2012 is a big year for West Australian Ballet (WAB). As the company celebrates its diamond anniversary it also farewells Artistic Director Ivan Cavallari. Under Cavallari’s reign the company has grown to 32 dancers and moved to a beautiful new home. Cavallari has brought internationally-renowned choreography to Perth, including repertoire by John Cranko, Jiri Kylian and George Balanchine. He has also choreographed several new works for the company. It goes without saying that Cavallari will be missed.
It is at this bittersweet moment that WAB brings its mixed bill “Neon Lights” to Sydney, featuring a selection of the company’s best-loved repertoire.
Headlining the program is Jiri Kylian’s Un Ballo, meaning simply, “A Dance”. Kylian describes the work as “an exercise in musicality and sensitivity beween male and female partners. Indeed Un Ballo feels like a celebration of the concept of pas de deux. Kylian’s choreography is liquid – the dancers flow through the space.
Garry Stewart’s The Centre and its Opposite, created in 2010 for the Birmingham Royal Ballet, shows another side of WAB. This is a crisp, demanding work that shows off the dancers’ technical skills.
Spanish choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo gives us Lickety Split, a whimsical piece set to the music of folk musician Devendra Banhart.
Finally, WAB Artistic Director farewells Sydney with Strings 32, a playful interaction between a violinist, dancers and elastic strings.
“Neon Lights” will play Sydney Theatre 17-21 October.
To win one of three double passes to the opening show on 17 October, simply email dance@yaffa.com.au with “WAB giveaway” in the heading. Please include your name and phone number in the email.
Closing date for entries: 5pm, Thursday 4 October.
http://www.sydneytheatre.org.au/what's-on/productions/2012/neon-lights.aspx
http://www.waballet.com.au/whats_on.php?id=78
Photos: Jon Green