AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT WITH SUGAR PLUM FAIRIES ON TOP. |
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) Angelina Mousling CHOREOGRAPHY Antony Dowson MUSIC ARRANGEMENT Gavin Sutherland SET DESIGN Al Riches COSTUME DESIGN Wizzy Shawyer LIGHTING David Richardson at Founders Theatre, Hamilton 31 Mar 2012 [1 hour] Reviewed by Brenda Rae Kidd, 3 Apr 2012 |
The Royal New Zealand Ballet's Meridian Season of Angelina Ballerina's Big Audition, based on the popular book series Angelina Ballerina, succeeds in bringing childhood favourite characters to life.
The excitement in the theatre palpable as wee darlings, with an average age of three, twirl in their candy coloured tutus and sparkling tiaras. Ballet mums equally enthusiastic.
Star ballet pupil, Angelina Ballerina, is offered an audition at the prestigious Camembert Dance Academy where she meets the other candidates. The dancers don't miss a beat and although you can't see their faces for the oversized mouse heads they appear to be having a whole bunch of fun.
What is so interesting about this ballet is its ability to introduce other dance genres without becoming disjointed.
There are elements of pop, traditional folk and hip-hop. It may be said that A.J, the hip-hop dancer, almost – just almost – steals the show from Angelina.
While not technically a challenging work, Angelina Ballerina is accessible to novice and dance-lover alike.
The set design and costumes are fantastic fun with excellent lighting support. The stage is enchanted, as are the audience of future prima ballerinas throughout.
There will be many a sweet dream of glittering stardom in Hamilton tonight!
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