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Bolshoi BalletAugust 2007 London, Coliseum by Charlotte Kasner |
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It seems astonishing that Class Concert has not been seen in London on a professional stage for nearly forty years. A guaranteed crowd pleaser on most occasions one would imagine, but with the Company dancing as they have been this season - a real show stopper. It is great value for money as so many opportunities are afforded for soloists to shine. It is a charming idea that simpler pas and enchâinments are demonstrated by students, but even then, the "class" proceeds at a cracking pace. Some of the lighting was badly focused on the opening night: the device of lighting barres on alternate sides of the stage helped to move the work along but, especially stage left, did not show all the dancers in full light. Costumes were also in unflattering colours, the bright blue clashing with the bright green and the latter making dancers look squat. These quibbles aside, this is a stupendous tour de force that perhaps only the Bolshoi could pull off with such panache. It did indeed show perfect placing and expressive arms, but it did not neglect the spectacular, one handed, trademark lifts and jumps that would have not disgraced ice skaters. The men could jump and turn but the women were not to be outshone, with foutées that were precisely sur place and executed at lightening speed.
Elsinore could not have been more of a contrast. A suitably dark and gloomy work, reminiscent of Arc Dance's Othello in tone. It is an abstract work that does not merit direct comparisons with Shakespeare but that manages to create the mood and paint relationships with a broad brush. The opening night cast looked a little strained at times but, with running in, this could be an interesting addition to the Company repertoire and must have been an interesting challenge to the dancers.
 © John Ross
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