The new Royal Ballet season opens with some old magic

By Hanna Weibye, 11 October 2012

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Reviewed at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London on 8 October 2012

Swan Lake (Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, Sir Frederick Ashton, David Bintley)

The Royal Ballet

Marianela Núñez, Odette/ Odile

Thiago Soares, Prince Siegfried

Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère: a night to remember in Oslo

Vikki Jane Vile, 17th April

Norwegian National Ballet gives a marvellous rendition of Natalia Makarova's La Bayadère. Opening night in Oslo was a strong argument for its place in any season, displaying ballet escapism at its best.

****1

José Martínez unveils his latest Don Quichotte in Palermo

Vito Lentini, 29th March

José Martínez has envisioned a Don Quichotte that recalls the original 19th century choreography while also acknowledging some of the notable 20th century versions and it's splendid looking.

****1

Dutch National Ballet's reimagined La Bayadère triumphs

Mark Vicente, 26th March

Dutch National Ballet's new production of La Bayadère does away with the ballet’s problematic gestures and movements, allowing the choreography to truly shine.

****1

American Ballet Theatre's double bill is short and sweet in New York

Ivy Lin, 15th March

American Ballet Theatre presents Balanchine's Raymonda: Grand Pas Hongrois and Ratmansky's Firebird which showcases the company well and provides a strong contrast.

****1

Mejia debuts in a sumptuous Sleeping Beauty at New York City Ballet

Carla Escoda, 12th February

Roman Mejia and a raft of soloist debuts galvanized Peter Martins' Sleeping Beauty. An elegant production with some incidental messiness and the structural liability of a princess' dependence on a kiss.

****1

Dutch National Ballet brings much needed heat to this winter season

Mark Vicente, 10th February

The Dutch National Ballet helped shake off those winter blues with a mixed programme that highlighted ballet’s love affair with Latin rhythms and movement.

****1

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Hanna Weibye

Hanna is a historian at King's College, Cambridge. She is currently completing a biography of Friedrich Ludwig Jahn, the inventor of German gymnastics ('Turnen'). She has produced, danced in and choreographed for ballet and contemporary shows in Cambridge. Follow her on twitter @hweibye.