FORM-Idea

The National Ballet of Canada returned to the UK this fall for the first time in over ten years with a lovely evening of Canadian work.  Titled Frontiers: Choreographers of Canada at Sadlers Wells, the evening highlights work created by some the country’s most exciting choreographers. James Kudelka’s Passion, Emma Portner’s Islands and finally Crystal Pike’s Angels.  All three are a revelation and highlight the strength of this outstanding ballet company.

Passion by James Kudelka, looks at the intricacies of relationships as it presents two very different couples, one traditionally dressed in tutu and classical attire while the other Larkin Miller and Genevieve Penn Nabity dressed casually in jeans and t-shirts.  The piece in many ways, embodies the classical dance/contemporary dance dichotomy.  A perfect choice for a dance company, which performs both styles beautifully.  Passion also includes a small corps de ballet woven throughout who create barriers between these two very different couples, barriers they sometimes struggle to cross.  The couples themselves are a lovely contrast between the two who seem to belong within this classical, although passionless world, while the other are continuingly seeking each other but seem at odds with the whole. A lovely opening to an intriguing evening.

The night continues with Emma Portner’s Islands, which continues the theme of couples interacting, this time it’s a duet between two women, something rare in ballet.  The two here are conjoined at the waist by their costume.  Together they create complex shapes but in fact appear far more intimate once they are no longer connected; which is perhaps the point.

The highlight of evening though for me without doubt would have to be Crystal Pike’s Angels Atlas.  It is a piece, choreographed for the entire company and is without doubt a triumph.   The lighting creates the illusion of a shimmering waterfall, which is simply stunning.  And the dancing is superb, with the standout performance of the entire evening that of the South African dancer Sisphesihle November one of the company’s newest principal dancers.  Whenever November is on stage, you are compelled to watch him since, he is just captivating and is rapidly becoming one of the company’s biggest stars.Founded by British ballerina Celia Franca the National Ballet of Canada’s tour to the UK was a welcome reminder of just how good the company is.