Le Corsaire, dance review: 'A sparkly post-Christmas treat'
London Coliseum
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.English National Ballet’s production of Le Corsaire makes a sparkly post-Christmas treat, overflowing with colourful costumes, pirates, sumptuous scenery and dance party pieces. The company dance it with gusto, from swooning odalisques to vengeful villains.
Anna-Marie Holmes’ production of this 19th-century warhorse has been specially revised for ENB. It’s a brisk mix of dance setpieces, kidnaps and rescues, with a tutu’d vision scene thrown in for good measure. Designer Bob Ringwood is the hero of the production, conjuring up an Arabian Nights fantasy of moonlit vistas and glittering palaces.
As the heroine Medora, Alina Cojocaru gives the flash steps exquisite finish, while romping gleefully through the melodramatic plot. Vadim Muntagirov, a princely dancer, finds his inner swashbuckler as her pirate lover. As the slave Ali, Junor Souza carries off the firework steps and shiny trousers with aplomb. Yonah Acosta gives the villain Birbanto real dash, with snarling flourish to his leaps and turns.
This kind of ballet relies on swagger, and the company deliver. Village women swing patterned skirts, led by the flirty Nancy Osbaldeston. The corps de ballet are assured in the patterns of the vision scene. Pirate hordes clash swords in time to the rum-ti-tum tunes, wearing their moustaches with pride.
Until 19 January. Box office 020 7845 9300. Touring until 15 February – dates from www.ballet.org.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments