Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver
Dates: 21-23 February, 2002
Reviewer: Ross Michael Pink
Winnipeg may not be a world cultural capital yet in
ballet circles the Royal Winnipeg Ballet shines. This recent
production was an example of classical ballet in its finest hour.
Artistic Director Andre Lewis, a former dancer of
note, has a grasp for elegance and perfection and
fuses his company performances with these stellar
qualities.
Giselle was choreographed 160 years ago and remains a
favorite of ballet aficionados. It is a timeless
story of love, fantasy and mortal angst.
The tale focuses on Giselle, who, betrayed in love,
slays herself with a sword. Her lover, Albrecht, is
left in despair. After dying, Giselle becomes an
eternal spirit of girls who have been betrayed in
love.
Despite betrayal, Giselle returns to save Albrecht
from certain death at the hands of the cruel Queen.
Giselle dances one last time with Albrecht then
vanishes forever thus leaving her lover alone and
despondent.
The music was created by Adolphe Adam.
The lead roles were danced by Vanessa Lawson and
Reyneris Reyes.
Lawson is an elegant dancer who emotes feeling for the
role and tragedy of Giselle.
Reyes is a dancer who exudes strength and earthy
charm. He was a member of the Cuban National Ballet
for six years and toured Europe and the United States.
In 1998 he was promoted to principal dancer and joined
the Royal Winnipeg ballet as a soloist in 1999.
He recently danced in Nina Menon's Cherry Pink and
Apple Blossom White.
RWB is a company with many "firsts" to its name.
It was the first Canadian ballet company to tour Israel,
Australia, Egypt, Cypress and Athens. They
performed before the King and Queen of Belgium in 1977
and staged a ballet with legendary dancer Mikhail
Baryshnikov in 1973.
Such a distinguished ballet record was in evidence at
the QET and the RWB surely will be enchanting
audiences for many years to come.
© 2002, Ross Michael Pink