National Ballet of Canada – The Eighth International Competition for the Erik Bruhn Prize

reviewed by Paula Citron
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The Eighth International Competition for the Erik Bruhn Prize
Competitors from American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, Royal Danish Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Stuttgart Ballet
Four Seasons Centre
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When the winners of the Eighth International Competition for the Erik Bruhn Prize were announced, I was, as the English say, gobsmacked.

The Bruhn Prize recognizes both a female and male star of tomorrow. Competitors this year came from American Ballet Theatre, Royal Danish Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and the National Ballet.

The male winner was ABT’s Cory Stearns, and he didn’t figure on anyone’s radar. I was rooting for the National’s exciting Noah Long or the Royal Danish’s powerful Alban Lendorf, or, in a pinch, San Francisco’s supple Anthony Spaulding. But Stearns?

The National’s Elena Lobsanova was the worthy female winner with her pin-point precision and clean lines. I also thought Stuttgart’s versatile Rachele Buriassi was terrific.

Canadian Matjash Mrozewski won the first every award for choreography with “Dénouement” performed by the National dancers. I also liked Bridget Breiner’s piece for Stuttgart.

I can live with Lobsanova and Mrozewski, but Stearns was blanc mange. The judges this year went for technique only.