Published at 09:42, Friday, 02 July 2010

A SPECTACULAR performance was given by Ballet Central once again at Hexham’s Queens Hall Theatre.

The touring company consists of the Central School of Ballet's final year students who tour the UK, visiting the Queens Hall and other venues all across the country annually. On their 25th anniversary, and with high expectations from the audience, they had a lot to live up to – but as always they gave an excellent performance.

The 2010 company comprised 30 dancers from seven countries, from Japan to Sweden, as well as many dancers coming from the UK.

Working with guest choreographers Louise Bennett, Christopher Bruce, Christopher Marney and Kit Holder, they gave a diverse range of dances from classical and narrative to jazz and contemporary ballet, performed to perfection.

The evening began with a piece called Basse Danse, inspired by medieval French dances, reimagined using modern day classical dance language.

This mellow piece was swiftly followed by a scene from Dracula that certainly caught the audience’s attention, with dramatic lighting on Dracula and Harker, who were captivating to watch.

Other dances that stood out particularly were Let Yourself Go, which consisted of two couples dancing with elegance inspired by 1930s jazz.

Shift was also another favourite amongst the audience. A stark stage with only flashes of colour in costumes was the setting for the factory- inspired dance, based on workers during the Second World War.

The evening finished on a high with, in my opinion, the best performance, I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire.

The narrative piece told the story of a lonely lady, waiting in the corner of a 1930s tea room, who was not as she seemed.

The stage was filled with two boys and girls, a vicar, a jolly waiter and two film stars. The facial expressions of the dancers, along with expressive ballet, allowed the audience to understand the feelings of these characters and the lonely lady to show her true colours.

This final dance received a lot of laughs and a huge applause.

All the dances were choreographed and performed to perfection. The performance was enhanced further by colourful costumes chosen and designed by wardrobe manager Verity Cleary.

A lot of thought and work clearly goes into each costume. Colour, sequins and make up all appeared to wow the audience.

Music was another key element that enhanced the dances. Live piano music was given in certain dances as well as classical, modern and songs that were all appropriate and enjoyable.

I have been going to see Ballet Central since 2001 and have returned every year. There are always fresh new ideas and wonderful performances. This year was no exception and along with the whole audience I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Anyone seeing Ballet Central perform for the first time is sure to return.

Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk