Review: Boston Ballet’s 'Kaleidoscope'

Angelica Potter

OnStage Massachusetts Critic

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To say that Boston Ballet’s latest production, Kaleidoscope, is a spectacular fusion of four masterfully choreographed ballets, would be an understatement. From the minute the curtain opened through the very last moment of an extensive standing ovation; the audience was enthralled by the beauty, strength and incredible talent that danced across the stage. Each of the four ballets showcased various techniques and styles, but as a whole they offered the audience a perfect glimpse into the vast repertoire of the Boston Ballet and its company of versatile, dynamic and stunning dancers.

The show opened with a genius creation by legendary choreographer George Balanchine: Kammermusik No. 2. It features two couples and a corps of eight men who dance to neoclassical music by Paul Hindemith. The two couples were fantastically danced by Seo Hye Han partnered by Patrick Yocum and Rachele Buriassi partnered by Eris Nezha. They, along with the male corps, were fully energized and showed a wonderful understanding and knowledge of the fast, complex and specific stylized movement created by Balanchine. It was a great piece to open the show.

The second number was a beautifully danced Pas de Quatre choreographed by Leonid Yakobson with music by Vincenzo Bellini. Dancers Dusty Button, Rachele Buriassi, Diana Albrecht and Lauren Herfindahl began by holding hands and as the dance progressed, they effortlessly moved together through various formations not letting go until almost midway through the piece. Their lovely, white romantic tutus flowed around them as they moved gracefully around the stage during each of their solos. Their movement throughout was joyful, fluid and the perfect example of classical ballet.  

The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude masterfully choreographed by William Forsythe to Franz Schubert’s Symphony No.9 was exquisitely danced by Lia Cirio, Shelby Elsbree, Misa Kuranaga, Isaac Akiba and Lawrence Rines. Every moment they were on stage they were moving right along to the up tempo music with energized excitement. They were superbly in sync and brought many in the audience to their feet during their bows.

The final ballet performed was Léonide Massine’s Gaîté Parisienne with music by Jacques Offenbach. This ballet is bright and colorful from the scenic design to the many costumes. While all the dancers portrayed their characters and danced delightfully, there were a few who stood out from the rest. Firstly, was John Lam who was both charismatic and immensely amusing as The Peruvian. Secondly, was the beautifully danced pas de deux between the glove seller, Anaïs Chalendard, and the baron, Eris Nezha. Their chemistry and storytelling was incredible not only in their pas de deux, but throughout the ballet. Last, but in no way least, is the Dance Master, Patrick Yocum, and his exuberant Can-Can Dancers. They were clearly an audience favorite as their routine was met with thunderous applause. Overall, this ballet was sheer perfection and is the epitome of when great dancing meets great storytelling.

Boston Ballet’s Kaleidoscope performs at the Boston Opera House until March 26th and it is a must see for any dance lover! I loved every minute of it and found it to be one of the most enjoyable productions I’ve seen in years! Tickets and more information can be found at www.bostonballet.org.

For more of my reviews and theatrical thoughts check out: http://intheatresome1isalwayswatching.blogspot.com/