It's Swan Magic at English National Ballet

There’s something to be said about a spontaneous trip to the ballet. Normally my tickets are booked way in advance but a couple of nights ago saw me take spontaneity into my own hands. Last Tuesday afternoon saw the heavens open up to fierce rain which hoped to clear the humid air allowing us all to put our sunglasses back on and go for after work drinks on a terrace. While the rain kept pouring and I sat at my desk wondering what I would possibly get up to that evening, I had a quick lightbulb moment, which led me to buy tickets for English National Ballet’s Swan Lake in-the-round. This is a production I have seen before, but many years ago and I became so excited by it as I walked up the beautifully picturesque streets, passing Albert Mansions to find the creeping curved edges of the Royal Albert Hall. It’s safe to say that my excitement continued throughout the entirety of the performance, as this is a winning production, cleverly staged to fit the circular space. I am also always so impressed by ENB as a company and fall in love with them all over again whenever I see them perform. They have such a range of dancers, from all ethnicities and training backgrounds. Muddle them all together and you have a company that Tamara Rojo is keeping fresh, alive and eye wateringly strong as far as technique is concerned.

Getting a last minute ticket means paying around £20 to sit in the last row at the top of the Rausing Circle. The view is very restricting for this ballet and I think £20 is on the pricey end to pay for such a view. I decided to creep upstairs and stand, giving me a fabulous view and let’s face it, the higher the better for this production which sees sixty swans flock onto the stage, creating the most mesmerising patterns. It’s the corps who really steal the show here and I feel like the lead duo are more a side show to the corps of swans. They seem to pour onto the stage in the thousands, each toe and arm in complete unison. Whoever is training them deserves a big high five. During the first act, you’re really waiting for the swan bit; however, the first act is done well and sort of sped up which I really liked. Nothing seemed to drag (which I find it can do sometimes) and the whole peasantry scene seemed to be over in a flash. Deane’s production cleverly fits the choreography to suit the stage, so larger groups dance where they are perhaps pas de deuxs in other productions of the ballet, so as to let the whole audience get a flavour for the choreography. The same is done during the ball scene and again, the ‘world’ dances pass quite quickly, which I found refreshing. In other productions, these group scenes have more detail, the costumes and sets are lavish and the focus is on the Prince and his mood. You don’t really get much of this in Deane’s production and the storytelling isn’t too clear and lacks emphasis. However, you have to assume that you’re really there to experience the swans, which I did and fell in love with. They are beautiful, and their patterns and motions glide with the music making this quite something to see.

Although the acting is perhaps a bit laboured and absent in this production, unknown to me, Osiel Gouneo did a mighty fine job. From way up in the skies I could see a stellar grin spanning from ear to ear which in turn made me grin too. I love this guy. I also felt his sincerity when he’s falling in love with Odette and then betrays her. I think with a meatier role his acting could really shine. He needs a bit more experience partnering in a classical role, however, he was confident and strong and there was never any fear he wouldn’t support his leading lady. Tuesday’s performance saw Alina Cojocaru step into the infamous duality of Odette/Odile. I was expecting more from her and technically she failed to impress me. I was quite surprised, this is a global star yet she did not seem present on stage. I don’t think this is her role anyway, but coming off pointe became too familiar during this performance. It’s fair to say that Osiel outshone her and really dominated the stage. His control is stable, his technique is strong and his jumps are so high that I think he actually managed to look me in the eye from where I was standing. I suspect I saw a star begin to blossom on this stage and I hope Rojo has the tools to let him grow and improve as a dancer. By the looks of everyone else in this company, she’s doing a great job so far.