Demis Volpi's very modern Giselle: memorable but not fully formed

Doris Becker (Bathilde) and Futaba Ishizaki (Giselle)

Futaba Ishizaki (Giselle) and Doris Becker (Bathilde)

Daniele Bonelli (Albrecht), Doris Becker (Bathilde) and Futaba Ishizaki (Giselle)

Doris Becker (Bathilde) and Ensemble Ballett am Rhein

By Vikki Jane Vile, 15 November 2023

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“Volpi makes daring choices that may sit uncomfortably with traditionalists”

Reviewed at Opernhaus, Düsseldorf on 12 November 2023

Giselle (Demis Volpi)

Ballett am Rhein

Mark Rohde, Conductor

Christoph Stöcker, Conductor

Heike Scheele, Set Designer

Katharina Schlipf, Costume Designer

Bonnie Beecher, Lighting Designer

Düsseldorfer Symphoniker

Futaba Ishizaki, Dancer

Daniele Bonelli, Dancer

Doris Becker, Dancer

Angelika Richter, Dancer

Demis Volpi leaves Ballett am Rhein with his Favourite Things

Vikki Jane Vile, 7th July

As we reached the end of season gala, Ballett am Rhein offered up a selection of highlights from the past four seasons in celebration of outgoing Artistic Director, Demis Volpi.

***11

What can dance say about crime? Ballett am Rhein offer a response

Vikki Jane Vile, 5th April

The appetite for all things true crime is not a new trend. Podcasts, YouTubers, influencers and documentaries, this obsession has held a captive audience for well over a decade now.

***11

Worth the sacrifice? Ballett am Rhein's Sacre offers mixed results

Vikki Jane Vile, 28th May

The programme’s middle work sees a detour from Stravinsky, to the music of Richard Strauss, lending itself to more lyrical work and some respite from the drama it's sandwiched between.

***11

Ballett am Rhein: engaging, intoxicating, emotive and not one plot!

Vikki Jane Vile, 25th February

Ballett am Rhein offered three pieces with no narrative, but this triple bill has broad appeal across the full spectrum of ballet and dance.

****1

An expressive showcase: Northern Ballet's Contemporary Cuts

Graham Watts, 11th June

Northern Ballet demonstrate a range of qualities in a rich mix of contemporary work.

***11

Up close and personal with Ballett am Rhein: A Simple Piece

Graham Watts, 5th March

An intimate and revealing dance experience on film from Demis Volpi and Ballett am Rhein.

****1

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Vikki Jane Vile

Vikki Jane Vile has been reviewing dance for over ten years, specialising in Ballroom and Ballet. In 2018, she became a member of the Critics' Circle for Dance. Vikki writes for BroadwayWorld and previously Dancing Times, LondonDance.com and CultureWhisper. She also prides herself on being a Strictly Come Dancing connoisseur since its inception and has appeared on BBC radio and several podcasts as an expert on all things Strictly. Having lived in London for ten years, she is now based in Germany and adapting to the Berlin dance scene.