National ballet of Cuba in Paris, July 2017

[SheilaC]

It has just been reported that the Ballet Nacional de Cuba will be performing at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, July 6-20, 2017.

 

They will be performing two of their best and most popular productions, Giselle (6 performances) and Don Quixote (7). The opening programme will be a tribute to their legendary founder, Alicia Alonso.

[Don Q Fan]

Oh sounds good thanks for the info!  Will have to research this theatre.  Might do a DonQ, although Mariinsky are also doing it but if Vignsey Valdes is dancing I'll try to be there!

[SheilaC]

I have found out a bit more about the BNC programme for Paris. The venue, the Salle Pleyel, was until recently the most prestigious concert hall in Paris. It is very central (rue du Faubourg St Honore).

 

The company opens with the programme in tribute to Alicia Alonso on Thursday 6 July. The grande dame is likely to be present. There is no news yet on the possible programme but she was such a famous international ballerina (one of the great Giselles, Balanchine's Theme and Variations was created on her, and she has contributed to productions at the Paris Opera, decades ago) that it is likely to be a very special evening.

 

Giselle opens the next day and there are 7 performances, with matinees at 3pm on Saturday 8, Sunday 9 July, at slightly reduced prices. It is a very good production, based according to Jonah Acosta on the Mary Skeaping version, but with its own features, including the most scary Wilis ever ( well, before Akram Khan!)

 

Don Q opens on Saturday 15 for 8 performances, including matinees on Saturday 15, Sunday 16, again at 3pm, making day trips possible. It ends on Thursday 20th. The performances of Don Q at the recent international festival were spectacular, as described in the January Dance Europe, and attracted star guests such as Osiel Gouneo. Young Cuban male dancers have a fabulous technique, well suited to the flash of Don Q.

 

The public will be able to watch company class on the mornings of 9, 16, 20.

 

For anyone who fancies a brief ballet vacation In Paris, there's a chance to see Paris Opera Ballet do the very interesting Lacotte version of La Sylphide (July 1 - 16: booking opens next month) or the more contemporary Drumming Live (Steve Reich/ Anna Teresa De Keersmaeker: 10 - 15).

Edited December 29, 2016 by SheilaC