We started off the year back in January with an original take on an age-old favourite as Matthew Bourne’s flock of muscular, masculine swans took to the stage in his cheeky re-write of ‘Swan Lake’.
Traditionally, the iconic ballet is associated with tutu-clad female dancers gliding gracefully en pointe but Bourne replaces these bourréeing beauties with an ensemble of powerful, bare-chested, male dancers.
This modern favourite is by no means ballet (plenty of classicists have had their feathers ruffled by Bourne’s engaging style of dance theatre) but the feral fowls leap and swoop impressively, creating masterful movement and an immersive narrative to accompany Tchaikovsky’s beautiful score.
The swell of the overture is enough to transfix me and I must confess to a great affinity for the perennially popular classical ‘Swan Lake’ so I was doubly delighted that Bourne’s interpretation was followed by English National Ballet’s simply stunning production in November.
The combination of story, music, balletic choreography and traditional staging makes the classical ballet a truly touching tour de force.
On opening night, principal dancer Alina Cojocaru effortlessly eased her way through Derek Deane’s choreography in the dual role of Odette/Odile.
Perfect partnering, dynamic divertissement dances and excellent ensemble work showcased the incredible talent throughout the Company, which is carefully nurtured and impressively channelled by artistic director Tamara Rojo.
Singing and dancing our way into the year 2015…
2015's short ballet for small people from Northern Ballet will be Elves and the Shoemaker (coming to Milton Keynes Theatre in May 2015).
Matthew Bourne fans have Edward Scissorhands to look forward to in February 2015 and ballet audiences have Northern Ballet’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ to enjoy in May 2015.
Meanwhile, Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts will enjoy an evening of showbiz razzmatazz from dancers Anton and Erin in March.
There are plenty of musicals to get excited about too – The Producers, Shrek the Musical and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time are all on their way to Milton Keynes Theatre.
Here’s to a Happy New Year and plenty more sensational shows to review!
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