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Vis-à-vis
Studio Series #2
Presented by:
Queensland Ballet
Directed by:
Francois Klaus
Venue:
Charles Lisner Studio, Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
Reviewer:
Kellie Scott
Date Reviewed:
Friday 12th June 2009
Last night was my first trip to the ballet. Invited by my Dad, Eric
Scott, I hesitantly agreed to go along, but with no intention to
review – after all, I wasn’t invited to. However being new to the
realm of ballet, I decided to try to define what the experience was
like for a first timer. I am completely ignorant when it comes to
technical ability, so I will write purely from an entertainment
perspective.
In saying that however, Vis-à-vis is all about opening the
curtain and showing us what goes on behind the scenes. Once more
from the top…is an edition that focuses on how the dancers learn
and remember their choreography. So I have learnt a thing or two.
On arrival we watch the dancers in their casual gear, warming up for
the performance. It’s a very intimate setting, and a privilege to
observe their relaxed preparation.
Throughout the night artistic director Francois Klaus intermittently
explains the process behind learning the steps and pieces. He
discusses this with the dancers, and it’s then we learn about
“muscle memory”, which I found fascinating. Anyone who has learnt a
musical instrument will understand this. Occasionally you may not
remember a piece of music but, if you recall just a small section,
your fingers will then do the walking.
The professional year dancers performed the first dance of the
night. I was entertained, but more by the beautiful music that
accompanied the piece, Ave Maria by Bach and Gounod. A
gorgeous piece that even moves a non-classical listener like me.
Excerpts from The Sleeping Beauty and A Midsummer Night’s
Dream followed. Clare Morehen and Christian Tatchev as Titania
and Oberon were a stand out dancing pair. I have heard ballet
dancers make difficult moves appear effortless, and that they
require tremendous strength to accomplish this. Morehen and Tatchev
achieved this with impeccable grace and vivid emotion.
However, nothing impressed me as much as Todd Sutherland. If I
wasn’t already in love, I might have fallen for him last night! And
not for the typical standard good looks, charm, or intelligence –
but by pure admiration of his strength and agility. Throughout his
piece performed to Alva Noto’s Future, the audience gasped in
amazement. Sutherland executed difficult moves elegantly and
perfectly polished. He received the loudest applause of the night.
Overall I was enlightened by my first ballet experience, and I look
forward to attending a complete piece by the Queensland Ballet in
future.
Vis-à-vis is showing until the 16th of June.
Bookings at
www.queenslandballet.com.au.
Kellie Scott reviews for her website
www.brisbanecritiques.com, which was launched in October of
2008. Her reviews can also sometimes be found at
www.absolutetheatre.com.au. Previously her critiques for music
and film have been published in The Catholic Leader and The
Satellite newspapers. She is currently studying Journalism at
university, and hopes to use this to develop her writing skills,
focusing on becoming a professional critic in the future. If you
would like to contact Kellie, please email
kellie@brisbanecritiques.com.
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