Classical ballet will always be in the heart of those that it touches. Growing up we watched the Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House in season tickets. Mum loved the ballet so much she travelled with that company to Singapore and as far as New York to see it.
Much of the best loved repertoire of the ballet are well known stories, and even the less well known have become so through the dance.
The Sleeping Beauty is one of those best loved and is being presented by The Australian Ballet in an encore season in 2017, in Sydney in November. As the first full length ballet from David McCallister, The Sleeping Beauty premiered in 2015 with resounding success.
"The curtain goes up … the audience gasps … and David McAllister’s spectacular Beauty unfolds like a rose, drawing you into a world of romance, wonder and imperial grandeur. Gleaming with Baroque golds and creams, glowing with vivid colour, and spilling over with fairies, princes, woodland nymphs and story-book charm, this ballet casts a spell of delight all the way to true love’s kiss.
Set to Tchaikovsky’s celebrated score and blessed with breathtaking designs by Gabriela Tylesova, our artistic director’s new production stays true to the magic and majesty of the original and showcases the talents of the entire company in iconic moments."
For those new to the dance, starting with ballet at the cinema is an approachable option, though lacking the atmosphere and spectacle of live performance, it allows access to the style of international companies at an affordable price . Next month April 7th to 12th Palace Cinemas are showing The Royal Ballet performance of 19th century choreographer Pepita's The Sleeping Beauty on film. This is truly a classic.
One story, two choreographers, two companies. Why not see both and compare on screen and stage?
Booking information:
www.palaceoperaandballet.com.au
australianballet.com.au/the-ballets/the-sleeping-beauty-2017
Palace are also showing three European operas in Australian cinemas in the coming season:
In Cinemas March 31st - April 5th
Opéra de Paris: Mozart’s COSÍ FAN TUTTE
Direct from Paris’s historic Palais Garnier, Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker’s stylish new production of Mozart and Da Ponte’s extraordinary investigation of love pairs six singers with six dancers, with virtuoso results.
In Cinemas April 21st -26th
Teatro Regio: Puccini’s MANON LESCAUT
Screening direct from Turin, Maria José Siri and Gregory Kunde lead a superstar international cast, starring as the ill-fated lovers at the centre of Puccini’s sumptuous opera.
In Cinemas April 28th - May 3rd
The Royal Opera: Puccini’s MADAMA BUTTERFLY
Screening direct from London’s Covent Garden, Antonio Pappano conducts an impressive cast led by Ermonela Jaho as Cio-Cio San in Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier's beautiful production of Puccini's deeply poignant opera.
