Aran Bell: Don Quixote Razzle-Dazzle

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  • Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
  • In March 2022, American Ballet Theatre posted a rehearsal video from Aran Bell's Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux variation. Bell's variation is noteworthy for his top-notch execution and several unique innovations that are rarely done onstage if at all. This video takes you through the unique aspects demonstrating Bell's stellar technique, which allows for substantial creativity that in real time even experienced ballet followers say: "That's great! What is it?"
    Thanks to Stephen Nelson for helpful commentary on previous drafts.
    Thanks to Aran Bell and Jorge Barani for information on unique Don Quixote steps.
    Sources
    Aran Bell Don Quixote Kennedy Center Rehearsal Video from American Ballet Theatre Instagram feed
    Aran Bell Don Quixote Kennedy Center Performance Video from Aran Bell Instagram feed
    American Ballet Theatre Don Quixote at Kennedy Center from the ABT RUclips channel
    Aran Bell in the Youth America Grand Prix ballet competition from the YAGP RUclips channel
    Jorge Barani Double Saut de Basque, Jorge Barani RUclips channel
    Carlos Acosta reverse 540 step in Diana and Acteon, aquiestoy30 RUclips channel
    Daniil Simkin double tour to arabseque in Don Quixote, Daniil Simkin Instagram feed
    Angel Corella Swan Lake, American Ballet Theatre Swan Lake DVD, Image Entertainment, 2005
    First Position, IFC Independent Film, 2011
    Angel Corella Don Quixote, American Ballet Theatre Now, 2002, Image Entertainment
    Vladimir Vasiliev Don Quixote Pas de Deux, xxxFreyjaxxx RUclips channel
    Mikhail Baryshnikov, The Turning Point, Anchor Bay, 2005
    Leonid Sarafanov, The Mariinsky Don Quixote, Decca, 2009
    Farouk Ruzimatov, The Kirov Ballet Don Quixote DVD, Kultur, 1988
    Isaac Hernández Don Quixote clip from Chapulo7 RUclips channel
    Ivan Vasiliev Don Quixote clip from fiordililio bt RUclips channel
    Aran Bell curtain call photos from notmydayjobphotography.com

Комментарии • 68

  • @danielreed3625
    @danielreed3625 2 года назад +10

    Aran is an amazing young man! And I can proudly say he is my nephew!

  • @AvalonMorley
    @AvalonMorley Год назад +6

    I've been hearing and seeing so much about Aran B. this past couple of years (sadly, not in person, living in Dallas and not getting to travel much), but hadn't realized until now that he is the boy from FIRST POSITION. Very cool. Thanks for the video and analysis.

  • @asclepius3117
    @asclepius3117 2 года назад +17

    I have been watching his progress for years. He has panache that is even more pronounced in person. He has become a star.

  • @avocate2017
    @avocate2017 Год назад +2

    @Kent G Becker: Great to see you spotlighting an incredible young dancer like Aran Bell. I got to see him with Catherine Hurlin in The Nutcracker last year, and he was amazing, especially his lifts. They were fantastic together and had awesome chemistry. I only wish that ABT would upload more official videos of him/them and maybe even release a DVD with him/them in the cast.

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  Год назад

      I've never seen them in Nutcracker, sounds amazing. I've been hoping ABT would release a DVD or streamed event for a long time. Their last DVD was Swan Lake in 2006, a long time ago.

    • @avocate2017
      @avocate2017 Год назад +2

      KentGBecker: I’m with you! ABT has some amazing principals at the moment, and I would love to see them release more DVDs or stream some performances soon. Even their official clips on RUclips are too limited and short. I think they would gain more fans and supporters if they released more material. Even far less prominent ballet companies offer way more content on RUclips than ABT does.

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  Год назад

      @@avocate2017 agree

  • @redshoesgirl
    @redshoesgirl 2 года назад +33

    one of the things about baryshnikov in this role was his absolute mastery of what i call "stillness". when landing in a pose, he would remain motionless for a brief second before moving to the next trick.
    mr bell, although full of razzle dazzle has not yet mastered that stillness, especially in his hands and head. being still is as a commanding visual as multiple turns. if that makes sense.
    thank you for the excellent narration!

    • @martyjones5750
      @martyjones5750 2 года назад +5

      Mathilde Froustey of San Francisco Ballet has this beautiful habit.. just a subtle pause.. I love it.. it feels like such command, it gives such an elegant, thoughtful impression!❤️

    • @rolandojorif9560
      @rolandojorif9560 2 года назад +2

      A great dancer is always about agitation around stillness. Astaire never moved.

