Jewels in the Ballet

Today we were off to the Ballet - but with a difference.  Three pieces under the title of JEWELS staged at the Royal Opera House, danced by the Royal Ballet.  The choreographer was George Balanchine... that alone promised a feast!

The opening piece was EMERALDS danced to the music of Faure.. wonderful emerald green costumes for all the dancers.  The music was beautiful - Pelleas et Melisande and Shylock.  It flowed seamlessly and the dancing complemented the wonder of the music so well.  The staging was simple and recognised the Emerald Green.  I like this music so much and to listen to it whilst eyes were feasting on the excellence of the dancing was a treat in itself.  The dancers 'wove' the dance to the music and left me wanting more

The second piece was a complete contrast and had a different personality altogether.

RUBIES - was danced to the music of Stravinsky - Cappriccio for Piano and Orchestra.  A lively but very staccato piece of music and one I could not simply listen to for a long period of time. BUT.. the dancing was excellent...With a jazzy opening what followed was cheeky, lively, humorous and sensitive when needed. Again the costumes were a delight in their simplicity with their beautiful ruby.  Such great entertainment.

and finally DIAMONDS- to the music of Tchaikovsky - Symphony no.3 (Polish) in D, op 29

Again music I very much enjoy and this time a superb presentation by all 36 of the Royal Ballet dancers.  They (the dancers) simply flowed across the stage with the patterns and formations constantly merging from one shape into another.  Probably my favourite of the 3 pieces...

A wonderful afternoon - a feast for the ears and eyes...a truly traditional ballet (or three) and a ballet I would thoroughly recommend..