Comments on: Review and photos: Big performance spills over Swan Lake stage

By: Robynn Burls

Robynn Burls — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 20:38:17 +0000

Thanks Kirsten and Neal for sharing your thoughts.
I’m sure the lack of oxygen is a completely valid concern for the dancers (with oxygen tanks waiting in the wings), and I had wondered if that was part of the reason for those long, extended breaks between solos in the ballroom scene. I’ve been told it takes the dancers about a week to acclimatise to the altitude, so I wonder how different the performances will be this week?
And yes, I agree, the ending seemed more of an accident than a “manly fight”. Some extra jousting could certainly help remedy that.

By: Neal

Neal — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 19:11:38 +0000

I must admit I also felt that the ending lacked punch, and was somehow over too quick. I concede that the music might not allow for it, but I was hoping for some extra jousting and squaring-off between Siegfried and Rothbart before the inevitable mortal blow. It just seemed too easy, not much of a fight really considering the build-up to that point. But I must say that overall the ballet performance was seriously impressive. I’m not really complaining at all. I’ll definitely go again and again and again… Thanks SPBT for a beautiful performance!

By: Kirsten

Kirsten — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 16:50:11 +0000

I went to the Friday night performance of Swan Lake and I am an avid lover of this particular ballet. So I was very inspired by the beautiful sets and costumes. On the whole I felt the dancers were strong and accomplished, however there was no room for them to perform. The Teatro at Montecasino was a bad choice of venue for the beautiful swans. So the dancers seemed limited and there were no grand lifts or solo performances, particularly the men. As in two jumps they would be off the stage!! Siegfried was a droll character and blended into the background, though it is true that Irina is so perfect and flawless in her role that you don’t notice who she is dancing with. Rothbart and Siegfried’s less than manly fight was a let down too. Perhaps it was the lack of oxygen up in Johannesburg but I felt that this wonderful ballet company had their wings clipped……………..