  • @andromedapeters772
    @andromedapeters772 2 года назад +8

    I remember him from First Position! So much talent then and now! I’m so happy to see if he continues to flourish. Thanks for sharing this!

  • @scottparris7238
    @scottparris7238 2 года назад +9

    Brilliant commentary, so well researched and observed

  • @TabithaBigbee
    @TabithaBigbee 2 года назад +7

    "and don't even think about it in Balanchine" hahahaha SO ACCURATE. This was AWESOME, thank you for all the slow motion side by side!!

  • @tempo9198
    @tempo9198 2 года назад +12

    As a retired dancer I really appreciate your analysis. As a retired dance teacher I just love ALL those little details you uncover. Thanks!

  • @martyjones5750
    @martyjones5750 2 года назад +17

    Fascinating.!!.. oh, please continue these, I learned so much, thank you!👍❤️

  • @chipsanders0822
    @chipsanders0822 2 года назад +11

    I’m loving your videos, Kent. Thank you. And the narration is flawless. #I❤️🩰 #I❤️AranBell

  • @maxlippman5563
    @maxlippman5563 2 года назад +9

    his tour diagonal was originally done by Carlos Acosta. so awesome to see it make a comeback in such iconic fashion!

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад +1

      Thanks for the background. Someone said that Cuban dancers do the step so it might have originated there.

  • @douglaslucas2155
    @douglaslucas2155 2 года назад +6

    Great video and explanation, thanks!

    • @elviraplanes7425
      @elviraplanes7425 2 года назад +1

      ME HA ENCANTADO SU TÉCNICA Y ESTILO,VISLUMBRA
      UN GRANDE ENTRE LOS GRANDES♥️👏🙏

  • @cappstar79
    @cappstar79 2 года назад +3

    I loved this video. Thanks for explaining all these customized steps.

  • @Sapphonouveau
    @Sapphonouveau 2 года назад +3

    This is fab stuff. I always love your analyses, your attention to detail and understanding of the physics are top notch 👍🏾

  • @smb3414
    @smb3414 2 года назад +5

    This is such high-quality, unique content! I just found your channel, please post more breakdowns!

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад +1

      Thanks, will work on more!

  • @georginareid3828
    @georginareid3828 2 года назад +6

    Love your videos !, great info ….. Bell is fabulous !

  • @elliottmumm9333
    @elliottmumm9333 2 года назад +2

    I love Arans tours, they’re surprisingly easy to get the hang of but they look and feel great

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад +1

      Thanks for your thoughts. They look fun; would like to try them but I am past my prime.

  • @richardcleveland8549
    @richardcleveland8549 2 года назад +2

    A brilliant dancer, to be sure. Many thanks for the informed (and informative) commentary.

  • @bender-swansaskia7898
    @bender-swansaskia7898 2 года назад +1

    Aran Bell thankyou. So much!
    I send lots of blessings and take care!
    Devine!
    What a force!
    Dance needs You as it needed Rudolf. N.!

  • @rogerdodger8349
    @rogerdodger8349 2 года назад +3

    I enjoyed this soooo much. Thank you for these vids!

  • @foropera
    @foropera 3 месяца назад +1

    I am asking myself how did he practice the last diagonale with the quick change of leg just before landing...It's so easy to injure yourself by catching one of your two feet, changing position, if you're not high enough and fast enough.
    At my time in the 80s and 90s we didn't have the opportunity to dissect what we were doing at the Paris Opera School. VHS tape recorders didn't have great slow motion and cameras were much less precise and much more expensive and bigger than today. And there was very few Ballet tapes available just to be aware of what the other dancers in the world were doing. Today it's very different. Thank you for the very precise analysis you provide us! Great job!

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  3 месяца назад

      @@foropera thanks! Agree technology is great today for video. I remember old Betamax tapes in the 1980s when I was dancing. They weren't very good, but it was all we had.

  • @susanb1111
    @susanb1111 2 года назад +13

    Quite a while ago, I retired from dance... However, in my opinion, nobody can replace Misha, or Nuryeve ❤️

    • @GeorgeOu
      @GeorgeOu 2 года назад +19

      Nobody disputes the greatness of Nuryeve and Misha, but ballet has to continue. This new generation of dancers is fantastic and raising the level.

    • @santi7616
      @santi7616 2 года назад +1

      @@GeorgeOu I agree 😉

    • @Timewriter24
      @Timewriter24 2 года назад

      Right! And less in the United States.

