Last night I was one of a few hundred standees in attendance for a very special performance of
Swan Lake at the War Memorial Opera House. The evening was a farewell to the real-life married couple of Vanessa Zahorian and Davit Karapetyan, two of SF Ballet's most beloved principals. This season marked Vanessa's 20th with the company, a staggering number when you consider the effortless way she still tears up the stage. While I've seen her in countless pieces, I immediately associate her with the great Balanchine parts; in particular I look back fondly on her Swanhilda in
Coppélia as well as her
Diamonds, a role that almost had me in tears just this past season. Davit hasn't been in SF quite as long, but he has undoubtedly made his presence felt as an amazing interpreter of the classics. When I think of his dancing I think of a virile blend of strength and beauty, (incidentally captured quite well on the company's
Nutcracker DVD) particularly on display in his absolutely insane landings. As a duo they were my first Kitri and Basilio, and of course many will recall the
Romeo and Juliet in which he proposed to her at curtain call. Last night's
Swan Lake was a joyful affair, a clear exposition of the impact they've had on their audiences. I hope our hooting and hollering conveyed how thankful we are for all they've given us.
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