Stream: Royal Ballet All-Star Gala
Artistic Director Kevin O’ Hare reminded us of how important dance is to our souls with this magnificent variety show of the finest moments of choreography on the planet. Without the embellishments of complicated backdrops or flats, against a variously lit cyclorama this superb company shone in all its glory. This was a potpourri of gorgeousness. Featuring seminal classical pas de deux and extracts from modern works every principal in the company was given the opportunity to show their emotional and technical skills. This was perfect curating by Artistic Director Kevin O’Hare.
Opening with the joyous pas de deux from Frederick Ashton’s ‘La Fille Mal Garde’ (danced to perfection by Anna Rose O’Sullivan (Lise)and Marcelino Sambe (Colas) the programme went from delight to delight. How moving to see the powerful extract from ‘Woolf Works’, ‘I Now, I Then’, featuring Edward Watson returning after announcing his retirement. I wonder who will take on his mantel as Wayne McGregor’s muse. His extraordinary technique and emotional commitment are pure and perfectly in tune with Max Richter’s score.
Another surprise for me was a glorious piece by Kenneth MacMillan ‘If I loved You’ from Carousel. Wow! did not Mayara Magri give a delightful ‘Julie Jordan’, and Mathew Ball revelled in delivering Billy Bigelow, creating just the right balance between handsome and threatening. The orchestra, spread out in the stalls, conducted by Jonathon Lo took on Rogers and Hammerstein with brio.
Slightly disappointing was the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ balcony scene danced by Francesca Heyward and Cesar Corrales. Although the right age to play the love- struck lovers it lacked passion. Surprising as they are a real-life couple. Perhaps it was too overwhelming.
Of course, who else but Natalia Osipova could dance Pavlova’s Dying Swan on that huge stage and make us weep? The final showpiece from Don Quixote was given to Mariella Nunez and Vadim Muntagirov. Aspiring ballet students take notice of her impeccable technique with the fan.
With highlights from Wheeldon, Cathy Marston and Balanchine, MacMillan and more this was almost too much to take in.
The Finale, a reworking of Elite Syncopations, lead by Jasmine Naghdi, gave the whole company the chance to be back on stage and the joy showed in their dancing. I just wish they could see and feel the joy of the audiences back in their homes.
Streaming now on iPlayer.
