BALLERINAS WILL TOE THE LINE
IN CLASSICAL ballet, it’s usually the female dancers who seize the limelight with their tiaras, tutus, feathers and fans.
But the ballerinas will take a tiny step back tomorrow night when The Australian Ballet’s production of Spartacus opens at the Sydney Opera House.
Spartacus is based on the legendary slave gladiator who ignited an uprising against the Romans and it will centre around principal dancer Kevin Jackson.
Australian choreographer Lucas Jervies created the new production on principal dancer Jackson, who underwent tough, highly targeted training for the role of the muscular and powerful figure of Spartacus.
Jackson doubled the amount he ate, increased his gym work, and emerged with a body that you could easily imagine slaying lions in the arena.
Senior artist Jade Wood said it was great to see the men having the chance to show off their powerful bodies.
“As women we always get to show off our beauty, with tutus and swans and all that kind of thing,” Wood said.
“But it’s lovely to watch the boys express that beautiful masculinity and strength.”