, Ben the perfect cavalier. Their bows were very moving and I noticed a lot of people were crying, including myself.

An excellent cast of Yvonne's colleagues was assembled for this Balanchine glory, which Clothilde Otranto and the musicians rendered with richly romantic depth and beauty of sound. Abi and Jonathan Stafford were so fine in this ballet earlier in the season but incredibly took it to a higher level today, and Savannah Lowery with her swirls of pirouettes and flourishes of port de bras was impressive in the soloist role. Jared Angle and the to-die-for Jenifer Ringer danced the Intermezzo with heart-stopping romantic intensity. Maria Kowroski and Charles Askegard sailed thru Rondo with flying colours. Again the demi-solistes in this ballet - Kaitlyn Gilliland, Gwyneth Muller, Dara Johnson, Ashley Laracey, Likolani Brown and Alina Dronova - made such a gracious impression.

Wheeldon's ESTANCIA has my feelings fluctuating with each viewing: I liked it the first time, was less impressed the second time, and today: I loved it!  One key element which gives the ballet an emphatic boost is the wonderful dancing and acting of Tiler Peck. Tyler Angle brought off the partnering demands with suave security, and Andrew Veyette and Georgina Pazcoguin danced and pranced in high style as the wild horses. The Ginastera score really gets in your blood.

Yvonne Borree's final ballet was DUO CONCERTANT which I have seen her dance countless times with various partners. Jared Angle was particularly admirable today and he and Yvonne had such a sweet rapport. Above photo by Erik Tomasson.

Then the ovation began as a procession of Yvonne's partners - including Peter Boal - and colleagues presented her with bouquet after bouquet. In a touching gesture, Damian Woetzel handed his heart to Yvonne. Confetti fell, flowers flew onto the stage as the ballerina was hailed by audience and Company members alike. Some of the dancers told me afterward that they were moved when Yvonne turned to them after the final curtain call and addressed them with genuine affection. Curtain call photo courtesy of D. Beasley.

Basking in a wave of affection: Paul Kolnik's photo of Yvonne with some of her colleagues in the background: Tiler, Tyler, Ashley B, Maria K, Jon Stafford, Daniel Ulbricht, Sebastien, Chuck Askegard, Peter & Darci.

Waiting to wish Yvonne well at the stage door, we saw and talked to many of the dancers including a few - like my beloved Amanda Edge and Dena Abergel, the Froman brothers and Elizabeth Walker - who have slipped into other careers.

When Yvonne came out she was greeted by a young dancer named Allison who had the remarkable adventure of being swept into a balletic pose by Albert Evans.

And then we said adieu to Yvonne who - happily - will always be where we can find her: teaching at SAB.

Comments

[Marisa]

You have truly captured the atmosphere of the performance as well as beautifully documenting Borree at her most appealing with the photos.

Yes, we were crying especially when Damian gave her that red heart. That was really sweet.

[Bob]

It was an incredible afternoon - one that brought me to tears. What beautiful final performances from Yvonne (how perfect that she should end with DUO CONCERTANT, the ballet that first brought her to public attention) and what an outpouring of emotion and love from the audience! The company's obvious affection for Yvonne also inspired terrific performances from the other dancers today.

[Laura]

Lovely photos Philip! Thanks for posting.

[JDrummond]

Very nice story and pictures, I wish I could have been there but this is the next best thing. The photo of Albert with the little girl is adorable.

[Randy Strawderman]

Your photo's of Yvonne are exquisite! Yvonne is a beautiful, genuine person. Your photos seem to peer into her soul! I knew Yvonne when she was a little girl, living with her Mother, Susan Borree, after she left New York and was teaching in Norfolk, VA ~ How can I purchase these photos? NYCB Farewell's:: Yvonne Borree.

[Philip]

Randy, the photos of Yvonne in performance are by the Company's photographer Paul Kolnik.

[LJSymonds]

Gorgeous pictures and a beautiful article.