We feasted on ballet yesterday. It all began with a magical matinee performance of Cinderella by the West Australian Ballet Company. It was my littlest ballerina's first-ever viewing of a professional ballet and she thought it was terrific despite the fact that interpreting the mime was a bit challenging at times. "Are they going to speak?", she asked.
Japanese dancer Anna Ishii played the lead. But the two comic step-sisters really stole the show. There was no misinterpreting their expressions, gestures and characterisation. A very clever, modern depiction of these traditional roles. The 1920's inspired costumes were also refreshingly different.
Here's what the company has to say about the production:
Choreographer Jayne Smeulders spins a tale of magic and delight in her first full-length choreography for the Company, whilst Allan Lees, designer of the spectacular 2010 production of Don Quixote, has created sumptuous new costumes and a beautifully restored and re-imagined set for this family ballet classic performed to Sergei Prokofiev’s evocative score.
Later that night, our budding Dame Margot participated in the National Capital Ballet School's end of year show which had the theme "Romanticism". It was a thrilling experience for her and a credit to the teachers and management. We were completely blown away by the talented young people, the magnificent costumes and clever sets. Our little preparatory dance class performed a piece based on a Madeline-inspired group of children visiting an art gallery on a school excursion. Cuteness abounded. The audience sighed. We applauded loudly. Bravo. Encore!
