Entertainment

The bold and the ‘Beauty’

Beauty doesn’t have to be delicate. Ashley Bouder, who danced the lead in New York City Ballet’s “The Sleeping Beauty” opening night last week, is proof.

When she first appears as the 16-year-old Princess Aurora, Bouder is joyous but sharp, staccato and filled with technical daring. It’s beautiful, and she could open a can of whoop-ass on any of the four suitors vying for her hand.

As Aurora evolves from girl to woman, so does Bouder. By the end, she’s grand and expansive. Best of all, from her risky balances on her entry to pricking her finger all the way to marrying her prince, she makes you care about what happens.

Andrew Veyette made his debut as her eventual husband. He has a way to go; he can do the steps and the lifts, but he doesn’t yet know how to act — or walk — like a prince.

As the heavy, Carabosse, Merrill Ashley is a black-hearted beauty who kills princesses at the slightest offense. Don’t leave her off your guest list.

The Lilac Fairy, Sara Mearns, started tentatively but rallied to give a lush performance. Her tender concern is her loveliest quality; she’s a good fairy who doesn’t know her own strength.

The corps de ballet was a mixed bag opening night: pulled together sometimes, ragged and floppy others, but there’s talent throughout. Chase Finlay, a young blond gentleman who joined the company only last year, could be a prince in the making — and he knows how to walk. (He’s making his debut in the “Gold” variation on Thursday.)

Artistic Director Peter Martins’ version of this tale is one of his best. Like all of his full-length ballets, it’s fast-paced. But here, there’s still grandeur. David Mitchell’s opulent designs, including projections for scene changes, help and move things along. Throughout, there’s Tchaikovsky’s wonderful music.

A bevy of beauties besides Bouder will dance Aurora. Tiler Peck, who danced the “Bluebird” section without a hitch, will bow in the lead Wednesday. She’ll be another tomboy Aurora; if you like your ballerinas more delicate, watch for Sterling Hyltin or Kathryn Morgan in the part.