by Paula Citron.
__________________________
The Fiddle and the Drum
Choreographed by Jean Grand-Maître
Alberta Ballet
Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan, the second detail and Etudes
Choreographed by Sir Frederick Ashton, William Forsythe and Harald Lander
National Ballet of Canada
At the Four Seasons Centre until Jun. 22
__________________________
When the final curtain rang down at the Four Seasons Centre, hordes of people rushed up to tell me that this spring mixed program is the most exciting ever.
Alberta Ballet, as the guest of the National, performs Jean Grand-Maître’s much-hyped “The Fiddle and the Drum” to the songs and art work of Joni Mitchell. The host company shows its diversity and skill with William Forsythe’s “the second detail” and Harald Lander’s “Etudes”. Retiring principal ballerina Jennifer Fournier brings tears to the eye with the solo “Five Brahms Waltzes in the Manner of Isadora Duncan” by Sir Frederick Ashton.
Mitchell and Grand-Maître care passionately about the failing environment and the ravages of war. In Fournier’s beautiful performance, we see pain and triumph, despair and courage all merged together. The National’s presentation of the Forsythe and Landers is outstanding.
The National/Alberta Ballets’ mixed program continues at the Four Seasons Centre until Jun. 22, and is not to be missed.