If you love ballet, then please do yourself a favour and go see Rodin/Claudel that is playing at the National Arts Centre until Friday, March 29.
Performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, this neoclassical ballet tells the story of the turbulent romance between famous French sculptors Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel.
After attending the opening day performance yesterday, I fell in love with this Canadian-made work.
There are so many things to love about this ballet. There is the 12-member ensemble (six women and six men) who brilliantly play the role of sculptures. Representing the creative ideas, dreams and passions of the two lovers/artists, this group of 12 dancers were a joy to watch.
The characters of Rodin and Claudel, meanwhile, are wonderful. A particular highlight was the highly sensual love scene in Act I, which was filled with passion, desire and tenderness, resulting in not only a fantastic dance routine but also a highly captivating narrative.
The other cast members were also superb. Whether it was the intense jealousy of Rose Beuret, the longtime lover of Rodin who detested Claudel, or the stuck up attitude of art snobs who visit Rodin’s studio, this work combines fantastic dance movements with an enthralling story.
There have been several excellent dance performances this year at the NAC. While the best show this season in my opinion is DESH by Akram Khan, if I were to award a silver medal, I would seriously consider giving it to Rodin/Claudel.
Premiering in 2011, this work was choreographed by Canadian Peter Quanz, whose award winning talent has been recognized around the world. (He has created ballets for such companies as Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Hong Kong Ballet, the National Ballet of Cuba and the Mariinsky Ballet).
After having the pleasure of watching Rodin/Claudel, it is clear to me why Quanz is such a sought after choreographer.
Rodin/Claudel will be performed by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal at the NAC on March 28 and 29. Tickets start at $53 and show time is 8 pm on each night.
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