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Article: Cuban Star Helps Inspire Washington Constellation; Viengsay Valdes's Lively Spirits Are En Pointe
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- October 17, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2009 The Washington Post. This material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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It's rare when a regional company can rise to the level of its
world-class guest star so that she blends in seamlessly with the
group. This was the case at the Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theater
on Thursday, when the Washington Ballet performed a handsome full-
length "Don Quixote" with Ballet Nacional de Cuba ballerina Viengsay
Valdes in the leading role.
It was a fine production -- if you can stand canned music.
That is a big "if." It's too big for me; as much as I thrilled to
the dancing, I wanted to cover my ears all night. But putting that
aside for now, what you expect foremost in "Don Quixote" is
firecracker technique and lively storytelling, and this what the
Washington Ballet ...