Super Stars of the Bolshoi Ballet

Paul Szczesiul

One casting call, two rehearsals, one costume fitting, a final dress rehearsal and five performances in four days. That was the experience for intrepid SFO Supers Gilbert Martinez, Paul Szczesiul, Paul Romito, and former Super Steve Siegelman, who answered the call for the legendary Bolshoi Ballet performing La Bayadere, presented by Cal Performances at Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley recently.

Supers performed a variety of roles including carrying the live “golden idol” on stage in the opening processional of Act 2, as well as admirably carrying spears and fans. There was lots of stage time for all, including a 35-minute segment of Act 2.

The most difficult was Gilbert “Dance Boy” Martinez’s role, which required him to learn intricate dance steps with three other Supers. Despite his dance partner breaking his ankle just before opening night, Gilbert gave it his all and looked smashing [left].

The Bolshoi is one of the oldest ballet companies in the world, founded in 1776, and is currently lead by Artistic Director Yury Burlaka. There were nearly 100 members of the company on this three-city U.S. tour. The next stop was to be Chapel Hill, North Carolina, then on to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Included in the cast was rising star Ivan Vasiliev, as the “Golden Idol.” He is featured [left] with Paul Szczesiul as well as on the cover of the June issue of Dance Magazine, and is touted as the Bolshoi’s new hero. At just 21, he promises to continue the legacy of this storied company. Here's the video of Vasilev performing the "Golden Idol" dance.

The Supers, including Paul Romito [right], were welcomed and made to feel appreciated by the Cal Performances staff and the ballet company. Supers' names were listed in the program, along with the principal casting. There was a good deal interaction at all levels backstage—stage crew, dressers, performers, and staff. The company insisted on taking a Super Cast photo (below) with stage director Sasha.

A good time was had by all.