REVIEW: Sleeping Beauty, The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, The Mayflower (From Daily Echo)
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REVIEW: Sleeping Beauty, The Russian State Ballet of Siberia, The Mayflower
9:49am Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Stage Reviews By Arron Hendy
FROM the opening of the ballet at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre last night visitors were transported into a fairytale world.
Leading ballet company The Russian State Ballet of Siberia opened their stay with Sleeping Beauty and enchanted throughout.
The wondrous performance of dance effortlessly seemed to defy gravity at times. This was illustrated from the opening scenes of the christening where fairies arrive to provide gifts for the princess. The heavily costumed king and queen also provide drama as they watch their daughter’s love story unravel.
Dazzling costumes were complemented by a spectacle of wonderfully choreographed group routines and awe inspiring solo performances.
Princess Aurora’s first appearance dancing with her suitors generated huge applause after some stunning sequences.
After being poisoned by the captivatingly frightening Carabosse she is awakened by Prince Desire’s kiss and their routines together gathered increasing appreciation from the audience with their mesmerising symmetry and poise.
Sleeping Beauty includes authentic court dances, romantic ballet, mime scenes, grand processions and folk dances. The Little Red Riding Hood sketch in the wedding scene of act three is another highlight while the orchestra playing Tchaikovsky’s magical score also helps to build up the dramatic atmosphere.
The minimalistic background set allows for the dancing to take all the spotlight.
The performance combines a mixture of grandeur and subtlety leaving the audience captivated throughout.
The ballet company will perform more beautiful and popular ballets in Southampton and there are still some seats left for the rest of their stay.
Tonight, one of the oldest ballets, La Fille Mal Gardée takes to the stage and on Thursday and Friday it is the turn of Swan Lake. The run ends with family favourite The Nutcracker on February 11 and 12.
