Canada’s National Ballet School – Assemblée Internationale

reviewed by Paula Citron
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Assemblée Internationale
Canada’s National Ballet School
13 Professional Ballet Academies
At the Betty Oliphant Theatre until Nov. 21
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Artistic director Mavis Staines of Canada’s National Ballet School is a woman of vision. The crown jewel of the NBS’s 50th anniversary celebration is the Assemblée Internationale. AI, for short, is a gathering of 13 partnership ballet academies. Staines’ grand plan is that the classes and student choreography have a mixed international component.

Last night was the first repertory concert when the various schools perform dances that represent their culture and tradition. It featured 7 schools, with the remainder performing tonight. It was absolutely exhilarating to witness the talent of the next generation.

Among a strong field, there are always the stand-outs. The most exciting performance was the eight young women from the Royal Conservatory (The Hague) in an excerpt from Jiri Kylian’s Falling Angels. The most impressive dancer was the Royal Danish Ballet School’s Andreas Kaas.

The second repertoire concert is this evening, and Fri. night and Sat. afternoon is the presentation of student choreography, both at the Betty Oliphant Theatre.