The National Arts Centre presents the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's elegant new production of The Sleeping Beauty
January 07, 2003 -
OTTAWA -- The Sleeping Beauty, one of the loveliest and
most romantic ballets in the repertoire, comes to the National Arts
Centre's Southam Hall on January 23, 24, and 25 at 20:00. One of
the masterpieces of classical ballet, the timeless and enchanting
love story of Princess Aurora and Prince Désiré is a
dazzling showcase for Canada's prima ballerina Evelyn Hart (who
will dance the role on at least one evening) and for the exquisite
dancing, technical excellence, and captivating style of Canada's
Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB). All performances feature the renowned
National Arts Centre Orchestra under the baton of RWB Music Director
and Conductor Earl Stafford.
The Sleeping Beauty is part of the National Arts
Centre's Canril Corporation Ballet Series, which is generously
sponsored by Canril Corporation.
Journey to an enchanted forest where Good triumphs over Evil with
a single kiss. This exquisite and elegant production of The
Sleeping Beauty is brand new ... and guaranteed to captivate
audiences of all ages! With new staging by Galina Yordanova and
seamless choreography after Petipa, this full-length story ballet
features lavish sets, beautiful costumes, and thrilling classical
dance. The Sleeping Beauty is the crowning achievement of one
of the most remarkable creative collaborations in classical ballet,
featuring the glorious music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and the
seamless choreography of Marius Petipa.
The RWB's new production of The Sleeping Beauty opened
in Winnipeg on March 13, 2002 before beginning a 7-city U.S. tour.
The ballet played to sold-out houses and received glowing reviews
from critics as well as audience members.
"The production is lavish, beautiful and very richly textured
... you won't see it done better anywhere else in the
world."
Robert Enright, CBC Radio, March 2002
"This classical ballet will no doubt thrill audiences
everywhere with its romantic spectacle, fairy-tale whimsy, and
accomplished dance technique."
The Winnipeg Free Press, March 2002
"A sensational display of athletic artistry ... the RWB has
a Beauty to call its own, with 131 gorgeous costumes and sets fit for
a fairy-tale princess."
The Winnipeg Sun, March 2002
Versatility, technical excellence and a captivating style are the
trademarks of Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet, qualities that have
garnered both critical and audience acclaim. These qualities keep the
RWB in demand as it presents more than 150 performances every season.
Founded in 1939, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet holds the double
distinction of being Canada's premier ballet company and the longest
continuously operating ballet company in North America. In 1953, the
company received its royal title, the first granted under the reign
of Queen Elizabeth II. The RWB has grown and developed under Artistic
Directors Arnold Spohr, Henny Jurriens, John Meehan, William Whitener
and, since 1996, André Lewis. Lewis has revitalised the
company's repertoire with the commissioning of new full-length
ballets, such as Dracula and a Canadian-themed
Nutcracker, and the RWB now takes its place among the world's
internationally renowned companies. Today, the company spends 20 or
more weeks a year on tour. The RWB repertoire embraces a wide array
of dance styles and includes classical story ballets and an
intriguing collection of shorter dances. A fine balance is achieved
between the classical traditions of Europe and the boldness of
contemporary ballet, which in turn has produced a style unique to the
RWB.
