Ballet Nights 007
While the seventh edition of Ballet Nights may have had the suffix ‘007,’ it fell short on James Bond-style thrills.
While the seventh edition of Ballet Nights may have had the suffix ‘007,’ it fell short on James Bond-style thrills.
A terrific evening. It was also one that probably contained more chances to see fouttées than most in the audience get in a year. No one disappointed.
While Varna’s production harks back to the original, it just goes to show how the many alterations over the decades have improved the ballet
There are plenty of the usual handstands and tumbling… But what is really memorable is the ease with which the performers fly through the air.
Most magnificent of all, is Harrison Dowzell as The Swan… Quite unforgettable. Whether in bird form… or as The Stranger at the Act 3 ball
A celebration of black dancers past and present. “A packed evening of a dozen short dance works brimming with talent.”
A mixed bill brought, inevitably perhaps, mixed success but without a shadow of a doubt, it was worth it for Set Fast alone.
A pleasing, traditional Swan Lake, but one that lacks characterisation and struggles for ‘wow’ factor.
“Freely adapted from traditional versions.” Fine performances from Gabriel Figueredo and Mizuki Amemiya, both promoted at the end of the evening
Top quality dancing… But perhaps best of all, everything was very classically rooted, with pointework very much to the fore for the women.
Invariably a wonderful evening’s dance… this year’s gala was also a farewell, and a thank you, to outgoing artistic director Bridget Breiner