Bolshoi Ballet Giselle

http://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/bolshoi-ballet-on-screen-giselle/ This was fabulous here's my review for the Guide For the sixth consecutive year Sharmill Films are bringing ballet lovers filmed versions of four ballets presented by the legendary Moscow ballet Company. The first in time is this splendid, very traditional, terrifically danced production of GISELLE. The ballet was clearly filmed with effective use of close up at times while at others pulled back so we could see the patterns of the choreography ( for example, in the peasant revels and the intricacies of the work for the Willis). GISELLE is regarded as a cornerstone example of the Romantic ballet, a major test piece for both the ballerina particularly and her partner. Act 1 is mostly bathed in russet Autumnal colours, whilst Act 2 is a ghostly woodland glade. It is interesting to note that in this version there is no chilling mime solo for Berthe , Giselle’s mother telling the story of the legend of the Wilis. Nor is Giselle crowned Queen of the Harvest Festival (although there is a Bacchus like figure who sits atop a wine barrel leading the celebrations). And in this version Hilarion is called Hans and the ‘Peasant pas de deux’ is shown as being part of the general festival celebrations. The Orchestra of Bolshoi Ballet performed terrifically under Pavel Klinichev. The ensemble of the corps de ballet gave fine performances in each act; as villagers in Act 1 or, for the women, Willis in Act 2 . The peasant pas de deux were marvellously danced too by Daria Khokhlova and Igor Tsvirko. The two lead roles were wonderfully danced. Both Giselle and Albrecht were convincingly enamoured of each other with little flashes of detail in the acting throughout Act 1 increasing the drama. Svetlana Zakharova as Giselle was sensational. She breathlessly dazzles in her interpretation of the role. In Act 1 she was a shy, innocent beautiful village girl blossoming under Albrecht’s attention. The pas de deux in Act1 was joyous. Her ‘mad scene’ was shattering, grippingly danced and acted, her broken almost uncomprehending desolation made believable. Svetlana has command of a very light upper body and soft high jumps combined with steely, assured pointe work and fast fleet footwork even more noticeable in Act 2. In Act 2 as Giselle’s ghost she was a fragile whisper invisible to Albrecht yet he could feel her presence.(The two main pas de deux in Act 2 were ravishing – the transition from arabesque to turns and developes were refined and elegant, the travelling lifts and poses with floating arms handled brilliantly). Handsome Sergei Polunin as Albrecht was tremendous. In Act 1 he is cheekily impressive, a bit of a playboy with a dazzling smile, genuinely in love with Giselle and shocked and grieving at her unexpected death. The appearance of Bathilde rattles him. In Act 2 he has a very posh glittering black top with white inserts in the black sleeves. Technically he was superb with brilliant soft jumps, high elevation, pantherine’ ballon and impeccable finish. He is also a tremendous actor, – in Act2 we see princely brooding and despair. Ekaterina Shipulina as Myrtha , with her photogenic cheekbones, was cold, imperious and regally implacable as the Queen of the Willis, ignoring Hans’ pleas for his life and condemning Albrecht to death as well. The demanding choreography included cabrioles, brises and testing jumps and tours as well as gliding bourees , all of which were excellently performed , creating a chilling characterization. The corps of Willis in Act 2 was precise and menacing. They breathed and pulsated as one. Young, handsome Denis Savin as the woodsman Hans acted and danced terrifically. In Act1 he unwitting betrays Albrecht’s double life causing tragedy and in Act 2 is terrified and driven to his death by the Willis. This was a terrific traditional version gloriously danced by its two principals. Running time – 2 hours including introduction and interviews before and during interval. THE BOLSHOI BALLET ON SCREEN : GISELLE screens at selected arthouse cinemas from 27th February 27.