Getting back to seeing Brecon Festival Ballet’s complete production of The Nutcracker was like opening a box of my favourite sweeties!
The Christmassy expectations of the sheer joy of the festive season could not have been better represented than the performance I saw on their last night on Sunday December 18. .
Mr Tchaikovsky could not have been more pleased that his beloved score was given the love and sensitivity it deserves by the step-by-step choreography and dedicated devotion to detail, expression and execution of this beloved ballet and best loved story as presented to us by Katy Sinnadurai, the founder and artistic director of the company. His music TELLS the story and Katy made it real.
In my opinion Katy is a consummate professional in her approach to teaching, coaching and choreographing. Aided by the intrepid Lesley Walker, the founder of Ribbons Ballet School, now known as Mid Wales Dance Academy, and also secretary for the company, these tireless people brought to us the most enjoyable production possible.
The full house and the impressive newly refurbished front of house at the Brecon theatre was the epitome of the Christmas spirit that we all love when going to see this ballet.
Welcome back to Lowri Shone in her original role as Clara. She danced charmingly and acted with great feeling for her Nutcracker Prince. The visiting guest artist Joshua Feist proved to be an ideal and considerate partner for her and his beautiful technique and pleasing personality lit up the stage.
The corps de ballet as snowflakes in act one and waltzing flowers in act two were outstanding. Their lovely smiling faces, clean, well-rehearsed technique and their oh so pretty costumes and head dresses were thrilling.
These dances and dancers could compete easily with many well established professional companies. Bravo in force to these ladies.
The battle scene between the toy soldiers and their rival rats lead by a feisty King (Berwyn Cooper) was crafted and executed immaculately with some very amusing moments.
I would like to compliment the crisp and doll-like dance of Harlequin and Columbine. Joel Morris and Georgia Smart were the dancers. Very impressive. Also the crowd scenes at the party were very entertaining, particularly the over merry lady of a certain age who showed us how to properly enjoy a festive turn on the floor!
In Act Two the divertimento were notable. The Spanish was an exhilarating show of authentic flamenco-like choreography performed really well by Bethan Cooper and guest dancer Kamal Singh.
The Arabian Dance was my favourite. The sensuous movements of Clara Rust, aided by the seamless partnering and dark but compelling look of Berwyn Cooper, were excellent. He has improved amazingly in the last two years.
The coveted role of The Sugar Plum Fairy was danced by Natasha Trigg , a longstanding student of Katy Sinnadurai. She is an elegant looking ballerina and was partnered by her Cavalier Jacob Hornsey.
They managed to pull off the demands of these iconic solos and the pas de deux well enough, but it is unusual to see a tall-framed dancer such as Natasha in this role, as the Sugar Plum Fairy is usually danced by a more petite dancer. I would like to see Natasha continue to develop in this role to produce a more sugary charm and easier, more assured footwork.
Compliments to the stage management, lighting and scenery crafters, all the backstage helpers and theatre staff. Your input was as ever faultless.
Finally, the Welsh Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Anthony Hose. They were the icing on the cake and they played so well. They made the ballet complete for sure. When they were in the pit for the first performance of Nutcracker in 2019 it was a major achievement and the first time ever for Theatr Brycheiniog to host a full - scale professional ballet with live music. What a treat for us all.
The much needed refurbishment of the front of house has been completed and much admired. The foyer and bar were bustling with happy theatre goers and the atmosphere was wonderful. The house was full and the lady in front of me was determined to make her name as the most vociferous and enthusiastic appreciator of the performance ever after each number. Possibly the proud mother of a cast member?! At the end of the performance there were standing ovations.
I wish the Brecon Festival Ballet every success for the future. Their Nutcracker is now a compulsory annual treat for all dance and Christmas lovers in the County and far beyond. My admiration for you is boundless!