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A wish your heart makes

"Cinderella"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
March 10, 2023  

by Denise Sum
copyright © 2023 by Denise Sum

James Kudelka’s “Cinderella” has been a perennial favorite at the National Ballet of Canada since its premiere in 2004. With its broad appeal, “Cinderella” was programmed over March break to draw in families and hopefully gain some new audience members for the company. Kudelka’s modern take on the familiar fairy tale has something for everyone – humor, romance, intricate choreography, stunning designs and high production value. The last time “Cinderella” was performed by the NBoC was in 2016. This most recent run features several noteworthy debuts. 

Genevieve Penn Nabity in “Cinderella”. Photo by Karolina Kuras. Courtesy of the National Ballet of Canada. 

Identity and Archetypes

"Symphony in C", "Alleged Dances", "Anima Animus"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
March 3, 2023  

by Denise Sum
copyright © 2023 by Denise Sum

The National Ballet of Canada artistic director Hope Muir continues to enrich the company’s repertoire with another interesting mixed program, featuring two new works (a world premiere and a company premiere). As with last year’s fall mixed program which featured ballets by black choreographers Alonzo King and Vaness G.R. Montoya, Muir continues to show a commitment to creating space for representation of BIPOC and women choreographers at the NBoC. Here, she has commissioned a new work, “Alleged Dances” by Rena Butler, whom she collaborated with previously at Charlotte Ballet. Muir also brought British choreographer David Dawson’s striking “Anima Animus” to Toronto audiences for the first time. Throwing in George Balanchine’s brilliant “Symphony in C”, this triple bill highlights the company’s tremendous range. 

Genevieve Penn Nabity and Ben Rudisin in “Anima Animus”. Photo by Bruce Zinger. Courtesy of The National Ballet of Canada.