Ballet: Russian Technique

If there's a list of reasons not to think ballet is dead, Mariinsky (Saint Petersburg, formerly the Kirov) first soloist Evgenia Obraztsova performing the Carnival of Venice variation should be on the list. I've seen several versions of this, even a different one by this particular dancer, but this is the video that I keep watching. Again and again. I think I've watched it a dozen times now. I can't find anything wrong with it. This is almost technical perfection but without being boring. Now that's difficult to accomplish.

What to note:

Pay attention to her exquisite upper body, particularly the way she uses her arms and her head, as well as her exceptional footwork. Note also her wonderful musicality: she works with the music and makes it work for her. Great musicality is increasingly rare and is a true gift among dancers.