Stara Zagora thrill German audiences despite flaws

Carmen Demirtash as Marie and Filipp Sartorelli as the Nutcracker in Uralsky's The Nutcracker

Ivaylo Yanev as Drosselmeyer and Carmen Demirtash as Marie in The Nutcracker

Analiya Dimitrova as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Fiordi Lloha as the Prince in The Nutcracker

By Vikki Jane Vile, 24 December 2023

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“the full capacity German audience goes wild for what they have seen”

Reviewed at Opernhaus Bonn, Bonn on 22 December 2023

The Nutcracker (Marius Petipa, Lev Ivanov, Konstantin Uralsky)

State Opera and Ballet Stara Zagora

Salvatore Russo, Set Designer

Filippo Sartorelli, Dancer

Aneliya Dimitrova, Dancer

Fiordi Lloha, Dancer

Carmen Demirtash, Dancer

Ivaylo Yanev, Dancer

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

NYCB: Balanchine + Ratmansky program warms the audience

Ivy Lin, 20th January

NYCB has a winning triple bill with its Balanchine + Ratmansky program. Excellent dancing and contrasting works sends the audience home in buoyant mood.

*****

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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.