Cambridge Arts Theatre, Cambridge – until Thursday 25th July 2024
Reviewed by Steph Lott
5*****
A Night of Revival: London City Ballet’s ‘Resurgence’ at Cambridge Arts Theatre
As a newcomer to the world of ballet, I was not sure what to expect when I attended London City Ballet’s ‘Resurgence’ at the Cambridge Arts Theatre on July 23, 2024. But from the moment the curtain rose, I was captivated by a performance that lived up to its name, breathing new life, it seems to me, into classical ballet.
The show was divided into four pieces – all quite different, all equally captivating. The performance I attended consisted of the following:
- Larina Waltz. Choreography by Ashley Page. Music – Eugene Onegin, Act II by Pyotr
Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Ballade. Choreography by Kenneth MacMillan. Music – Ballade by Gabriel Faure.
- Five Dances. Choreography by Arielle Smith. Music – John’s Book of Alleged
Dances by John Adams - Eve. Choreography by Christopher Marney. Music by Jennie Muskett MBE
I loved the whole show but there were some standout moments for me. “Larina Waltz” is an elegant reminder of the kind of ballet I have seen before but with near constant changes of direction and intricate choreography set against Tchaikovsky’s beautiful waltz. The shifting patterns across the stage were like a living kaleidoscope.
In “Ballade” it is not just the dancing but the acting that moved me – seeing the shifts in attraction between the ballerina and her partners – whom would she ultimately choose? And finally, “Eve” – her face when she realises what she has done. The sinewy evil of the serpent. All marvellous.
There is a lot to see and consider in a ballet. I was struck by how the costumes evolved throughout the performance, from classic tutus in the opening act to more modern, formfitting ensembles in later pieces. The costume designers, Emily Nobel and Stevie Stewart, clearly put thought into how the garments would move with the dancers, enhancing rather than restricting their movements. There was a moment at the end of “Five Dances” when costume and lighting, designed by Andy Murrell, came together when, for a split second, the dancers were suspended, in gorgeous form, with the colours of their costumes lit from behind until they dropped into sudden darkness. Exquisite.
The set design was minimalist yet effective, using lighting and a few versatile pieces to transform the stage from a moonlit garden to an abstract dreamscape. One clever transition used gauzy curtains and backlighting to create the illusion of dancers emerging from mist – a simple but stunning effect. Another created the effect of falling leaves in a garden. Simple and lovely.
As someone new to ballet, I was impressed by the athleticism and artistry on display. The dancers made incredibly difficult moves look easy, their control and balance almost superhuman. Yet beyond the technical skill, it was their ability to convey emotion through movement that profoundly moved me. Some sequences depicting struggle and pain had me completely invested in the wordless story unfolding before me
While I may not have the vocabulary to describe every nuance of technique, I can say with certainty that this performance was a feast for the senses and the soul. London City Ballet’s ‘Resurgence’ left me with a newfound appreciation for this art form and eager to explore more of the ballet world. For anyone curious about ballet or looking for an evening of beautiful, thought-provoking entertainment, I wholeheartedly recommend catching this show if you can. It is a stunning reminder of the power of dance to move and inspire. Furthermore, it was lovely to see the look on the dancers’ faces at the end of the performance when they herd and saw how enthusiastic the audience were. Please do not miss the opportunity to see London City Ballet in Cambridge, or indeed elsewhere, whilst they are on tour.