A Reserve Double Passes are up for grabs!

NUTCRACKER ON ICE

The international ice dance sensation The Imperial Ice Stars make a triumphant return to Australia this winter with a dazzling new production of The Nutcracker on Ice.

Over the last seven years, The Imperial Ice Stars have performed to more than three million people across five continents, at some of the world’s most prestigious venues.

For their latest production, The Nutcracker on Ice, acclaimed Artistic Director Tony Mercer – the world’s leading creator of contemporary theatre-on-ice – has once again teamed with four-time figure skating World Champion and dual Olympic gold medallist Evgeny Platov, and dual World Champion Maxim Staviski to create choreography that further raises the bar, with ever more breathtaking high-speed leaps and throws, and awe-inspiring acrobatics, coupled with the most graceful and sublime ice dancing.

Sydney: Capitol Theatre – 6-10 June
Canberra: Canberra Theatre Centre – 13-17 June
Brisbane: Lyric Theatre, QPAC – 20-24 June
Adelaide: Adelaide Festival Centre – 18-22 July
Melbourne: The Arts Centre – 25-29 July
Perth: His Majesty’s Theatre – 2-12 August

www.imperialicestars.com

OPERA WARRIORS

Direct from the award-winning creative team behind the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, Opera Warriors showcases the best of Chinese modern theatre arts in a show that tells a story of the Peking Opera through martial arts and modern dance. To celebrate the closing of the Year of Chinese Culture in Australia, Opera Warriors will premiere at the Opera Theatre, Sydney Opera House with four shows only from 14 to 16 June.

Opera Warriors is choreographed by Mr Xing Shimiao, and scripted by Ms Pik Wah Li (Lilian Lee) – one of Hong Kong’s most popular columnists, whose screenplay Farewell My Concubine won the Golden Palm at the Cannes Film Festival in 1993. Mr Sha Xiaolan, the Lighting Designer of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Beijing 2008 Olympics, will light the Opera House stage.

Leading Chinese dancer Mr Wang Di, who performed the painting scroll sequence in Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony, and Mr Huang Doudou, China’s most famous male dancing artist, who performed Chinese Kung-Fu in the Closing Ceremony of 2004 Greece Olympic Games, will lead the troupe of 60 dancers.

Brought to Sydney by the Shanxi Huajin Dance Art Troupe, Opera Warriors is an exquisite visual feast that combines an elaborate set, beautiful costumes, dynamic lighting and original music with a story that encompasses the dramas of life.

www.operawarriors.com.au

Win a Double Pass to:
Nutcracker On Ice at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre or Opera Warriors at Sydney Opera House!

Just email info@danceinforma.com with subject: “WIN TICKETS” and tell us What show you’d like to win tickets to and why. Dance Informa’s Editors will pick the best responses to win.
* Please include your full name, postal address and date of birth.

Competition open until May 24.

Published by Dance Informa dance magazine – everything dance in Australia – dance auditions, dance news, dance events and resources for dance teachers.

Lyric Theatre, Sydney
August 2010

By Kristy Johnson

The Imperial Ice Stars have become familiar faces in Australia with their renditions of classic ballet favourites. In August we saw the European and National Championship Skaters back with Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake on their two year world tour.

The Lyric Theatre at Sydney’s Star City was filled to capacity with young families (as expected) and the elderly, as well as a significant number of young adults, to my surprise. The crowd followed the classic story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer, and Prince Siegfried, her lover. With a rich ballet history, Swan Lake is one of the world’s most famous and best loved traditional ballets, but this time it was being told in skates instead of pointes.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to watch the Imperial Ice Stars, expect a good dose of athleticism, stunning costumes and an on ice interpretation of an old classic.

The ice rendition of Swan Lake has been said to push the boundaries, but I don’t necessarily agree. Yes, a classic ballet has been spun into a contemporary piece for a younger crowd, but what was lacking for me was a fresh interpretation and something different from what we usually see.  

However the backdrop, setting and costumes were innovative and exemplary.  The lavish backdrops and scenery were designed by Australia’s own leading scenic designer Eamon D’Arcy. Albina Gabueva’s costumes did not disappoint either, with intricately cut, layered, and fitted outfits that allowed each skater the freedom of movement to perform the most complicated of steps.

All in all, the Imperial Ice Stars created a great visual treat for the eye, yet even with such a brilliant display of technical precision and athleticism, I’d rather watch Swan Lake performed in ballet.

Photo: David Wyatt

Published by www.danceinforma.com

The world’s premier theatrical ice skating company, The Imperial Ice Stars, has returned to Australia with their award-winning masterpiece Swan Lake on Ice, as part of a huge world tour.

Dance photographer David Wyatt enjoyed a Melbourne performance behind the camera lense.
Photos copyright David Wyatt. davidwyatt75@gmail.com www.capturingimages.com.au