‘Skating ballet is just breathtaking’ (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

‘Skating ballet is just breathtaking’

10:59pm Tuesday 22nd February 2011 in Reviews By Emma Clayton

Watching TV’s Dancing on Ice from your armchair is one thing.

Experiencing the thrill of live world-class skating tonight just feet in front of you – with razor-sharp skates scraping across a frozen stage at startling speeds – is quite another.

The element of danger is what makes ice shows such a spectacle, and the amazing Imperial Ice Stars drew gasps with gravity-defying lifts, leaps, somersaults and spins.

A packed audience leapt to their feet during the finale of this dynamic new interpretation of the Russian company’s masterpiece, blending top-class skating with classical ballet, set to Tchai-kovsky’s moving score.

It was a thrill to see such powerful athleticism and skill in such an intimate setting.

If you think Swan Lake is just for ballet students and little girls, this production could prove you wrong. With a lavish set, transforming a Royal palace into a frozen lake, it featured spectacular special effects, including a snowfall, a circle of flames and aerial acrobatics, a thrilling sword fight and macho hunting scenes. There was fun with the ‘skate-off’ between the Prince and the Count and the lovely palace ballroom routine, featuring a succession of international dances. And weaving throughout was the poignant love story, told through breathtaking pas de deux.

A superb cast made it all look so effortless you occasionally forgot they were on skates. Leading lady Olga Sharutenko was a wonderful, delicate Odette, breaking our hearts as she glided across the ice. She even danced on points - try doing that on an ice rink!

Andrei Penkin was superb as Prince Siegfried, blending strength and Royal confidence with an endearing vulnerability. His routine with the black and white swans was mesmerising.

Flawless performances, too, from Vadim Yarkov as Rothbart, racing around in a black cloud of fury, Olena Pyatash as sensual, edgy Odile and Ruslan Novoseltsev as loyal Benno.

A gorgeous show that will fill your heart with joy.

Runs until Saturday.