Review – Swan Lake – English National Ballet

Edinburgh Festival Theatre - 5/5/06

There’s no doubt that ENB have an excellent corps and Swan Lake gave them a showcase to for their talent and grace. Positioning and timing were impeccable throughout the entire performance. What was most remarkable about Friday night’s performance was that, due to illness, the understudy danced the part of Odette/Odile and did so with amazing confidence and capability. Not only were her fluttering arms beautiful but she managed to carry the movement into the neck and head. I’d love to see her dance as a principal in her own right. Costuming and scenery too were excellent. Criticisms? Well as for the dancers I’m afraid the prince was not convincing; OK the role calls for angst but he just looked pained throughout the performance and frankly not handsome or young (maybe that’s why he has to make do with swans!!). It’s a part that doesn’t appear to demanding – a lot of strutting and a few showy turns and jetes. The supporting male dancers actually have more to do a lot more (apparently when I checked the books it’s because it was originally choreographed for a 50 year old dancer).
Other points – the choreography is a bit jaded in places: I’m not sure of the technical term but the same dreadful hopping arabesques used in Giselle just make me laugh. I’m afraid and there are other bits of fairly naff choreography here and there. The corps handled it extremely well though and prevented it looking silly. Maybe Matthew Bourne has spoilt us showing just what can be achieved with the texte and music. Actually the music is another issue, someone has taken a few liberties with Tchaikovsky’s score and done some very ‘Hollywood’ arranging in places and not for the better.
Overall 4 stars from me and a big pat on the back for the performance of Odette.

As a footnote, casting my eye down the cast list, it’s remarkable how un-English English National Ballet is, drawing many of its members from the former soviet union and the far east. Maybe someone could explain why? Is the talent not coming through from the British ballet schools or are dancers from this country just not wanting to join the ballet companies? Comments from ballerinas welcome!