Triple-digit heat could have kept others from traveling to Washington DC but not a ballet lover like me. It is the second time that Kennedy Center hosts the Ballet School Fest. The first
Proteges I took place two years ago.
There is that special atmosphere that surrounds The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Strategically removed from hustle and bustle of downtown, it floats over the Potomac River in proud isolation. The many steps on several levels that lead up to it, every time gives me a sensation that I am climbing the steps of some ancient Greek Temple.
I worried a bit that the concert would be to a phonogram and was elated to hear the Kennedy Center orchestra conducted by Ron J. Matson once again. And so the ballet kids were back.
ACT I.
The Royal Ballet School
Galanteries
Music: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Choreography: David Bintley (1986)
pause
The Paris Opera Ballet School
Soir de fete
Music: Leo Delibes
Choreography: Leo Staats (1925)
The Royal Ballet School performance was once again a disappointment. And so was Bintley’s choreography, despite of all the kudos given to it in the playbill. A rather unimaginative piece, with no structure to it to break the monotony of perpetual pseudo-romantic movements. Just good enough to demonstrate that the students have mastered ballet basics.
The second piece showcased a more accomplished group of dance students from the Paris Opera Ballet school. The choreography by Leo Staats had lovely allegro passages and was brilliant in its logical design of corps de ballet groups, adorned in bejeweled romantic tutus. Both girls and boys demonstrated superior technique of
petit batterie. And I don’t mean superior to that of other schools. I mean superior to that of many professional companies. I was rather astonished to see that every single dancer had absolutely perfect, beautifully arched feet that added to the overall impression.
And yet, in either performance I could spot a dancer at sight of whom you go like: “yes, he or she is exceptional”.
But that was about to change...
... in Act II.