Dynamic duo

Also known as Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev.  Powerful, expressive, and still seemingly-effortless dancing.  A friend of mine shared the Flames of Paris pas de deux with me last night, and that video basically writes this post for me.  I'd recommend watching before reading what I have to say!

...amazing, right?  I'm pretty sure I was gasping right along with the audience!  I can't get over how high they both (but especially Vasiliev) can jump; it practically seems like they're flying through the air.  Osipova is gorgeous as always in this (textbook lines, perfectly arched feet, innumerable turns en pointe), but I think Vasiliev is the one who really brings the fire and intensity to the dance.  His solo took my breath away.  Every time I thought he couldn't do something more spectacular, he added in another pirouette or rotation in his big jumps.  I'm sure there's speculation that he's the next Baryshnikov; I'd certainly rank him right up there with the best of the best.  He and Osipova complement each other excellently, and I think they made a phenomenal pair.

Here's a video of another of one their pas de deux; this one is from Le Corsaire.  Although I prefer the Flames of Paris pas, Vasiliev's jumps and Osipova's turns are incredible here as well.