The Grand Theatre, Leeds – until 26 June 2021
Reviewed by Sally Richmond
5*****
As ever, a very warm, professional and covid-safe welcome greeted it’s audience at the glorious Grand Theatre, Leeds, for the opening of Tchaikovsky’s supreme classic ballet Swan Lake last night. Whether you consider yourself a ballet lover or not, David Nixon’s reimagined creation of Swan Lake, for the Northern Ballet, won’t fail to both enchant and enthrall you from beginning to end. Swan Lake was taken to new heights of astounding grace and beauty due to Nixon’s brilliant choreography, most strikingly authentic costumes, sensational set and staging (Dave Gilan), brilliantly stunning lighting (Peter Mumford) and phenomenal music scores directed by Jonathan Lo.
All of the elements involved in the production were truly mind-blowing forms of art in themselves and of course were all there to champion the exceptionally mesmerizing dance. So powerfully hypnotic and bewitching were the dancers that they evoked visible emotional responses from the audience and left one breath-less with seduction! Nixon reinterprets the legend of Swan Lake by taking us into Anthony’s unearthly dream world, where by after the death of his beloved brother for which our hero blames himself for, he has to grapple with issues that entail the heart-breaking decision of choosing between two lovers. Consumed with guilt and angst, Anthony looks to the water to find answers and it here that he meets the enrapturing swan Odette.
This epic story begins with a joyful romp of male dancers skillfully displaying the follies of youth until disaster strikes and Antony’s brother tragically drowns. Finding himself grieving at the lake he comes across Odette, who accompanied by the most incredible note-perfect violins, captivates the audience as soon as she enters the stage with delicate empyreal avid-like flutters. Anthony, sensual and strong matches Odette’s motions with strength that is majestically powerful but he also possesses a contrasting softness. He is just everything your heart desires in a fairytale male lead! Together, they form the most elegant lines, mighty and perfectly poised lifts with hypnotic arabesques and endless extended arms.
Accompanying our lead dancers are the ensemble of swans, who with their feather-like moves, fill the stage with dazzling delight in every flit, quiver and turn. The swans never ceased to beguile throughout their entire time on set and at times the stage was filled with a pure over-whelming beauty, where by you felt you were immersed in a painting by one of the greats such as Degas. The dancing really was first-class and the best I have ever experienced – so much so that a day on, these spectacular images and electric symphony sounds are flooding my mind which is a pleasurable delight – it’s one to savor.
Antony’s emotional turmoil regarding his struggle with who to love – Simon his heart’s desire or his parent’s choice – Odilia, translates through a combat of skillful and stirringly emotive dance sequences. Brimming with tangible sexuality, they have the most tremendous chemistry that their yearning for one another creates electrifying climaxes several times. Odilia’s defeat is both haunting and wretched, one is saddened by her plight but Antony’s sexual epiphany that triumphs his true nature uplifts the soul.
If you want to experience something of the most arresting grace and beauty then go and see David Nixon’s Swan Lake at The Grand Theatre Leeds – it will leave you with an ever-lasting imprint of enchanted beauty that you’ll never forget!