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"Onegin" in Toronto

“Onegin”
National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
June 19 and 22, 2010

by Denise Sum
copyright 2010 by Denise Sum

The National Ballet of Canada ended the 2009-2010 season on a high note with John Cranko’s “Onegin”. Since entering the repertoire in 1984, this ballet has become near and dear to many a Torontonian balletgoer’s heart. The leading roles are not only ideal showcases for technically and dramatically gifted performers, but also catalysts for artistic growth. One goes to see “Onegin” to be moved by extraordinary individual performances and this run did not disappoint.

A Misogynist Swan Lake

“Swan Lake”
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
March 17, 2010

By Denise Sum
Copyright 2010 by Denise Sum

“Swan Lake” at the National Ballet of Canada has not been kind to women. Erik Bruhn’s 1967 version re-cast Rothbart as an evil Black Queen. James Kudelka’s re-interpretation, which premiered in 1999, is not much of an improvement. The female characters are cruel, vapid, or most often, both. Even the ballet’s heroine, Odette, is not a woman transformed into a swan, but literally just a swan. Kudelka’s unimaginative “Swan Lake” incorporates change simply for the sake of change.

Signature Pieces: The National Ballet of Canada Winter Mixed Program

“24 Preludes by Chopin”, “A Suite of Dances”, and “The Four Seasons”
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
March 6, 2010

by Denise Sum
copyright 2010 by Denise Sum

The National Ballet of Canada’s winter mixed program features two works that the company has truly puts its stamp on. “The Four Seasons” by James Kudelka has become a Canadian classic, not in small part due to the fact that Kudelka and now Karen Kain have ensured that the ballet is frequently brought back into the active repertoire. Québécoise Marie Chouinard’s “24 Preludes by Chopin”, is a more recent addition the repertoire; the company premiere was just two years ago. Yet the avant-garde work is fast becoming a trademark piece. Less than a month ago, the NBoC brought it to Vancouver for the 2010 Cultural Olympiad.

National Ballet of Canada Fall Mixed Program

 “The Four Temperaments”, “Watch her”, “Glass Pieces”
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
November 28, 2009

by Denise Sum
copyright 2009 by Denise Sum

The centerpiece of the NBoC’s fall mixed program was the world premiere of Aszure Barton’s “Watch her”. “Watch her” falls into the category of what I call loosely narrative ballets. The work evokes moods instead of linear stories and revolves around archetypes rather than characters. At the same time, “Watch her” still feels coherent and purposeful, whereas other loosely narrative ballet are often just vague.

National Ballet of Canada's "Sleeping Beauty"

“The Sleeping Beauty”
National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
November 14, 2009

by Denise Sum
copyright 2009 by Denise Sum

1972 was a pivotal year for the National Ballet of Canada. Rudolf Nureyev brought a production of “The Sleeping Beauty” so ambitious that all artists involved were pushed to realize their own potential. This opulent production, a great financial gamble at the time, brought the NBoC international recognition. Today, in Karen Kain’s staging, “The Sleeping Beauty” continues to be a signature piece and an ideal venue for talented dancers of all ranks.