The Russian State Ballet of Siberia will Tour the UK in 2011 - 2012. Dates below. Image: Video excerpt.
David Bellan of the Oxford Times attended this past Monday the opening night of Giselle by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia. Here’s a preview of his impressions.
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia: Giselle
Giselle is the ballet that reveals how much dramatic power it can put on the stage. The Siberians came up with a moving, and also technically excellent performance.
The role of Giselle is considered the greatest dramatic test for a ballerina, who has to develop from enchanted ingénue, through a long scene in which she is completely demented, to become the spirit ‘Wili’ of the second act, where she rises from the grave to forgive her treacherous lover, and to save him.
Maria Kuimova dances the leading role as Giselle, and as Bellan explains, “she did not disappoint.”
Her shy, intoxicated village girl is as light physically as she is fragile mentally. She can hardly believe that this great love for a stranger has come to her, and, when she knows the truth, her mad scene is riveting and forceful — one of the best I have seen.
As a Willi she floats through the demanding choreography, always with a beautiful line, and exudes a mature forgiveness.
Bellan writes a detailed review of his experience you should not miss. You can read his entire article here.
Brief Background
The Russian State Ballet of Siberia is a classical ballet company based at the Krasnoyarsk State Opera and Ballet Theatre, Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Founded in 1978 by graduates of the choreographic schools of Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kiev, Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg.
Source: wikipedia.org.
If you would like to know the company’s touring dates, just click this link.
My personal experience in dancing Giselle (as one of Giselle’s friends) is precisely what Bellan describes in his article: it is the crowning achievement of any company as far as dramatic maturity and technical purity. We commend the Russian State Ballet of Siberia for their performance of this classic. Well done!
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About Romy Macias, Senior Editor
