Mandy Kent Posted August 1, 2023 Share Posted August 1, 2023 Hatch House 2023 Etoiles of Paris Opera Ballet & Friends ‘Ballet Under The Stars’ unfortunately became ‘Ballet Under The Clouds, Wind and Rain’ this weekend but no amount of inclement weather could dampen our spirits...we knew we were in for a treat and Matt Brady & his team know how to deliver! The evening was divided into three acts, in-between which the audience ate their dinner, drank their wine and chatted. Premiere act commenced with ‘Delibes Suite’ pdd by Jose Martinez, danced by Luna Peigne, a member of the Corps de Ballet and Pablo Legasa , Premier Danseur of POB, this was a charming opener to get us in the mood. Mara Galeazzi is one of my very favourite dancers and has been a regular performer at Hatch House. Her years as Principal dancer at the Royal Ballet are fondly remembered by many balletomanes and anyone fortunate enough to have seen her dance either live or on a recording will know what a tremendous dance actress she is. This weekend she performed her own work ‘Toujours’ which she told me afterwards is dedicated to her late father. She danced with Jason Kittelberger to music by Domenico Clapasson. This was contemporary dance with a mournful and wistful flavour, the many lifts reflecting the support her father gave her, the final scene where Jason walks away representing loss. (Jason is a freelance performer and choreographer who has worked alongside Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and many others) This work was absolutely beautiful and emotional to watch. Don Quixote pdd choreographed by Nureyev was danced by two Etoiles from POB, Valentine Colasante as Kitri and Guillaume Diop as Basilio. The latter is certainly one to watch, he has risen through the ranks rapidly and became Etoile at only 23. This was a lively and playful performance from them both. Another regular at Hatch House is the lovely Ksenia Ovsyanick (ex ENB principal) and her first pdd was danced with fellow principal at Staatsballet Berlin, Dinu Tamazlacaru . They performed Fanny Elssler which was new to me, it seems to be a dream...he is in a reverie and she appears ‘from nowhere’ in a very romantic long tutu, similar to La Sylphide but without the wings! It was beautifully danced. After some further refreshments (picnic-style this year... but sitting at tables) the Second section started with the ever-popular Balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet. This was Nureyev’s choreography which I am not familiar with, so I admit to missing the McMillan version, however Guillaume Diop was a dashing yet gentle Romeo , and Luna Peigne danced Juliet. The central pdd from Within The Golden Hour by Christopher Wheeldon followed. Principal dancer from the Royal Ballet Francesca Hayward and First Artist Marco Masciari danced this stunning duet wearing the beautiful shimmering costumes. Watching the tricky moment where Francesca leans a long way forward while the seated Marco holds her back foot, allowing her to sway back and forth was spectacular. A very amusing piece by Bejart came next, La Porte danced by Ksenia Ovsyanick. The ‘music’ sounds like a squeaky door and it's actually a very tricky piece to perform. Ksenia was fantastic in this, balancing on pointe for what felt like 10 minutes.... she made it look easy and she was cheeky too. Another Nureyev work came next, his version of the classic Swan Lake, White Swan pdd. Performed by Mickael Lafon ( Coryphee) and Myriam Ould-Braham (Etoile) to the beautiful Tchaikovsky music we all know and love, it was splendid. After another break for dessert, the final act started with a modern piece by Benjamin Millipied called Nuits S’Acheve. (Music Daniel Baranboim) This was a light-hearted, modern contemporary piece danced by Mikael Lafon and Miriam Ould-Braham, in a summery mood...despite the heavy rain outside! Wayne McGregor’s Morgen came next (music Richard Strauss) Marco Masciari has absorbed the McGregor style and gave an excellent performance alongside Francesca Hayward. Dinu Tamazlacaru made us all smile, laugh and gasp with his excellent performance of Les Bourgeois choreographed Ben Van Cauwenbergh, music Jacques Brel. A great party piece which we all loved. And finally Renaissance by Sebastien Bertaud, music by F Mendelssohn, performed by Valentine Colasante and Pablo Legasa, both very pretty in sparkly outfits, a pleasant pdd to end the dancing. After everyone gave their final bow and received bouquets, there was an after-party at the covered bar, with a jazz band and singer. This was great fun and there was a chance to say hello to the dancers. Thank you Matt Brady and all who help make Hatch House happen, see you next year! 7 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sim Posted August 1, 2023 Share Posted August 1, 2023 Thanks so much for this detailed report, Mandy. Sounds like a wonderful evening! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted August 1, 2023 Author Share Posted August 1, 2023 Wonderful but chilly ! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted August 1, 2023 Share Posted August 1, 2023 Thanks so much for your evocative report Mandy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capybara Posted August 1, 2023 Share Posted August 1, 2023 Agree that it is really nice to have a detailed report. Thank you Mandy. There is review from Graham Watts in today's Links (1st August) where reference is made to the wonderful Ksenia Ovsyanick not being made a Principal at ENB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted August 1, 2023 Author Share Posted August 1, 2023 Capybara: In my report I gave Ksenia ‘Principal’ status at ENB which she was not given , my error, but that she rightfully deserved …and now has at Berlin. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peanut68 Posted August 2, 2023 Share Posted August 2, 2023 Reading you review makes me determined to go next year!! Thinking I should start to create an Xmas/Birthday/Lottery win - wish list!! It will include this plus Bolle & Friends & goodness knows how many other wonderfully fun looking evening gala events that seem to be springing up all over! Think this format would appeal to the Hubbie way more than a ROH visit & tbh, costs probs not too far apart if you add in smart London dinners/travel etc….🤞🏻🤞🏻 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandy Kent Posted August 2, 2023 Author Share Posted August 2, 2023 9 minutes ago, Peanut68 said: Reading you review makes me determined to go next year!! Thinking I should start to create an Xmas/Birthday/Lottery win - wish list!! It will include this plus Bolle & Friends & goodness knows how many other wonderfully fun looking evening gala events that seem to be springing up all over! Think this format would appeal to the Hubbie way more than a ROH visit & tbh, costs probs not too far apart if you add in smart London dinners/travel etc….🤞🏻🤞🏻 Dear Peanut68, good idea to book well in advance , I always sit in first or second row as best view. Look up www.coventgardendance.com as they are already taking bookings for next year ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peanut68 Posted August 2, 2023 Share Posted August 2, 2023 Thanks for the heads up…. I did send the link for this year to the Hubbie as an unsubtle (& unsuccessful 🙁) ‘wouldn’t it be lovely to go to this?’ hint! But maybe next year…. (Though traditionally it’s the time of year we go away….) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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