  • @dmitriypismenyuk7310
    @dmitriypismenyuk7310 2 года назад +3

    Not a dancer and wow. Your videos are fantastic,
    Makes me marvel at the art even more. As a pilates trainer difficulty and precision of the movement is greatly appreciated. Looking forward to see more of your videos. Thank you

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад

      Thanks! Just released a new video on fouettés that might be of interest.

  • @GeorgeOu
    @GeorgeOu 2 года назад +4

    The bent back leg tour has a Cuban favorite for a while now. I've seen Cuban guys doing this in person since 2009 and I know it's older than that.

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад +1

      Thanks for the background! Another commentator mentioned Carlos Acosta

    • @GeorgeOu
      @GeorgeOu 2 года назад +2

      @@KentGBecker Yup, them Cubans love to jump. Any time these guys are in the room with other guys, they're constantly trying to one-up the other with turns and jumps.

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад +1

      @@GeorgeOu Someone pointed out that Cesar Corrales of English National Ballet did the double tour to arasbesque. On a RUclips Don Q video from the studio.

    • @GeorgeOu
      @GeorgeOu 2 года назад +1

      @@KentGBecker Cesar is awesome

    • @pediatrapaola
      @pediatrapaola Год назад

      @@KentGBecker technically cesar is over aran imho and not a little

  • @mariannedippenaar8488
    @mariannedippenaar8488 Год назад +1

    Excellent explained

  • @elizzy8754
    @elizzy8754 2 года назад +7

    I always enjoy your thorough and detailed technical analysis. (Btw, I thought that the height achieved by Jorge Bernays (approx 5:05) is amazing).

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад +2

      Agree. His height is amazing

  • @yodahaux
    @yodahaux 2 года назад +2

    Fantastic 🤩

  • @beth3175
    @beth3175 2 года назад +1

    Amei todos eles, perfeição!

  • @garotadagavea
    @garotadagavea 2 года назад +2

    Thanks for the breakdown. I was trying to figure out what was that step.

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад

      Thanks. It took me a while to figure it out

  • @classicalaid1
    @classicalaid1 2 года назад +1

    Hope you do a follow-up of an exciting new etoile, François Alu, an astonishing performer.

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад

      Thanks. I received another request for him. Will look into it.

    • @classicalaid1
      @classicalaid1 2 года назад +1

      @@KentGBecker Much appreciated, Kent. I actually knew Nureyev a long time ago. Alu is cut from the same cloth, I suspect. There is a compilation video of five or six of his top performances. The Golden Idol is riveting as are all the other moments. For you, likely an intellectual feast!

  • @daudben905
    @daudben905 2 года назад +1

    Flying

  • @AvalonMorley
    @AvalonMorley Год назад +1

    I don't suppose it's possible to correct the spelling on Ms. Trenary's last name here?

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  Год назад

      Thanks! Will correct if I do an update video.

  • @andromedapeters772
    @andromedapeters772 2 года назад +1

    Did he perform this in First Position during competition?

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад

      I don't recall him doing Don Quixote in First Position.

  • @cheryldodd-marko9787
    @cheryldodd-marko9787 2 года назад +1

    🕊🇺🇲💕

  • @paydeemanoopgrama9800
    @paydeemanoopgrama9800 2 года назад

    (Not A-RAN but AhRahn)

  • @advocate1563
    @advocate1563 2 года назад +3

    Cesar Corrales also doing these jumps. Hard to know where ballet becomes circus. I think its a fine line and increasingly over stepped. We are not - like gymnastics or ice skating - here to do the first quad. We are characters in a story. Male ballet sadly is losing this grounding. A view.

  • @Robert-gm8ig
    @Robert-gm8ig 2 года назад

    Like your videos, and might I add you have a very feminine voice in your breakdown videos, idk if anyone's ever told you that, but it's interesting.

  • @fabiesque
    @fabiesque 2 года назад +2

    Very good looking and impressive technique. Hopefully on stage he is more magnetic and classy rather than a californian campus buddy. Ballet is an European/Aristocratic art originating in the Courts of Renaissance. Let's always keep that in mind (-:

  • @ritawing1064
    @ritawing1064 2 года назад +1

    "Saint John" (Jane Eyre) is pronounced "Sinjn". Awful, but there it is.

    • @KentGBecker
      @KentGBecker  2 года назад

      Thanks. I guess I don't have an adorable English accent. From a web article: "SIN-jun
      The first thing to explain about St. John Rivers is how to pronounce his first name, "St. John." It's not "Saint John," although of course that's what it means; it's pronounced "SIN-jun." Don't ask us why this is; the English have this adorable accent."