reviewvancouver: BalletBC Nutcracker-2008

The Moscow Classical Ballet performance of the timeless classic, The Nutcracker, is the most anticipated ballet event of the season.

True to form, the Moscow Classical Ballet , under the tutelage of artistic director, Natalia Kasatkine, brought the legendary style of Russian dance to the Christmas classic. Companies the worldwide owe a debt of huge gratitude to Russia for the imprint of talent, style, and genius that has been brought to classical dance for well over a hundred years.

In fact, when one thinks of dance greatness, the names of Nureyev, Baryshnikov, and Balanchine easily come to mind.

Classical Chinese dance, so famed throughout the world, has been heavily influenced by Russian dance.

No doubt, MCB dancers Ekatrina Berezina, Victoria Smirnov, Vladimir Muravlyov,
Artem Khorosshilov and Alexei Orlov are outstanding dancers with grace, power and beauty.

Alexei Orlov as the Prince was superb, blending beauty with strength, always the core challenge for the classical dancer. Alena Podavalova, as the Mouse Queen, was ethereal and wonderful. She gave real emotion and enchantment to the role.

Audience acclaim seems to be unanimous that Victoria Smirnov excelled in the role of Masha. Smirnova has training in both classical dance as well as choreography and blends these two remarkable talents so finely in her movement. She is the quintessential dancer who seamlessly blends beauty, movement and precision so well.

Where the ballet seemed to stumble is in the staging and costumes. The overriding sense was that the costumes looked worn and a little dim and the staging itself, quite plain and uninspiring.

The backdrop of financial distress facing Ballet BC, well noted in the appeal to audience members, was perhaps a little excessive. Ballet goers are well aware of the issue, reported widely in the media for months, and need not have been reinforced at the very event itself in such a forward manner.

Overall, it is still a special event when the Moscow Classical Ballet visits Vancouver and the performance, despite a few snags, was still an artistic success and did help propel Ballet BC a few steps closer to financial viability.