Russian State Ballet – Swan Lake

Ballet in the provinces is sometimes disparaged as a low-quality affair when compared to the great companies in the great opera houses, and The Russian State Ballet started a little flat-footedly, with the truncated orchestra a little gauche. Initially appearing a little like a rehearsal, as if the company were coming to terms with the size of the stage, Odette/Odile and the Jester soon brought the performance to life, with Odette’s arm-work conveying a swan-like grace and elegance quite beautifully. Technical issues such as the occasional post-pirouette wobble, however, were offset by the venue’s intimacy, and the audience left sated.

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne. 4 December 2012

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