Dance Europe May
2004
Swan Lake, Hall for Cornwall
Cornwall is, for most people, a holiday rather than a dance
destination, but moves are afoot. The opening of the Hall
for Cornwall has given Truro an adequate performing space,
the new Dance College of Cornwall in Falmouth is offering
a full professional dance training programme and Duchy Ballet
is into its sixth year. Artistic director Kay Jones has a
proven flair for initiating dance. She was a founder
of the Academy that developed into the Hong Kong Ballet. From
such little acorns grow the mighty oak!
Duchy Ballet's Swan Lake uses local talent headed by American
guests, Mary Beth Arrington and Eric Bourman, in a careful
and beautifully dressed production with the bonus of a small
orchestra. Terence Etheridge's choreography is inventive -
using basic steps in myriad ways, and variations of patterning
and entrances to keep the stage alive. So despite the youth
and inexperience of the cast, the enthusiastic audience were
treated to a tailor-made full four acts.
The white acts had no shortage of swans, beautifully drilled
and not allowing the sometimes hair-raising tempi to
ruffle their feathers. Arrington and Bourman created the magic,
their pas de deux musically sensitive and filled with warmth.
Arrington's fine balance stood her in good stead as Odile
and, combined with Bourman's assured partnering and dramatic
skill, made for a vibrant Black Pas.
Small scale productions are disadvantaged when it comes to
the grand acts. However, the spirited national dances soon
overcame the scenic limitations. James Johnston was a virtuoso
jester utterly committed to every moment on stage. Tegen Whyte,
a little redhead with a big talent, sparkled in the pas
de trois, while Bethany Willets, a stage presence to be reckoned
with, ignited the Czardas. Seeing a stage brimming with enthusiasm
is a wonderful experience and promises much for the future
of Cornish dance.
Maggie Foyer
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