Bouder Wings It as Firebird and Soars.

There was that celebrated, but rarely encountered, thrill of excitement running through the New York State Theatre during the final intermission on May 22. At almost the proverbial moment's notice, 17-year-old Ashley Bouder had been called upon to dance the lead in George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins's The Firebird, one of the classic roles in New York City Ballet's repertoire. * Bouder, who learned the part in a few hours, was, earlier this year, one of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch" (see Dance Magazine, January, page 46). She joined the City Ballet last fall, after a brilliant performance in Balanchine's Stars and Stripes at last year's School of American Ballet spring performances. Since then she has been seen in the corps de ballet, plus a few minor solos, and has scored with her big, easy jump and stylish manner. * With principal Margaret Tracey injured and apparently no understudy ready, Bouder was given her big chance--and grasped it with supreme confidence. Partnered by superbly supportive principal Charles Askegard, our 17-year-old overnight star enchanted, in part by the unquestioned authority of her technique, but even more by the filigree delicacy of her dancing.