English National Ballet Presents Song Of The Earth / La Sylphide At The Palace Theatre, Manchester

Jessica Tidswell | 13th October 2017

 

Song of the Earth and La Sylphide by Jason Bell

The opening night of the English National Ballet‘s Song of the Earth and La Sylphide captivated the audience in what could be described as a display of outstanding talent and excellent technique and performance.

The English National Ballet inspire and astound audiences around the world with their take on classic, and sometimes contemporary, ballet at a world-class level.

A Woman, a Man and an ‘Enigmatic Messenger’ tell the tale of Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s masterpiece Song of the Earth, commemorating the 25th Anniversary year of his passing.

The ‘Woman’, danced by Artistic Director and Principle Dancer, Tamara Rojo, executed an exquisitely fascinating performance by drawing attention to detail with each disciplined movement.

Tamara Rojo and Joseph Caley in Song of the Earth © Laurent Liotardo

 

The company danced MacMillan’s creation to Gustav Mahler’s song cycle, Das Lied von der Erde, performed by the English National Ballet Philharmonic, accompanied by stunning vocal performances from Samuel Sakker and Rhonda Browne.

The combination of ballet and opera displayed a powerful exploration of love, loss and morality, as quoted in the programme ‘Kenneth MacMillan brings music, poetry, and choreography together to capture the fragility of life, and its constant renewal’.

Tamara Rojo, Jeffrey Cirio and Joseph Caley In Song Of The Earth © Laurent Liotardo

Song of the Earth, a truly captivating and emotional work of art, left the audience with an extraordinary feeling of all encompassing emotion unlike any other ballet I’ve experienced, through a breathtaking performance from each dancer, singer and orchestra member.

Tamara Rojo Jeffrey Cirio and Joseph Caley in Song of the Earth © Laurent Liotardo

Following the interval, the second performance was Frank Anderson’s recreation of August Bournonville’s La Sylphide. A classic, yet entrancing, tale full of character expressed the story of love and heartbreak between characters James and The Sylphide, sympathetically danced by Isaac Hernández and Jurgita Dronina. The story of fantasy lead the audience on a journey of love to heartbreak, humour to melancholy and illusion to reality, resulting in a tragic end.

Jurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernandez in La Sylphide © Laurent Liotardo

 

The extravagantly and colourfully constructed set of a Scottish manor house was a stark contrast to that of the minimal set and muted colours of Song of the Earth. 

English National Ballet in La Sylphide © Laurent Liotardo

La Sylphide was joyous and accessible for first time and experienced ballet-goers.

The English National Ballet showcased an array of dance though folk and ballet, combined with mime to created a marvelous theatrical display.

A word from Artistic Director, Tamara Rojo, on La Sylphide.

Song of the Earth / La Sylphide is a must see double-bill! If you have not got plans for this weekend then you’ve got chance to get your tickets here! (Because it’s great!)

Album 1

English National Ballet in La Sylphide © Laurent LiotardoEglish Nationa Ballet in La Sylphide © Laurent LiotardoEnglish National Ballet in La Sylphide © Laurent LiotardoJurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernandez in La Sylphide © Laurent LiotardoJurgita Dronina and Isaac Hernandez in La Sylphide © Laurent Liotardo