Review ‘Ballet For All’
Southern Ballet and Dance Theatre present “Ballet For All” at the Southern Ballet Theatre, May 24 to June 3. Running time 2hr 15min. Reviewed by Elie Stephenson. An enjoyable evening of dance was delivered by this versatile company of dancers under the direction of Russell Kerr. These included “Images,” “Facade,” “The Nutcracker” (Act 2) and the Pas De Deux from “Le Corsaire.” •The programme commenced with “Images,” an impressionistic work in five movements. This piece is from the company’s repertoire and showed a marked addition of confidence and understanding. The Pas de Deux from “Le Corsaire” proved to be a medium for the improved presentation and technicality of Yasuyo Fukui and Sean James. Yasuyo was enchanting and achieved a sense bf strength and crisp pointe work while retaining a delicate appearance. Partnered confidently by Sean who executed a well-timed and nicely elevated performance, they presented a classical piece with musicality and charm. An entertaining rendition of “Facade” retained the drawing room quality of the
Thirties, spiced with delicious humour and eccentricity. There are three casts for the season, tonight’s being, Liza Brereton, Emma Bond, Sarah March, Miki Norii, Geordan Wilcox and Sean James. The rhymes and repetitions of the Poems of Edith Sitwell, together with the quirky music of William Walton ensure enjoyment of this visual, animated social satire, danced throughout with energy and style. “The Nutcracker” act 2, was a festival of dances performed for Clara in the Realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The cameo roles within this most popular ballet were danced with panache and distinction, to Tchaikovsky’s familiar music. In the role of the Nutcracker Prince, Sean James distinguished himself with well defined elevation and technique. Akemi Morisaki danced “The Sugar Plum Fairy”appealingly. Her ability to spm was at times marred by lack of technical strength and turnout. “Ballet For All,” is an attractive programme combining excerpts from the Classics and works from the Southern Ballet Repertoire danced with distinction. ft V
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19890525.2.51
Bibliographic details
Press, 25 May 1989, Page 6
Word Count
330Review ‘Ballet For All’ Press, 25 May 1989, Page 6
Using This Item
Stuff Ltd is the copyright owner for the Press. You can reproduce in-copyright material from this newspaper for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA 3.0 New Zealand licence. This newspaper is not available for commercial use without the consent of Stuff Ltd. For advice on reproduction of out-of-copyright material from this newspaper, please refer to the Copyright guide.
Copyright in all Footrot Flats cartoons is owned by Diogenes Designs Ltd. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise these cartoons and make them available online as part of this digitised version of the Press. You can search, browse, and print Footrot Flats cartoons for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Diogenes Designs Ltd for any other use.
Acknowledgements
This newspaper was digitised in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries.
Log in