Haute Event: The World Premiere of Russian Ballet “Reflections”

Reflections is the world premiere of a co-production of the Bolshoi Theatre of Russia and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in association with
Ardani Artists Management. The show stars some of the most important dancers of Bolshoi Theater:  Ekaterina Krysanova, Natalia Osipova, Ekaterina Shipulina, Polina Seminova (Berlin Staatsballet), Maria Kochetkova (San Francisco Ballet) with Ivan Vasiliev, Alexander Volchkov, Vyacheslav Lopatin, and Denis Savin (Bolshoi Ballet), accompanied by the Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre.

The Bolshoi Ballet Academy is the gold standard of  classical ballet. They took a leap into exploring contemporary elements of the new production, which were both exciting and challenging for the dancer.  Mauro Bigonzetti, the Italian choreographer, explained the inspiration behind this challenge  “As boundaries were pushed, lines were blurred.” The music inspiration by Vivaldi came after meeting with the dancers, which we believe added that chic tone to the performance.

We were so lucky to attend the U.S. Premiere on Jan. 20 at the Orange County Performing Arts Center!!! From the first act, the ballet was pure and powerful, beautiful and arousing, and simply breathtaking. In Reflections, we are introduced to the creative mix of classically trained lead dancers with contemporary group of designers, choreographer and creative director. We also enjoyed the solo dance by Ekaterina Shipulina in the flowing chiffon dress in the second act, Dumka (a “Thought”) with the piano on stage and with music by Tchaikovsky to accompany her and us in the beautiful journey.

Igor Chapurin, a Russian Couture designer who has showrooms and boutiques in Paris and Moscow, designed the outstanding and modern costumes for this production. Our favorites were five black leather costumes with tutus in Act III. In Cingue, where five prima ballerinas at some times acted as mirrored reflections of one another, and at other times doing solo work. The opening scene of Cinque was quite unexpected and bold. Five ballerinas wearing bright wigs, lounging on the chairs, drew in a hint of cabaret or burlesque atmosphere. But don’t be fooled by it, there were plenty of challenging moves all along the stage.

The Russian premiere of Reflections will take place on Jan. 27 in Moscow.

Also check out From Russia with Love: The Bolshoi Ballet at SCFTA and Just Dance: Reflections the Bolshoi Ballet Project at OCPAC for more information.

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