Chroma Australian Ballet June 11 2014

Chroma Australian Ballet June 11 2014

I saw The Australian Ballet perform "Chroma" and must say it is one of the best contemporary mixed bills I have ever seen.  They danced the very difficult "Chroma" by Wayne McGregor with great skill and artistry.  The undulating ripples of the upper body puts a lot on the dancer's core.  Still in awe of their terrific agility and technique. 

Stephen Baynes' new work "Art To Sky" I felt paid homage to John Cranko because of his group formations and pas de deux.  The lighting plot was sensitive and highlighted his choreography without dominating.

Jiri Kylians' works never seem to fail and it was great to see "Petit Morte" and "Sechs Tanze" again.  The control and skill of the men with their swords was near perfection as they had to swing, roll and flip and  these inanimate partners. The "hide and seek" reveal of the black curtain exposed a few dancers and lost some of the magic when you know that it can be done seamlessly to appear like a magic trick.  The second time was better when the girls and the swords disappeared.  Not a quibble but admiration to show these dancers are creating magic with their dedication to their art.

"Sech Tanze" is such a fun work and they had the audience in the palm of their hand.

 The tallest male in "Petit Mort" who deserves special mention as his partnering skills were impeccable.  He had such control of his partner and handled her like a delicate rose as if he were not only the florist arranging her but also the vase to showcase her.  I think it is Charles Thompson but apologies as he was the tallest man in this ballet.  He is a male to watch in the future.  I hope he does not just get used for the huge "lugging and lifting" ballets were they need the strongest to carry the woman.  This young man deserves more than that with his magnificent technique.

Give me a contemporary mixed bill any time as you get more dancing per minute than a narrative ballet.  Congratulations to The Australian Ballet.  Hopefully you will bring back "Caravans" by Louise Falco and also pay homage to Ross Stretton, Gailene Stock and Kelvin Coe who danced it originally in Australia.