I gave my tickets to a dancer friend of mine and her husband because I knew they’d love it. Below is the effervescent review that has made me wish I hadn’t given my tickets away…..
What more invigorating a way to survive these cold January nights than to experience the wonderful Moscow City Ballet perform Swan Lake with a live orchestra at our local theatre in Richmond Green? Ever since it was written by Tchaikovsky in 1876 Swan Lake has been one of the greatest artistic achievements of humanity. Although indubitably a Russian work it speaks to all humanity. Nobody should die before experiencing Swan Lake live. And I can think of no better production than that currently at the Richmond Theatre from the Touring Moscow City Ballet. If I could say in words the mesmerising effect of Swan Lake there would be no point in seeing it but that’s the point. One cannot reduce to mere words, the magic of Swan Lake because it is ineffable. One of the supreme high points of our human achievement there is no substitute for being in the audience. The Moscow City Ballet are there tonight and tomorrow. Carpe diem.
One of the many highlights to enjoy is the Prima Ballerina Liliya Orekhova as Odette/Odille. The shapes and lines of beauty she makes are breathtaking. Her Pointe work is astonishing. She glides effortlessly across the floor and when she performs 32 consecutive spins on one leg – Fouette – she literally brings the house down. It is nothing short of miraculous and has to be seen to be believed.
Liliya is perfectly partnered by the shockingly charismatic and dashing Talgat Kozhabaev. He oozes sex appeal and dominates the stage. His Prince Siegfried is utterly convincing in his combination of aristocratic hauteur and vulnerability.
The corps de ballet is in fine form especially in the famous dance in which four dancers link arms and become four swans moving on the lake. It is utterly mesmerising and charming and worth the ticket price just to see this dance.
Tchaikovsky’s music is brought to life by the faultless Moscow City Ballet orchestra conducted with a light but exact touch by Oleg Shavruk. The lighting is spot on and evokes exactly the right mood and tone.
