Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, “The Sleeping Beauty” — first danced in 1890, and ballet’s jewel in the crown — has outlasted fairy-tale Princess Aurora’s hundred-year nap. And while American Ballet Theatre’s treacly 2007 version is sadly cubic zirconium, Tuesday’s stars shone like diamonds in a paste production.
Vadim Muntagirov, a guest from the English National Ballet, is that rare thing: a true prince, with strong technique and beautiful lines. Most important was the natural ease of his dancing: Whether squiring his partner or soaring into the air with double leg beats, he never broke a sweat.
His lucky ballerina was Hee Seo, in her debut performance as Aurora. Muntagirov made her look her best — their final duet was like a luxury limo ride, elegant and spacious. She eased out of balances as if time didn’t matter; he partnered her using only one hand. When they made a final pose with their outstretched arms softly rounded, it looked as if the whole universe could fit inside.
Aurora is a harrowing role: Right after her first-act entrance, the ballerina does a series of circus-trick balances — not Seo’s specialty. She bobbled one and managed the others like Pisa’s tower: slightly tilted but still standing. She’ll have to work up to those, but she still impressed in her solos with a high, springy jump.
There were other jewels in the cast, including Misty Copeland and Joseph Gorak as Princess Florine and the Bluebird. Their duet featured sparkling, precise dancing. Gorak is an up-and-comer with Prince potential: He has a little trouble partnering, but his pure positions show off the neatest turns in the company.
Alas, the production itself — by former ballet superstar Gelsey Kirkland — is still a confused patchwork.
Some of her “improvements,” such as banishing Aurora’s parents, were quickly and mercifully deep-sixed, but the fairies still arrive like backed-up traffic at La Guardia, and the men dance 10 steps when one would do. And there are Tony Walton’s faux-Disney designs, with some “The Nightmare Before Christmas” skeletons thrown in for good measure.
The season ends Saturday. James Whiteside will debut as the Prince and Seo will dance the Lilac Fairy tomorrow night; its expansive lyricism is right up her alley. Another guest, Alban Lendorf from Denmark, will be the Prince Saturday afternoon.
Even in a costume jewelry version, their performances could still be a treasure.