Queensland Ballet presents The Masters Series which includes three parts of majestic pieces of performance starting with George Balanchine’s Serenade to Trey McIntyre’s The Shadows Behind Us to Jiří Kylián’s Soldier’s Mass. Three equally beautiful parts of a whole to a ballet performance that ultimately impacts the audience’s emotions in alternate ways. The first through a delicate and more traditional dance displaying elements of Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and Giselle. The second a more contemporary approach featuring romantic ballads such as This Love of Mine, Unchained Melody and Our Day Will Come and the third and final piece a moving and powerful look into the vulnerability and strength in soldiers, all through the lens of 12 male dancers.
George Balanchine’s Serenade was a charming opening into the performance as the ballet dancers performed in unison, matching each other’s movements perfectly. Serenade represented the female figures in ballet and their strength, dedication and commitment to the art. It was beautiful to watch as the dancers effortlessly changed formation on stage to create beautiful patterns and shapes as a result. This particular piece had a tranquil theme running through it like a river and you could feel it through the movement and style that Serenade has on stage. It was an excellent way to open the ballet before presenting more contemporary works later in the performance.
Trey McIntyre’s The Shadows Behind Us had an effortless and sensual presence. With swift movements and emotive embraces between the couples of performers on stage, the piece ultimately allowed the audience to be nostalgic for the past and this was particularly done through the soundtrack that was featured. With music that yearned for the past, it wasn't surprising for the audience to lean into this emotionally complex and refined display of dance and romanticise a past era themselves. The Shadows Behind Us is a piece that was effortless in pace and movement and changed up the rhythm to the show, it made me ponder what the next act would entail.
Jiří Kylián’s Soldier’s Mass is a display of 12 male dancers that is powerful, poetic and deeply moving. Reflecting on themes of war and the soldiers that lend their bodies and souls to protect the lives of others comes Soldier’s Mass. The final performance of the night provided a powerful and memorable message to The Masters Series. Not only were these 12 dancers dancing and putting their soul into each and every movement but they were representing a message to the audience. They were representing the consequences of war and the toll on the soul of a soldier. They were showcasing the emotional and physical impact it takes, all through the eyes of a ballet dancer. The final moments of this particular act ended in the dancers dropping one by one to the floor, to showcase the heartbreak of losing a soldier in the war.
17th - 25th May, 2019
Playhouse Theatre, QPAC
Joanna Letic