Cubans dancec Quixote in style
BALLET - DON QUIXOTE
Sadlers Wells
I FIRST saw Ballet Nacional de Cuba in New York 30 years ago and the rugged athleticism and sheer energy of their performance made quite an impression on me.
I have been a bit of a groupie ever since – making an effort to see them around the world and whenever they’re in London.
I was ecstatic to hear that the Havanna-based company – founded in 1948 with ballet legend Alicia Alonso, 86, still at the helm – were back at Sadler’s Wells with last year’s performance of Magia de la Danza and a new version of Don Quixote.
Don Quixote is a man who has read so many stories about brave errant knights that he decides to become one himself, and to fight injustice in the name of his beloved maiden Dulcinea del Toboso.
Performing to a packed Sadler’s Wells, on opening night, the Cubans turned in another technical and stylistic showcase of their numerous talented dancers, Alonso-esque training and high-impact staging.
Dancers Viengsay Valdes, Alihaydee Carreno, and Lorena Feijoo, Joel Carreno, and Victor Gili all have that unmistakeable raw energy and vigour. Hayna Gutiérres was a fine soubrette as the street dancer among the bullfighters.
There are many other wonderful dancers on display now in this mesmerising performance of the classic Russian ballet. I think Cubans are born to dance – it is surely one of the most spectacular productions of Don Quixote I have ever seen.
Viengsay Valdes and Joel Carreno perform in Don Quixote. Like a statue on a plinth, Valdes balances on point for so long the orchestra has to wait – she knows she belongs on a pedestal. Carreno astonishes with his split-legged leaps and the way he saunters out of whirlwind spins.
This evening showcases the troupe’s punchy, athletic dancers, and whets the appetite for the second programme Magia de la Danza which brings together scenes from the Nutcracker, Coppelia, Swan Lake and Giselle.
CNJ booking line: 0870 040 0070
Until Sept 9
Click here to book tickets
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