Ballet Central Spring Tour 2017

[Jan McNulty]

I saw this year's tour in Leeds just over a week ago.

 

It's always good to see aspiring graduates and there were some terrific dancers in the group this year.

 

The programme had meatier chunks this year rather than short pieces and I thought this really worked.

 

The evening opened with Jenna Lee's Ballroom Scene from Romeo and Juliet.  The young lady who danced Juliet was particularly graceful and expressive.

 

Sleepless by Malgorzata Dzierzon was a frenetic piece of fun.  Liam Scarlett's Indigo Children was a delightful piece full of fluid choreography.

 

After the interval we had a short extract from La Bayadere that included a brief extra dance for the men choreographed by Chris Marney.

 

Christopher Bruce's Mya was unusual and very effective.  The three dancers looked as though they were enclosed in pillow cases, which gave little opportunity for grandiose movement to portray emotion but they were still very expressive.

 

My personal highlight, for sentimental reasons, was an excerpt from Christoper Gable/Michael Pink's Dracula.  We saw Harker being set upon by three "brides" and being "rescued" by Dracula for his pleasure.  This piece is still fresh and very powerful.  The young man who danced the eponymous role was very scary!

 

After the second interval we were treated to Act ll of Highland Fling.  I loved it and thought the company performed it beautifully.

 

So, all in all, an excellent evening.

[scoobydoo]

Had the pleasure of watching Ballet Central this evening at the fabulous Chipping Norton theatre, these guys are amazing, thoroughly enjoyed the experience, well done to Ballet Central, a truly professional performance. 

[Sandsfoot]

I also went to see Ballet Central at my local theatre in Bridport - lovely varied programme of classical and contemporary. Some very impressive individual performances as well as a being a great ensemble. I loved the Romeo and Juliet, really nice story telling and creative choreography but I think it would benefit from being on a bigger stage (the stage was tiny). Indigo was equally impressive and danced with great conviction and lovely live piano music accompaniment. 

I think the Mya piece was quite a revelation - I wasn't sure how they were going to be able to dance in, as you say pillow cases, but in fact they used them to great effect and overall I found the piece very moving, they had great expressions on their faces and really connected with each other.

Such a joy to see young talent and although it was a small audience we were very appreciative.

P.S I loved the male pas-de-deux in Dracula - such energy and very dynamic.