Swan Lake, The Mariinsky Ballet Company.

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Monday was the First Night of the Maryiinsky Ballet Company’s season in London. Their Swan Lake was an ideal ballet to launch their season as it is the highlight of most classical ballet companies’ repertoires.

For this performance Odette/Odile was danced by Uliana Lopatkina and the Prince by Daniil Korsuntsev. The strength of the Mariinsky lies in its wonderful corps de ballet as shown with breathtaking impact in Act I Scene 2. They show the utmost discipline, precision and timing which taken with their brilliant white tutus and the moonlight brought tears to the eye. Their technique is the platform from which Lopatkina launched her solos and pas de deux. She gave a performance that illustrated her position as prima ballerina. As Odette, her dancing showed longing and passion and as Odile, pure malice. Korsuntsev was a perfect partner with fine lifts even if his solos were somewhat restrained. I saw him as a foil for Odette/Odile which was absolutely right for a prima ballerina who is one of the finest in the world. Mention must be made of Alexei Nedviga who danced the role of The Jester. He wore a striking headdress and attacked his role with panache. His leaps were very fine and his acting superb. The Orchestra of the Mariinsky was conducted with aplomb by Boris Gruzin and I was particularly impressed by the delicacy of the harp playing.

The Royal Opera House was full for this First Night with many balletomanes standing. In this Opera House the audience is discerning and can be highly critical. Moreover, there were many oligarchs and VIPs present as shown by the long line of chauffeur driven limousines outside at the end of the night. Yet the reception given to the Company was ecstatic with numerous curtain calls at the end of the evening. In the Russian tradition, the Principals took bows at the end of each of their solos and pas de deux. The season continues in London at the ROH with a range of ballets that includes the UK premiere of Anna Karenina. There is also a performance at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms. Any aspiring ballet dancer should try to see this Company.