Ballet Central’s showcase promises to enchant and captivate its audience and its cast of talented young dancers certainly deliver.
The cohesive ensemble were brilliantly synchronised throughout; in large company numbers it became almost impossible to tell individuals apart and cast chemistry was consistently strong. This led to a lovely performance that featured beautifully executed lifts and left the audience amazed.
Innovative media and projections were also used in a particularly enjoyable section of the show to provide a variety of interesting perspectives on the same choreographic sequences.
Ballet Central are a fantastic company of actors and in many places are reminiscent of Matthew Bourne. The Cinderella section featured some spellbinding storytelling courtesy of Thomas Broderick and Giulia Pazzaglia, as did Anon, starring the beautifully expressive Bethany Pike as a charming bookworm. Indeed, Anon, with its multiple settings, charming story arc and variations on classical ballet style, was particularly enchanting.
Attempts at jazz were very much hit-and-miss and it was clear that performers were far less comfortable in this style. The choreography was very basic, unoriginal and failed to truly showcase the dancers’ technical skill. It seemed comparatively under-rehearsed and dancers often seemed to forget choreography; the ensemble’s synchronicity also suffered. However, this was a mere blip in an otherwise fantastic show.
Despite a few dips in the show’s high standard, it is one that dance lovers should not miss. Be Captivated is a real success, testament to the talent of its dancers and choreographers alike.
