Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day for the company of the Varna Ballet and Orchestra currently touring the UK in their Debut visit in their 75 year history.
After opening their Brighton run with GISELLE to a packed house last night, the company are celebrating Valentine’s Day at Theatre Royal Brighton with two performances of arguably the most romantic ballet of all time – SWAN LAKE.
Their visit to Brighton concludes tomorrow with two performances of THE NUTCRACKER.
The ‘Varna Valentines’ include dancers Marco di Salvo and partner Nahia Barcena from Italy, Xavier Lara Gil and partner Maria Carriazo from Spain and Italy respectively, and Nicolas Ruiz and Alejandra Canzobre from Spain, alongside orchestra members, Ukrainian Couple Nazar Mykytiuk and Kateryna Telina.
After Brighton they go on to visit Northampton, Nottingham, Reading, High Wycombe, Edinburgh, Leicester, Peterborough, Bournemouth, Southend and Basingstoke with classical performances of THE NUTCRACKER, COPPÉLIA and GISELLE and SWAN LAKE.
On touring with their real-life partners in the terrific quartet of ballets Nahia Barcena says:
“For me this is an enriching experience for our relationship. I came without expectations, and I am really enjoying sharing 24 hours a day with him! I think we have created a stronger link between us. I really enjoy performing with him on stage but I have to really concentrate because every time I look at him I smile, because he makes me really happy and it is impossible not to smile at him!”
Nahia’s Partner Marco Marco di Salvo agrees:
“Yes, it is really fun! I think we really help support each other both on and off stage. The whole experience is amazing for both of us, doing what we love the most, together at so many theatres across the UK. This year we will celebrate Valentine’s Day although it will be busy with two shows of Swan lake, we’ll try and get some time to enjoy the day in beautiful Brighton”
Asked what romantic ballet they would love to dance together Nahia says:
“If it was a ballet from our current tour I would say Coppelia. It is a funny ballet. But if I had to say other ballet out of our tour repertoire I would choose ‘Don Quixote’. I think we would fit perfectly into the roles”
Renowned for its award-winning soloists and magnificent corps de ballet, the company has been delighting audiences for decades at home in Bulgaria and abroad with its performances of the highest quality.
The ballets performed this season are:
Giselle – The most poignant of all classical ballets is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave. The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score. From the visual splendour of the rustic villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by beautifully drifting spirits, this production is unforgettable.
Swan Lake – The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.
The Nutcracker – This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…
Coppélia – Every toy has a story, especially in this charming comedy of errors, a witty combination of antics and abracadabra, set in a doll maker’s workshop. This lighthearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in between.
For the perfect present for your valentine, find out more and book your tickets at www.raymondgubbay.co.uk.
Varna International Ballet plays Theatre Royal Brighton until tomorrow Wed 15 Feb, tickets are on sale at ATGTickets.com/Brighton.
