★★★✰✰ I do wonder why ENB chose this particular (acceptable but sometimes subdued) recording to stream, when we are all suffering from live performance withdrawal symptoms and this company so often produces spectacular performances, sending audiences away in raptures.
Tag - Jane Haworth
★★★★✰ For those of us that have been involved with the company, no matter how small a part, it is clear that the ‘happy family’ that is English National Ballet, reveres and appreciates all who have been part of its 70 year existence.
★★★★✰ The pairing cannily indulges our need for vivid material on these bleak mid-winter nights while also steering us down from the high of the Christmas circuit, with its sugary Nutcrackers and other family-friendly fare.
★★★★✰ The entire company looks strong and well disciplined.
English National Ballet Nutcracker London, Coliseum 11 December 2014 Gallery of pictures by Dave Morgan www.ballet.org.uk You know that Christmas is really on its way when you see your first Nutcracker. And for me, it has to be a traditional one, from its classical dancing and scenario to brightly varied costumes and characters. Despite a few quirky moments, English National Ballet’s production...
Eight paragraphs of praise and I haven’t yet mentioned Alina Cojocaru! My advice to anyone yearning to see the special beauty of ballet is simple: take any chance you can to see Cojocaru dance.
...in the autumn of their dancing careers Acosta and Rojo put on a stunning display that brought many in the audience to their feet come the end.
To be honest I don't think her first announcements are a landmark in repertoire terms - but it was never going to be unless some ballet fairy deposited a few extra million in the company coffers to allow instant change.