Venue: Queen Elizabeth Threatre
Dates: 7-9 December, 2001
Reviewer: R.M Pink
Ballet British Columbia sponsored The Nutcracker
ballet that left the sold-out audience enchanted.
The performance was an artistic merger between dancers from Alberta
Ballet, led by artistic director, Mikko Nissinen, who was once profiled
on CNN, and Ballet British Columbia, led by the inventive and
expressive John Alleyne.
The Nutcracker is based on A.E Hoffman's classic tale,
"The Nutcracker and the Mouse King." The ballet begins as young Clara's
family prepares for its annual Christmas party.
Special guests at the party include the unique and fastidious
Drosselmeier, a battalion of toy soldiers, the intimidating Mouse King
and the Nutcracker who is transformed into a Prince.
In the final scene, Clara awakens in her bedroom with the Nutcracker
doll by her side. Had she been dreaming? This is part of the allure of
the timeless classic.
The music, by Tchaikovsky, was performed with beauty and precision by
the noted Vancouver Symphony Orchestra under the direction of guest
conductor, Peter Dala.
Dancers of note include the lithe and elegant Natasha Zheng who danced
the role of Clara and the strong and attractive, Sylvain Senez who
danced the role of Herr Drosselmeier.
Hokuto Kodama, originally from Japan, is a beautiful dancer with
natural grace whose movement flows in a seemingly effortless rhythm. He
won a gold medal at the Kobe International Dance Competition.
The secret of great dance is to make the movement seem effortless and
many of the dancers on display have achieved this level artistry.
Special praise goes to the set and costume design which was lush and
beautiful. The right mood was indeed created through the considerable
talent of Roger La Voie, scenery designer; and the ever-talented Paul
Daigle, costume designer. Lighting designer, Grant Johnson, used his artistry to fuse the stage
and dancers in just the right balance.
The stellar level of performance and presentation will surely ensure
the return of audience members for future engagements.
© 2001, R.M Pink