Nunez is lovely, but no one else is
La Bayadere - Royal Ballet
The Royal Ballet comes from long line of amazing, gorgeous dancers: Fonteyn, Shearer, Nureyev and Sibley are names that evoke some of the best in ballet. However, it seems that England's own has gotten a little lost.
The staging of this Bayadere--set by Natalia Makarova--is lovely, taken after the former Kirov (now Mariinsky). It is in all senses of the word, a classical ballet. While not Petipa's strongest work, the choreography is nothing less than what you would expect from him. Minkus's score is pleasant and suited to the ballet, and one can see why it is a standard, long lasting composition. I have no issue with any aspects of the staging or spectacle of this ballet. On top of it, the Blu Ray recording is absolutely stunning in quality, and well filmed. There are no missing dancers, chopped off feet, or misplaced shots. Additionally, the costumes are so stunning that Blu Ray makes them dazzle. One can see every detail, down to the...
A Feat for the Royal Ballet
La Bayadere, with music by Ludwig Minkus, shines in a new light in the Royal Ballet's production by Natalia Makarova.
Altynai Asylmuratova and Darcey Bussell provide a spectacular performance, in both their technique and artistry. Asylmuratova transforms into a delicate creature, with near-perfect port de bras, and beautiful hyperextended arms. Bussell dances a virtuous Gamzatti, extremely dramatic in acting scenes, while very joyful in some dances. Irek Mukhamedov does a solid job of Solor, proving to be a brilliant partner for both Asylmuratova and Bussell, while showing true mastery of all of the technicalities and variations that are demanded in the ballet. Testuya Kumakawa dances a brilliant Bronze Idol; at times transfixing the viewer in awe of a human statue. In this production, the High Brahmin was selected immaculately, showing Dowell's dramatic and frightening acting ability. However, the corps de ballet does not represent the cleanness and perfection of the Russian...
The Perfect Cast
It is truly a joy to watch Darcey Bussell dance. Her graceful limbs are of perfect shape, her long tapering arms are always held just right, fingers dangle stylishly. She looks like an exquisite statue come to life immaculate, cold. No matter what steps she takes they're just right. She is partnered in this cast with the perfect Solor in the person of Irek Mukhamedov. He is tall enough to tower over Ms. Bussell, who is tall for a ballerina, and he is himself statuesque. He is a powerful presence of the most manly physique (and beautiful butt) and knows it. His dancing is also just right; exact steps, body placed accurately, masculine, emotionless. The perfect foil for Ms Bussell. Then there is the feather-light Nikiya of Altynai Asylmuratova with her perfect Port de Bras. She is a delicate warm vapor in pure white, who is all emotion and love, she is the living human fragile being caught in between the games of the other two. She is the innocent one for whom Solor'a affection runs hot...
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