Imperial Suite - The Australian Ballet at Sydney Opera House

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Posted 2014-05-05 by Caroleann ⇒ follow

Fri 02 May 2014 - Sat 17 May 2014

Imperial Suite is a ballet of pure classical style.

A double bill, with the first ballet Imperial and the second Suite En Blanc; both date back to the early nineteen forties.

Last night I attended the dress rehearsal of Imperial Suite by The Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House. This was a visual delight of ballet danced with elegance and style.The first of this double bill choreographed by George Balanchine, who was born and studied dance in Russia. Later in his life he went to America which had an influence on his life. Ballet Imperial is danced with an energy to celebrate the New York life style.

The dancers are wearing stunning costumes of midnight blue. I was amazed by the artistry of the pointe work of the dancers.The audience were very receptive to this beautiful classical ballet that seemed to lift the spirit.

Suite En Blanc, choreographed by Serge Lifar, was the second ballet in this double bill. Originally created for the Paris Opera Ballet, Suite En Blanc is a difficult display of classical technique performed with an ease and grace that makes it seem effortless. The dancers were costumed in white with a very sophisticated stage setting that was stunning. Suite En Blanc was my favourite and had an enthusiastic response from the audience with applause that seemed to never stop.

Serge Lifar visited Australia in 1981 to help with the restaging of Suite en blanc. He apparently thought highly of the Australian Ballet and their performance. Suite en Blanc has remained a favourite of the Australian Ballet and remains one of its most popular white ballets.

The continuation of swirling turns of the ballerinas on their pointe shoes was amazing as was the high leaps of the male dancers.This ballet is not only a spectacle to watch but one of amazing athletic agility which follows in the true style of classical ballet.

If you are a lover of dance,you should give yourself a treat and go to see this double bill of Imperial Suite. If you have not been to a classical ballet before, make this your first. You will get an insight into the pure form of classical ballet at its best.