1:20pm Wednesday 9th January 2002
By Christine van Emst
Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet is always a seasonal treat.
This year Fairfield secured the Russian National Ballet and their orchestra for a short run, over the festive period.
For me this ballet is always an enchanting tale and one that has vivid memories of being a first time real live ballet treat' when I was a keen young dancer.
Its appeal has not waned and although this production did not dazzle me, it was a performance that sparkled and was technically faultless.
The costumes by Simon Virsaladze were superb and, for a touring company, the sets were adequate if somewhat minimal. The Christmas tree was painted on the stage screen, but it did magically' turn white when the toys came to life.
Ivan Anichklin was excellent as he led us through the story as godfather and wizard.
The stage in the Concert Hall was laid for the dance yet, the noise from the dancers was still distracting.
Olga Grigorieva danced the role of Marie the night we attended, and it was she who performed my favourite - the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The tale transforms Marie so that she can dance with her Prince in a wonderful pink, swirling waltz as they marry.
The second act contains all those popular musical pieces as the living dolls dance, and one couple stood out from the others as they eloquently expressed the Indian pas de deux.
Reed slim Tatiana Smirnova was stunning, even her fingertips projected the feel of this mystical dance.
Amazing lifts from her partner Oleg Kharyutkin and precision point work kept my eyes glued to the pair.
As the Prince, Valery Shumilov had all the dashing looks of a romantic hero. Excellent in duets and amazing solo with his high and easy grandes jettes.
The Nutcracker was a very soothing, short but sweet interlude in the season's madness. Thankyou Fairfield for an extra and very welcome Christmas present.
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