Pacific Northwest Ballet Puts On A Spectacle Well Worth Seeing

Featuring a smorgasbord of artistic choreography and lucid talent, Pacific Northwest Ballet’s production of Stravinsky 125 opened last Thursday and continues through this weekend.

Honoring the 125th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky, the production features 4 different ballets:“Circus Polka”, “Rubies”, “State of Darkness”, and “Symphony in Three Movements.”

Featuring the choreography of George Balanchine, PNB’s production underscores his talent for transforming classical ballet with such simple details as a twist of a foot or flex of the hip – adding flavor and spice to Stravinsky’s music.

“Circus Polka” features a mischievous, grinning ringleader and his “elephants” – played by a gaggle of little girls clad in colorful tutus, proudly showing off their training and precise turnout. Cheerful, jaunty music accompanies the miniature ballerinas as they gallop and skip across the stage, forming a colorful human carousel.

“Rubies” is a playful affair with a jazzy feel. Featuring an energetic cast clad in red, the dancers snappily display Balanchine’s choreography – with wrist flexes, jutting hips, and high kicks similar to those of a Radio City Rockette. It is glamorous and elegant – yet urban. Kaori Nakamura and Olivier Wevers exude energy and charm as they dance a playful romp of a pas de deux. It is thoroughly an exuberant and vivacious production, bursting at the seams with energy.

“State of Darkness” is by far the most impressive act – it is a solemn and physically strenuous 32 minute solo, danced effortlessly by dynamo Jonathan Porretta. Set to the somber tone of Stravinsky’s “Rites of Spring,” it is an exploration of evil and of sadness – an internal search within the self. Despite the incredible strength required from the choreography, Porrette charges through it, whirling and thumping across the floor – his body akin to a powerful weapon. Props also to the PNB orchestra – whose talented orchestra does a magnificent job of performing Stravinsky’s strong piece.

“Symphony in Three Movements” is a series of choreographed movements intricately woven together into a stunning production. As the curtain opens, the audience is greeted by the sight of the corps de ballet clad in simple white costumes. A high energy and cheerful ballet, it is a visual treat to watch the colorful dancers leap and soar across the stage.

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