The Sleeping Beauty on Ice Tonight Pretoria, South Africa |
Who: Imperial Ice Stars For once the fairies really fly, and float, as Tchaikovsky's ballet music goes into a total spin. These aesthetic aerial antics are possible because, as the title suggests, dancing on ice is part of the equation. Sky high production values, astute direction, intensely intelligent choreography and athletically artistic ice skaters (who make even the most brilliant ballet dancers look like wimps), transform what could be a trying novelty into a spectacular evening of theatre. Taking on one of classical ballet's most treasured Russian master-pieces, in another idiom, is pretty daring but there's enough substance to keep the curious balletomanes and the skating fundis happy. For everyone else, this two-act show is manna from entertainment heaven. Obviously there are limitations telling this fairy tale through a score which has become synonymous with Petipa's choreography. The Rose Adagio is reduced to a mere courtesy. But Mandy Woetzel, the Aurora in skating boots, certainly makes up for it at the wedding and finale when she is whirled around like a snowflake by the macho Vadim Yarkov's Prince Désiré. And what choreographer Tatiana Tarasova does with the garland dance is dazzling by any standards. It's fascinating to watch how an Olympic sport has been translated into a theatrical language in a confined proscenium arch setting. But the secret is that those breathtaking tricks – such as the death spirals, the triple axels and camel spins – are smoothly integrated into a narrative. Adding to the excitement are the lifts in their many thrilling variations. The recorded commentary is the only irritation in all this terrific experimentation. The enthralling action, embellished by the bright, sometimes panto-type design, speaks for itself. In this version of the famous tale the dour court chamberlain has a bigger role. That's wonderful because Anton Klykov's Catalabutte is simply sensational. Carabosse the evil fairy also has more scope, giving Maria Borovikova every opportunity to flaunt her acrobatic virtuosity. And casting a lyrical spell is Olga Sharoutenko's sublime Lilac Fairy (who at one point sheds her skates for pointe shoes). Is this ballet on ice? Or simply theatre on ice? Who cares. It's a theatrical hybrid in which thrilling artistry isn't sacrificed for empty spectacle. |
