THE fairy-tale ESCAPE
UNFORGETTABLE ‘SLEEPING BEAUTY’ BALLET THRILLS
BRIGHT-EYED AND bushy-tailed ballet lovers showed up at Palace Cineplex in Sovereign Centre last Sunday morning to enjoy the captivating encore production of Sleeping Beauty by the Australian Ballet Company.
The breathtaking production that was originally created in 1890 has been in the Australian Ballet Company’s repertoire for a very long time. In an attempt to rethink and re-present the 19th-century classic for a 21st-century audience, the company created a ballet of awe-inspiring romance and wonder.
Excited guests mingled over hors d’oeuvres and shared their mutual interest in the art form, before a brief address by Australian High Commissioner to the Caribbean John Pilbeam.
In welcoming guests, Pilbeam expressed his appreciation for dance in Australia and the Caribbean.
“Dance is an important part of all cultures. Ballet has European roots, but has influenced and been influenced by dancers from around the world, including in Australia and the Caribbean, and has incorporated aspects of all our cultures as it evolves,” he noted.
After the curtain went up, the audience was spellbound as David McAllister’s spectacular production unfolded like a rose, drawing each guest into a magical escape.
With numerous applause and oohs and ahhs, the twohour production cast a spell on the audience, all the way to a true love’s kiss. From the incredible set design to the stunning costumes and choreography, the production of the remounted 2015 Sleeping Beauty was nothing short of unforgettable.