Who is the Mega Star of ABT?
I am a huge fan of American Ballet Theatre, loving both the dancers and the company productions as a whole.
My current favorites of their principal lineup are Catherine Hurlin and Jake Roxander, newly promoted principal.
I was wondering what the general consensus of who ABT’s biggest star is right now, if there is even one. Obviously you have those with a big social media following, such as Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside. However, I feel like the pair of them, as well as some others like Herman Cornejo, could be nearing their retirement, but maybe I am wrong.
In the last year, I have seen 3 different performances of Swan Lake for ABT’s Met Season. Last year I was there for their summer intensive and had the opportunity to see Isabella Boylston’s opening night of O/O and then the following day (I know, I am crazy for going to back-to-back shows, but I just love the ballet that much!) saw Skylar Brandt perform the lead. Both had their strengths and weaknesses, of course, and had very different portrayals.
This year I was at summer intensive again and had the opportunity to see Catherine Hurlin’s closing night performance of O/O and OH MY WORD! She is just outstanding. Really took my breath away and captured the role so perfectly.
Anyways, thoughts?? Please share!