‘Chopiniana’ Leads Anniversary Performance
In 1972, Bermuda Civic Ballet arose from the successful staging of ‘Devil In The Village’, based on a fairy tale and involving a large cast of Bermudians and some visiting artists.
That same year, workshops were held to bring in teachers from overseas to train Bermuda’s young dancers.
This set the pattern for Civic, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. The first part of the programme is ‘Chopiniana’ also known as ‘Les Sylphides’, which involves ten corps de ballet dancers and four soloists, including AikoTanaka, Meredith Bibbings, Andira Crichlow, and Alexis Richens, with James Waddell filling the sole male role in the ballet.
A spokesperson said, “The dancers are being rehearsed by Laura Hussey, who was First Artist with the English National Ballet until 2011, and teaches ballet at the ENB School.
“‘Chopiniana’ was first performed in 1909, when it was choreographed by Michel Fokine, legendary Russian dancer and choreographer. As its name indicates, all parts of this ballet are performed to the enchanting music of Frederic Chopin. Described as a ‘romantic reverie’, ‘Chopiniana’ is said to be the first ballet to be simply about ‘mood’ and ‘dance’.”
“Guest artists appearing in the performance are James Waddell and Aiko Tanaka from Royal Ballet Flanders, and Jessica McCann and Yoshiaki Nakano from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. The second half of the programme features a selection of solos and pas de deux danced by the guests and Bermuda’s top dancers, and the finale consists of a modern piece choreographed by Bermudian James Waddell, which brings all the dancers to the stage together.
“The show is scheduled for July 28 and 29, at the Earl Cameron Theatre, City Hall. Tickets can be purchased online at ptix.bm or by calling 278-1500. Adults cost $40, seniors cost $30, and students [under 18] cost $20.”
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