San Francisco, CA -- Some may think that you are going to see a bit of Scottish Dancing with a bit of Ballet thrown in the side with the first of three pieces performed by the SF Ballet in Scotch Symphony but you would be DEAD WRONG. The late famed Choreographer George Balanchine brings a life to this ballet utilizing music from Mendelssohn and a form of Scottish Dancing that leaves you asking "How on Earth do they do that?" Integrating Highland styling into classical ballet steps but making it all seem completely natural is something that needs to be seen to be believed. The motions are very fast but very well blended. From the little Scotch Girl to the beautiful lady in pink this is a fantastic dance showing classical dance at its best and most interesting.
But, my favorite has to be the piece that gives us a bit of a taste of what is to come from Christopher Wheeldon's with the piece Within the Golden Hour. Christopher Wheeldon who trained at the Royal Ballet School in London and joined the Royal Ballet in 1991 brings a magic to the piece that makes it one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever seen. Wheeldon who has created several works for the SF Ballet in the past will also be the Choreographer for the upcoming Cinderella coming in May. This has to be one of the sexiest, beautiful ballets in many years. Wheeldon shows us the way a Female Ballet Dancer would do a set of steps then shows the difference of those steps that the Male Ballet Dancer does with such ease. From the costumes designed by Martin Pakledinaz which were beautiful (Pakledinaz passed away this past July 2012), and breathtaking to the music Vivaldi which is always a hit this piece leaves you breathless.
It was interesting to me to take someone with me that had never been to a ballet to this particular one and to take someone that never had an interest in the ballet. Opening someone’s eyes to the beauty of the dance especially ballet was in itself a rewarding experience. Young and old will definitely enjoy all aspects of Program 4 at the SF Ballet. If you've never tried it this is the one to see as you will get a sample of not only Classical but also Contemporary and a more Modern approach.
SF Ballet Program 4 runs from March 1st till March 9th.
Tickets and information can be found at www.sfballet.org
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