Enthusiastic Reception For Royal Ballet Dancers

Press, Issue 29236, 21 June 1960, Page 17

Enthusiastic Reception For Royal Ballet Dancers

It is possible that the weather affected attendances at the Majestic Theatre last evening; but, nevertheless, lovers of the dance in Christchurch enthusiastically welcomed the visiting stars of the Royal Ballet, Beryl Grey, Bryan Ashbridge, Pamela Moncur and Donald Britton. ' Although the atmosphere which attends a full performance of ballet was lacking, the programme presented was a varied one and was obviously designed to show the talent and versatility of the artists.

At this point it should be mentioned that the visitors might easily have been disconcerted in the first 20 minutes of the performance by noises from the back of the theatre. As a result “Les Sylphides” was spoiled for many people. Miss Grey’s position in the world of ballet is acknowledged to be a commanding one. She has now arrived at a height where comparisons could be unprofitable, and indeed her style, although of scrupulous correctness. has a marked individuality. What is so noticeable is the affect of seemingly unstudied lightness. It is this that seperates Miss Grey’s performance from that of more aspiring and strenuous ballerinas; and few would deny that it gives an air of distinction to a technique which is, no doubt well nigh perfect When it is added that the artist has the personality and the manner to set off her other gifts, the enthusiasm her dancing aroused last evening may be easily understood.

The first programme depends to a great extent upon traditional “white” ballets—“ Giselle,” “Les Sylphides.” “Sylvia” and “Swan Lakh.” With selections it was. of course, difficult to create the romantic, atmosphere that accompanies such names; but the dancers did, in fact, achieve an artistic result that went beyond mere virtuosity. This was particularly true of the excerpts from “Swan Lake” and “Les Sylphides." There is room for difference of opinion; but it was perhaps in the "Black Swan"

pas de deux and variations that the prima ballerina evoked with overwhelming effect the poetry of one of the most moving of ballets.

Particularly pleasing, too, was the unfamiliar pas de deux from Act TH of “Sylvia.” The combination of Delibes* music and Ashton’s choresgraphy is attractive, and the freshness and spontaneity of Miss Grey and Mr Ashton’s performance made this particular item irresistible. The ballerina appeared alone in the fantastic “Irmelia,” a perfect contrast with the more classical roles seen previously. Mr Ashbridge's solo. “Ribbon Dance,” to an air by Khachaturian, was equal’y unexpected and equally popular. Throughout the programme Pamela Moncur’s engaging personality was seen to advantage, more particularly in character roles. The Peasant pas de deux and the Neopolitan Dance, both with Donald Britton, were in fact outstanding. Her graceful style was evident in “Les Sylphides” as well; but it may be doubted whether the role of the Queen of the Wilis in “Giselle” really suited her.

Mr Ashbridge and Mr Britton, it goes without saying. arc dancers of high accomplishment: but it was also a pleasure to see once more the tactful self-efface-ment which is apparently rot always to be taken for granted nowadays. Together with Miss Moncur these two dancers had a highly individual number in “Valse Eccentrique,” which invites comparison with parts of “Facade,” and in some ways surpasses them.

The last part of the programme was drawn from the second act of "Giselle,” and lovers of this ballet, although delighted by the technique of the dancers, might feel that the final effect of the excerpts was emotionally somewhat diffuse. For various reasons this would not be surprising; for. after all. the programme is a generous one, and considerable demands have already been made upon the artists who appear. The music for the ballets was provided by two grand pianos. The two musicians, Dudley Simpson and Antony Elton, both played admirably. —C.E.S.