MONTE CARLO RUSSIAN BALLET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 66, 19 March 1937, Page 9

MONTE CARLO RUSSIAN BALLET

J. C. WILLIAMSON’S ATTRACTION To-morrow afternoon and evening, beginning at 2.30 and 8 o'clock, J. C. Williamson, Ltd., will present Colonel de Basil's world-renowed Monte Carlo Russian Ballet, consisting of over 100 brilliant dancers, and the very neavy booking which has taken place Indicates that a record audience will welcome the company to Wanganui. “Dressed and gowned for the occasion, as it had not been for many years,” wrote a critic, "Auckland was there en masse and ‘with tails on,’ at His Majesty's Theatre last night to suitably welcome the first appearance in the land of the famous Monte Carlo Russian Ballet. It was, endeed, a brilliant house, which bubbled into early enthusiasm that intensified with the successive ballets. Despite the handicap of some sections of its personnel and equipment, having been landed from the Sydney steamer only an hour before the advertised time or the opening performance, the Russian Ballet came, and showed, and conquered, favourably predisposed by knowledge of British, American and Continental triumphs which accounted for the record booking, patrons by ai.d large had the appearance of passengers about to undertake a first aeroplane trip. They were troubled by conflicting reports of first sensations. Mingled with the ecstasy were vague references to classical stuff that they might not like as entertainment, but tnese fears Were quickly dispelled, because the performances cannot fail to appeal to every section of the community. Classical enough in all conscience were the music and opening ballet. ‘Les Sylphides,’ consisting of Chopin prelude, nocturne, valse and muzurka by the orchestra, translated by the ballet into still, staturesque stage groupings, dreamy dances •sur les pointes,’ including pirouette and fouette and old classical dance memories—but the gloriously controlled and balance orchestration gave instant universal appeal to the delicate melody of Chopin’s music. The classic dancing features mentioned were but a means towards the end of giving point and delicacy to a visual translation of the music to poetic romantic motion; and the costumes and special setting designed, by Leon Baskt, made understanding easy. Classical enough, but the audience found they liked It, and they rose to it enthusiastically.” The box plans are at the D.I.C.