REVIEW: Classic a triumph

A reminder that Christmas is fast approaching came to a reasonably full Regent Theatre last evening, when the Imperial Russian Ballet Company presented The Nutcracker, the timeless ballet by Tchaikovsky which tells of a little girl called Clara, and her incredible dream after a magical Christmas Eve party.

As recorded music of familiar Tchaikovsky melodies filled the theatre, we stepped back in time to a Christmas Eve at the beginning of the last century, with townspeople arriving in colourful festive outfits, to enjoy a puppet show, a magician, partying and dancing.

Later when Clara sleeps, she dreams and the characters embark on a journey, like stepping into a book of fairytales, taking the audience through a lively battle between tin soldiers and mice, settings with snowflakes, a magic boat, forests and flower fairies.

Although traditionally classical, artistic director Guediminas Taranda's choreography included some modern touches and humour.

Twenty-two local pupils from Robyn Sinclair's Dunedin School of Ballet & Dance will never forget their on-stage experience, as they danced and acted quite sizeable parts and routines with Clara (Maria Sokolnikova), an eccentric toy-maker/magician Herr Drosselmeyer (Vitausas Taranda) and Clara's favourite present - a nutcracker doll who is transformed into a charming Nutcracker Prince (Nariman Bekzhanov).

The young dancers received great applause and deservedly so for their energy, and work they had obviously done prior to today's long rehearsal.

The youngest, a tiny mouse, stole the show in the battle scene.

The Grand Pas de Deux was danced with graceful lifts and timing, and the celebrated Waltz of Flowers filled the stage with a corsage of green and pale flower-garlanded costumes.

Spanish, Chinese, Russian and Arabian dance cameos in Act 2 were entertaining and colourful, with appropriate characterisation.

The touring company presents this spectacular production of The Nutcracker in 14 New Zealand centres, performing with talent and panache, while giving local ballet pupils the experience of dancing with a professional ballet company.

- Elizabeth Bouman