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Hundreds treated to an exquisite ballet concert
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- Olga Malinovskaya and Artjom Maksakov performing a pas de deux from “Romeo & Juliet.” (Jayson Camacho)
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- Artjom Maksakov executes a step as “Romeo” in an excerpt of “Romeo & Juliet.” (Jayson Camacho)
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- One ballerina shows poise and grace during her solo. (Jayson Camacho)
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- Three young members of the corps de ballet dance during the Paquita Grand Pas. (Jayson Camacho)
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- From left, Anna Glushko, Olga Malinovskaya, Artjom Maksakov, Azumi Shirai, Etsuko Nishizawa, and Mayumi Akeo pose for Saipan Tribune after the event. (Jayson Camacho)
The event featured performances from two ballet stars of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet of Canada and three modern ballet performers from Japan and Saipan’s very own ballet performers.
Opening the production was a slideshow presentation of previous ballet concerts staged by Glushko’s Academy on Saipan.
Azumi Shirai of Japan kicked off the night with her performance of “La Rosa Roja (Like a Crimson Rose”). Etsuko Nishizawa and Mayumi Akeo of Japan did a dance duet called “Pianist.” Olga Malinovskay and Artjom Maksakov of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet of Canada performed a piece called “Adagio,” an excerpt from “Romeo and Juliet.”
The main event, called “Paquita Grand Pas,” showcased a lengthier ballet performance by Malinovskay and Maksakov, with solos by Cerinn Hwang, Sakura Imaya, and Joy Sizemore, and supporting performances by 30 of Glushko’s Academy’s young students.
Audiences of the two-night show agreed that this year’s production was one of the best yet, showcasing bravura performances, particularly from its two Russian ballet stars.
Anna Glushko, creative director and choreographer of Glushko’s Academy, said she is happy with the turnout.
“I am delighted and I don’t think that it could be any greater than it happened. Because we were inside we didn’t have to worry about the weather and our girls worked very hard and I am glad that the ballet performers [from Japan and Russia] made this night very memorable,” Glushko said.
Glushko hopes that the international ballerinas would continue to perform on Saipan.
Dr. Gene Eagle-Oden, president of the Performing Arts Society, said that they are fortunate to have this year’s performers.
“They are a very flawless couple performers we have ever had in the CNMI, and they are the highest-ranked professionals that we have ever had. They were stunning,” Oden said.
He said the concert was the culmination of many hours of hard work behind the scene.
“This took 2,000 hours of time to prepare for costumes, rehearsals, building the stage, and repainting,” Oden said.
The ballet concert’s sponsors are Bank of Guam, Mango Resort Saipan, Blue Lagoon Realty, First Hawaiian Bank, David Burger CPA, William & Naoko Fitzgerald, Pete Shilling & “Associate Insurance”, DFS Galleria, Bank of Saipan, attorney Steve Nutting, Godfather’s Bar, Dental Care, attorney Michael Dotts, Perry Inos Jr., Pacific Trading, Co., Saipan Pacific Subsea, Alex Aquingoc, Kanoa Resort Saipan, Fiesta Resort Saipan, Revolving Restaurant 360, Marianas Variety, Hyatt Regency Saipan, and Siberia Restaurant.
