Playhouse, Melbourne Arts Centre, December 9
The end of year performance by the Australian Ballet School (ABS) was an evening to enjoy. The program itself, comprised of Leigh Rowles' Overture, Kylian's Symphony in D, Graduation Ball and Aurora's Wedding, was both entertaining and very suitable for young dancers to shine in as regards interpretation and a chance to showcase their abilities. And it is good that the ABS performs now at the Playhouse, no longer subject to the vagaries of Melbourne's weather.
Apart from Rowles's Overture which allowed us a glimpse of all the levels of the school, this was essentially a graduation performance for the Level 8 students and a chance for a number from Level 7 to show their talents. The Overture fulfilled the brief of showcasing students from all the levels but went further, making good use of nice choreographic patterns and the different colours of the uniforms of each level. There was also a good sense of movement and flow throughout, making this an ideal way to see the different levels of the school.
Kylian's Symphony in D was a good choice for the students, being as it is a good ensemble piece with space for individual characterizations. The boys especially could just be boys, up to mischief, while the piece in general was full of light-hearted fun. Kylian plays constantly with upsetting expectations, resulting in lots of witty in-jokes for a ballet audience, such as reverse partnering, dancers being rearranged on stage, a girl chasing partners, a gesture ludicrously picked up by the entire ensemble. But there is always a sense of humanity retained throughout the fun, while the movement itself remains musical and driven along by the gentle humour and lightness of touch of Haydn's classical style. Kylian also exploits the side-by-side pas de deux of the Bournonville style as well as his use of demi-pointe to good effect.
The young dancers seemed to relish this piece and made the most of its gentle humour. Jill Ogai and Joel di Stefano (who danced a strong Florestan later) captured the fun and charm of the choreography, as did Donna-Mae Burrows in her trio. Mark Geilings and Jasmin Durham were also good in their parts in what was a very even ensemble.
Lichine's Graduation Ball, a favourite of the Ballets Russes repertoire, was another inspired choice for the young dancers with chances to show off technique and acting abilities. This was another frothy good-humoured piece and paired well with the Kylian. Donna-Mae Burrows played the mischievous Pigtail Girl to the hilt, with some very good dancing thrown in. Marcus Morelli did well as the Drummer Boy, while Benedicte Bemet shone as the leading Junior Girl, technically clean and graceful. The roles of the Competition Girls were very well handled by Sophie Zoricic and Miyu Katayama, who had also stood out in the Kylian and went on to dance a very good Coulante in Aurora's Wedding.
And it was Aurora's Wedding, the third act of The Sleeping Beauty, which was the culmination of the evening. In the end Aurora's Wedding is all about Aurora - and it was her night. Benedicte Bemet danced the role with lovely control and balance, excellent turns and good timing. Her Prince was Brodie James, long-limbed with good lines, who gave us a very finished variation and was an excellent partner. Mark Geilings impressed as the Bluebird with clean beats and a strong core.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable program which was danced well.
- IRINA KUZMINSKY