VARNA BALLET’S SWAN LAKE REVIEW
HULL NEW THEATRE
MONDAY 29TH JANUARY 2024 @ 7.30PM
*** 3/5
It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen a ballet, especially a traditional one. However, I’ll never turn down a trip to see a dance production. Swan Lake has always been a favourite of mine so here’s my Varna Ballet’s Swan Lake review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
It turns out it’s been two years since I saw a ‘proper’ ballet, the Snow Maiden. I must’ve been away for last year’s ballet tour in Hull because it’s always tradition just after Christmas to go! Whilst I’ve seen Swan Lake many times, both traditional versions and the incredible Matthew Bourne production, it’ll always remain one of the best to me.
I’ve taken multiple people over the years to see Swan Lake as I think it’s a great inductor ballet. This time, I took my aunt (mum was working) and I know she’s a big fan of the ballet. She’s a traditionalist so I knew this production would be right up her street.
THE PRODUCTION
The opening starts with Giacomo Ammazzini as the Prince. He’s fascinated with a story he’s reading before he’s joined on stage by his friend Benno, played by Luc Burns. Ammazzini is a convincing leading man and has the most glorious leaps and flexibility. His mother wants him to marry but he’s not found the right woman yet.
Getting some fresh air by the lake, he comes across Odette, played by Martina Prefetto. This swan tells the Prince her story about how she’ll die if she betrays the Sorcerer. I’ll be honest, this isn’t portrayed well in the ballet. It’s a good job I read the programme. Prefetto’s fouettes towards the end were not as strong as I’d have liked and when turned into Odile, the black swan. she wasn’t evil enough.
My favourite scenes were the Spanish Princess’ solo and the Danse des petits cygnes, one which I actually know off by heart myself. I thought the company of dancers were particularly strong, although not always in sync with each other.
The most disappointing part was the backdrop. The video screen wasn’t great quality and it would’ve been better to just have a few material backdrops instead. It’s always been a favourite score of mine but for some reason, the orchestra, mostly the brass section, seemed a little off.
For me, the highlight was the costuming again. There were tonnes of quick changes and I know that’s hard to do, especially when pointe shoes are in the mix. I particularly loved the white swan tutus as they were made of intricate white lace. The black swan tutus were a little drab and plain though.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, it’s not the best production of Swan Lake I’ve seen. It just didn’t feel as professional as other versions I’ve seen. Whilst I appreciate that it is quite a young cast, they didn’t use their faces, which meant the emotion of the story didn’t come through much.
The choreography is usually the highlight for me in a ballet but it felt a little watered down. There was a lot of repetition of steps, such as chaine turns, and many of the grande jetes weren’t into a full split. I may not have taken ballet classes for a few years but I always expect perfection. Overall, I’d say the technique as a whole across the company could be improved.
I walked out of the theatre feeling a little disappointed. Whilst there were good elements and it’s a talented cast, it felt like a show of apprentice talent, rather than soloists and principals. Maybe it’s a European thing but I was so disappointed with the lack of emotion in most performers’ faces.
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