Remi Wortmeyer, Luke Ingham and Danielle Rowe each provide star turns in the three pieces on this outstanding program.
Wortmeyer and Rachel Rawlins are wonderful in their featured pas de deux in Krzysztof Pastor�s Symphonie Fantastique. Set to Hector Berlioz�s score, and featuring a field of fabulous costumes and images from Tatyana van Walsum, this is a work to be savoured.
Jerome Robbins� classic Afternoon Of A Faun is given tender and intriguing treatment by Luke Ingham and Amber Scott. Their interpretation of two dancers exploring their image and relationship is absorbing and beautifully executed to music from Claude DeBussy. Ingham in particular has a mighty career ahead of him.
Danielle Rowe, Robert Curran, Lana Jones make outstanding debuts in George Balanchine�s glorious Ballet Imperial. The technical excellence and esprit de corps of the company comes to the fore, in this disciplined, dazzling display of precision, power and elegance. Set to Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 2, and replete with Hugh Colman�s glittering costumes, it is an awesome climax to a special evening.
If you�ve had enough of contemporary dance companies twitching their way through hyped hullabaloo, come and see some real dancing. And well done to the ASO and conductor Nicolette Fraillon for a magnificent job in accompanying the action.
The French Connection
The Australian Ballet
Festival Theatre
Until May 27
FOUR STARS
The Players: Rachel Rawlins, Remi Wortmeyer, Amber Scott, Luke Ingham, Danielle Rowe, Robert Curran, Lana Jones & The ASO.
Behind The Scenes: Choreographers Krzysztof Pastor, Jerome Robbins Pastor & George Balanchine. Standout: Luke Ingham.
In Short: French confection!
Reviewer: Matt Byrne, AdelaideNow