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Mandy
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11-07-03, 00:46 AM (GMT) |
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"Ballet Central Gala 9th July Bloomsbury Theatre"
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Arrived in Gordon Street to find police cordons and lots of eager theatre staff with red carpets and bouquets, didnt think Adam Cooper and Tamara Rojo were THAT famous. Then found out that HRH Sophie, Countess of Wessex was attending the Gala. Ah ha! Us plebs were quickly ushered into the foyer and through to the theatre, so there wasn't much time for rubber-necking to see what HRH was wearing. Did see her walk past with a very wilted bouquet, well it was very hot on Wednesday.
The Gala was introduced by Irek Mukhamedov in his own charming and slightly disorganised way. He thanked every one for attending. A lot of people were staying on for a big Gala dinner afterwards. Chatting to one of the dancers prior to the show who I bumped into outside the mens room ( waiting for my son) I asked if the dancers were going to the Dinner, but alas they were not all invited. What a swizz!
The evening was rather long and a very mixed bag, unlike 'Images of Dance'( London Studio Centre) last week which had four highly-polished performances.
There was a mix of classical and modern pieces, and even an excerpt from Guys and Dolls, the musical.
One of the highlights for me was the beautiful, Indian-themed 'Return to the Sea', danced by the 1st year students. This was based on a workshop run for them by the RB's Mavin Khoo, and choreographed by Leanne King. The dancers incorporated wonderful hand movements and really had grasped a feel for this work.
Another fantastic piece was the Fireside pdd from Christopher Gables 'Cinderella'. Laura Beth Bailey and Martin Bell , two talented 3rd year graduates, were excellent in their roles. Her tentative arm movements as she reached out for her partner in the opening sequence was so moving.Scottish Ballet have wisely signed up Laura Beth already, congratulations!
One other dancer who really stood out was Theo Ndindwa.He danced the solo role in 'Dances from a Knot Garden'. He has a muscular,slightly stocky physique and his jumps defied gravity. His pirouettes were spot on and I think that Rambert should take him on tomorrow!
And now for the guest stars. Yes, I mainly went to the Gala as
I heard Adam Cooper was dancing . I had to wait till the end to see him dance Ashley Pages' "Walk and Talk" with Laura Morera.
This will be shown this weekend at Exeter, its an interesting, modern piece with lots of balances , and I'm looking forward to seeing it again.
The other guest stars were Tamara Rojo and Thiago Soares, dancing the Act2 pdd from Swan Lake. And showing the students what they should be aiming for. Tamara was feather-light and her dancing and her eyes were beautifully expressive. Thiago looked at her yearningly and was a very supportive partner. I expect we will be seeing a lot more of Mr Soares.
I hope HRH enjoyed the show as much as I did. My 10yr old son danced all the way to Euston Station!
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GW
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11-07-03, 02:08 PM (GMT) |
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1. "RE: Ballet Central Gala 9th July Bloomsbury Theatre"
In response to message #0
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Mandy Thanks for these reflections on the Gala for those of us who couldn't make it. Thanks also for clarifying that you were waiting for your son whilst loitering outside the mens' room - I would have been worried otherwise! Glad you got the chance to renew the acquaintance with Thiago Soares so soon after the recent Masterclass! G |
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