Stream: Sleeping Beauty
This ballet is the Royal Ballet’s signature production. It was mounted by Dame Ninette De Valois (Madam) in 1946 after the war to celebrate the Sadler’s Wells Ballet’s move to the Opera House and the beginning of the Royal Ballet, and starred Margo Fonteyn. Since then it has remained in the repertoire and has been restaged several times. This production by Monica Mason and Christopher Newton was filmed earlier this year and starred Fumi Kaneko as Princess Aurora and Frederico Bonelli as Prince Florimund. The ballet was first performed in 1890 before the Imperial Court at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. It is hard to believe that it had a cool reception, as it was Tchaikovsky’s favourite work. However, it gradually became a general favourite. Serge Diaghilev brought it to London in 1921 and it is recorded that the great maître de ballet Enrico Cecchetti, who had created the original role of Carabosse, gave a magnificent performance on one night only, his last appearance on stage.
With such a long and famous history behind it this lavish production did not disappoint. The production still uses the original designs by Oliver Messell; the opulent costumes, original Italianate back cloths and gauzes (carefully stored in warehouses in Wales) transport to a land of the old-fashioned fairy-tale books of our childhood. The original choreography by Petipa, with additional choreography by Anthony Dowell, Frederick Ashton, and Christopher Wheeldon challenges the whole company. Th audience await the Rose Adagio with bated breath. For the principal ballerina this is her first test. This dance, coming so soon after Aurora’s first entrance, requires perfect timing during long and sustained passages with incredible balance. Fumi Kaneko pulled it off with sharpness and brio. Her interpretation of the princess is one of a sharp and confident young woman but lacking in charm. Her technique however ii flawless. Bonelli is a charming and a safe pair of hands as Prince Florimund and shines when he eventually has his moment centre stage in the hunting scene. Carabosse is quite often performed by a male dancer but in this production is danced by the fabulous Kristen Macnally. Her presence as she sweeps on stage driving her carriage is dynamic and her mime clear and scary. I loved her disappearance down the trap. If only modern actors could tell a story so clearly. Even with the words they often fail. Gina Storm-Jensen as the Lilac Fairy portrays this central role with perfect technique and a delightful smile. In fact, the other four fairies do nothing but smile as they perform their special divertissements. How lovely to enjoy in this grim world today?
I awaited the Bluebird Pas de Deux speciality in act three with excitement. As a child I can remember it being a star turn on variety TV shows (when ballet was a high spot) being danced by Domini Callaghan and Michel de Lutry. This honour was given to Mathew Ball and Yasmine Naghdi, last seen a few weeks ago in ‘Romeo and Juliet’. What a lovely pairing! He all long limbed with great elevation and line and her a fluttering bird. The final Grand Pas De Deux and Tableau brought this lovely production to a perfect end.
What can I say about the many set pieces danced so admirably by the Corps and First Artists? They were Immaculate. The orchestra was well conducted by Simon Hewitt who has a real feel for dance and pace. Ross McGibbon has perfected the art of filming dance which makes this a wonderful cinematic experience at home on your smart TV. This everlasting ballet should be on the curriculum of every secondary school. It exemplifies art in its highest form. The magnificent score by Tchaikovsky, especially the Panorama Interlude, lifts the soul to another level. Thank you, Kevin O’Hare, leaving the best to last in the ‘From Our house to Your House’ series.
Available to stream for free on YouTube until the 7th of August.
