Thursday, July 17, 2008

Verdi - La Traviata

Opera superstars Renée Fleming and Rolando Villazón star in the sumptuous 2006 Los Angeles production of Verdi's tragic masterpiece, La Traviata. This performance was the highlight of James Conlon's much-anticipated inaugural season as the music director of Los Angeles Opera, a post that followed his impressive tenure at the Paris National Opera. The lavish production was filmed in Hi-Definition Widescreen to capture all of the excitement and drama on stage. Veteran Verdi baritone Renato Bruson rounds out this dynamic ensemble. Renée Fleming's heart-breaking portrayal of Violetta, as captured on this extraordinary DVD, has earned her rave reviews from press and Rolando Villazón returns to the role that made him an international powerhouse after his critically-acclaimed, soldout performances at the 2005 Salzburg Festival.
Customer Review: Old style opera! In the bad sense.
Well, this is a good oportunity to watch and listen Fleming, Villazón, Bruson and Conlon together. But the mise en scene by Mrs. Placido Domingo is so bad. Looks like a poor old style in a little town! And Fleming, one of my favorites sopranos, is not Violetta.
Customer Review: I saw this live
and it was not remotely close to being a great Traviata. Fleming did not project well; Villazon seemed stiff and nervous; Conlon is clearly not an accomplished Verdian conductor; the sets were average at best. Too many USA people just give any Fleming performance an inflated rating because she is attractive and is from the USA.


An Exciting new series of Learn to Dance instructional videos which has encouraged learn to dance and fitness is rapidly being recognized. In an era poorly populated with "well being and healthy culture" dancing is an exciting innovation to lifestyle. It provides fitness with friendship and a new outlook in life.

Cha cha is a dance of the Latin American vogue of ballroom dancing where it is has become known as Cha Cha. In general Cha cha is a charismatic dance and a joy to watch. Inspired by television programs like Dancing with the Stars the ChaCha and other forms of dancing are now being learn in the home.

Rumba is another of the dances. American style rumba is characterized by the hip movement arising from the bending and straightening of the knee. Rumba is a sensual Latin dance, It is considered erotic for its hip movement and relatively slow rhythm. It is a slower dance and perhaps that is what adds sensuality.

Tango. The complex figures of this style became the basis for the style of Tango seen in the touring stage shows. The dance was simplified and adapted to the preferences of conventional ballroom dancers. Most Dance Instructors recognize that lessons needed to be easy to learn and the new methods have captured the true spirit of the dance.

Salsa. The dance steps currently being danced to salsa music come from the "Son" but were influenced by many other Cuban dances such as Mambo. Solo salsa steps are called "Shines." Salsa can be an improvised dance, taking any form the interpreter wishes. The free flowing pattens of salsa add a sexy feel to this ever popular dance.

The waltz has been danced for centuries in many forms. It has evolved to be a dance of grace and elegance. The Waltz is recognized as smooth and graceful dance and it is characterized primarily by its rise & fall action. The Waltz has a unique freedom of expression, including the ability to showcase character and theatrical presentation.

Samba. The festive mood and style of the dance fits most of today's popular music. Samba is a fun dance that has kept popular to this day. The dance can go from average to a very fast pace. The dancer simply follows the beat of the music whilst an Instructor adds easy moves and technique depending on the mood of the music.

Foxtrot is a universal and social dance and may be danced to wide range of music. Unlike slow Foxtrot, it is easy to learn and can be danced on a crowded dance floor. It is seen as one of the great social dances and can be danced to medium and fast music tempo's. The ease of learning is wonderfully expressed by any would be dancer.

Jive was introduced to competitions in 1968 as the fifth dance in the latin section. Jive is characterized by its upbeat tempo. It is an energetic dance with dance steps taking in the triple step, one set forward and the other set back. The introduction of unique step-by-step learning has made this vibrant dance an easy dance to learn.

In conclusion, Dance Schools and Professional Dance Coaches have provided innovative and complimentary new methods to the art of learning to dance. New techniques are available for people to learn to dance at home. There is hours of fun that will combine cardiac and physical fitness with the joy of dance.

Subscribe for Free Video Clips of eight new Learn to Dance at home DvD lessons and Learn to Dance with Louis Van Amstel of Dancing with the Stars Fame.

Alan (AL) Smith is an Australian dancer and is working to distribute the collection worldwide from his website LearnToDanceDvD.blogspot.com

AL believes that learning in the home is a pleasant way to surprise friends with a new found talent.

latin music download

No comments: