Ballet Jorgen performs their newest show, Anastasia, in Victoria through Alberta and into Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
I saw another great dance show yesterday afternoon in Victoria, BC at the magnificent McPherson Theatre. This one was the ballet of Anastasia performed by Ballet Jorgen. The family-filled crowd loved the drama and perfect performances by this exciting Canadian group.
The story of Anastasia has been mesmerizing the public since 1918, when the real events took place. Placing a princess of an emperor into the turmoil of the Russian revolution has proved to be an interesting drama. The fact that it actually happened has spurred many a movie, musical and book.
The show opened with a lovely scene of young Anastasia and her play friend Dimitry in 1914 Russia. This was my favourite scene as the two dancers played mischievously with each other, innocently romping across the stage.
Things turned dark when the soldiers arrived to announce that Russia was going to war. The tension, heartbreak and terror that underlie this ballet are palpable and the dancers do a wonderful job of expressing their distress. Being brought back to a positive note at the end, the show left me with a sense of being through the heartbreaking story myself.
Next up for Ballet Jorgen are shows at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre on March 17 and 18. From there they head to Leduc on the 27 and The Banff Centre in Alberta on the 29. Early April performances will be in Fort McMurray, Lloydminster and Fort Saskatchewan before ending their Western Canada tour in Yorkton Saskatchewan and Winkler Manitoba.
