The Sleeping Princess was the first Cape Town City Ballet production I had the pleasure of seeing, having only moved down to Cape Town two years ago. The story is not too different to the traditional Sleeping Beauty tale we know and love, and since the classic Disney film adapted the ballet score for their musical numbers there is at least some prior familiarity with the music. As with any ballet, it is critical that you familiarise yourself with the story beforehand. For parents who are taking young children, and I cannot emphasise this strongly enough, you must educate your children with regards to the story, the characters, and appropriate behaviour during a performance. If you suspect they will be unable to sit in silence and enjoy the ballet, please do not take them with and ruin it for those around you. Ballet is a highly visceral experience, and a parent constantly explaining the progressing storyline to a 5- year-old seated diagonally behind you detracts from that. But I digress!
Ballet in South Africa does not have the massive-budget treatment that ballets overseas may have, and this is reflected by the lack of a live orchestra. Still, the pre-recorded music was of a high enough quality and played on large enough equipment to create something of an orchestra feel. What money was saved by not having a live orchestra was most definitely, definitely spent on the costumes. They were lavish and eye-catching, to the point where my partner for the evening insisted that I find out for her where she can get a pair of boots the duchesses wore!
Performances were fantastic all around, and you can see that these are accomplished dancers. I particularly enjoyed the haughty, evil, looking Carabosse, danced by ( Robin van Wyk). Princess Aurora (Megan Swart) and Prince Florimund (Xola Putye) had powerful, hauntingly good performances. However, my favourite scene by far was the hunting party scene. Gallifron (Warren May) pulled off a fantastic game of blind man's bluff, and I had the pleasure of finally seeing my dear friend, Jane Fidler, dance as a duchess on her off night. Also enjoyable is the final act where playful dances from traditional fairy tale characters could be seen.
Most unfortunately, I caught this ballet right at the end of its run, so alas, dear readers, you cannot go and see it any more. But keep a close eye on Cape Town City Ballet's website (www.capetowncityballet.org.za) and be sure to catch their next production, The Firebird and Les Sylphides at the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre. Taking place every Sunday from 24 January till 21 February 2010 at 20h15. Ticket prices range from R90 -R100.
