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Royal BalletApril 2008 London, Covent Garden by DaveM |
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As posted on our Postings pages... OK, so how how does one describe such overwhelming gorgeousness as the Royal Ballet's performance of Serenade on opening night (23rd April). Well, I know for one, I can't begin to do it justice. Just to say, even from near the back of the Amphi, I was deeply moved. The orchestra (well, the string section obviously) under the wonderful baton of Barry Wordsworth played superbly - and the dancers responded. The corps were in perfect harmony, and looked so beautiful it almost brought a tear to the eye. The five leads were all dancing better than I think I've ever seen them - especially young Lauren Cuthbertson, whose jumps seemed to effortlessly hang in the air as if she was floating on it. Very impressive. Mara Galeazzi was elegance personified, and Marianela Nunez was, well, Marianela. The male leads of Federico Bonelli and Rupert Pennefather seamlessly supported and masterfully did their own solos. Can't wait to see it again - hope the other cast is anywhere near as good (and I'll certainly look forward to seeing this cast again). If a mars bar a day, is pleasure-without-measure - this was a year's supply all in one go! The second piece was the new Kim Brandstrup "Rushes - Fragments of a Lost Story". Very moody and atmospheric, with a marvellous score of bits and pieces of Prokofiev seamlessly stitched together by Michael Berkeley. There were two particularly striking pdd for Carlos Acosta, one with the outstanding Laura Morera, the other with Alina Cojocaru, who seemed a bit underused overall. Can't comment on the small corps, as they were dancing behind the bead 'screen' which cut the stage in two; this had a projection shone onto it (from the back of the Amphi) which flickered annoyingly, especially if you were in the Amphi. From what I could see of them, they seemed to be doing their most interesting stuff when the leads were dancing, so again, didn't really catch most of this. Not my favourite stage design, shall we say. It may grow on me though, on repeated viewings, from lower down in the House. The final piece was of course 'Homage to the Queen' - an enjoyable romp of classical dancing, to a stirring score from Malcolm Arnold. Of particular joy for me was seeing Miyako Yoshida in 'Water'. Its always a joy for me when I get to see her dance, I'll confess. Her partner was Valeri Hristov, who was solid and able, and the other leads being Laura Morera, Lauren Cuthbertson and Ricardo Cervera, who were all as dazzling as sunlight on a river. The previous section (Earth) was led by Leanne Benjamin and Federico Bonelli, who were both faultless as far as I could see. Fire was led by Sarah Lamb, on crackling form, supported by a new cast of Eric Underwood and Kenta Kura, who both acquitted themselves admirably. The final section was 'Air', where Alexandra Ansanelli danced particularly well I thought, with what seemed to me a mastery of the music, and pleasing grace.
All in all, a marvellous night I thought - so if you've been hesitating about going, get yourself a ticket.
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