Ballet West China Tour 2011
After a successful tour of “The Nutcracker” in 2010, Ballet West was invited back to tour China this year with “Romeo and Juliet”. Arriving in Beijing on the 28th April 2011 the company of 57 travelled straight to Suzhou. After a good night’s sleep and another early morning start the company was straight into rehearsals. The curtain at Suzhou Theatre rose on the 30th April at 8.00pm to a lively and exciting opening performance. The two principal dancers, Sara-Maria Smith and Jonathan Barton, mesmerised the Chinese audience with their breathtaking and faultless rendition of the timeless story of two ill fated lovers.
The tour continued successfully over 6 weeks, travelling to 12 different cities, including Shanghai, Shijiazhuang and Ningbo. The cast of students, principals and guest artists performed 17 shows to packed auditoriums. In Wenzhou Theatre on 22nd May, one of Ballet West’s degree students, Sarah Mortimer, was given the amazing opportunity to perform Juliet alongside principal dancer Jonathan Barton. Sarah danced the role with style and elegance to a packed auditorium, after which she said, “It was one of the most demanding but rewarding opportunities I have ever had”.
In Fuzhou, the company, guest artists and some of the senior students were invited to a day-out with the sponsors. The day was one of the most memorable of the tour, starting with a tour around Chinese gardens followed by dinner in a 5 star hotel, after which the guests were entertained at a wine reception with a stunning performance of the balcony pas de deux by Sara and Jonathan.
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The tour ended on a high with the last show at Kunming Theatre on 5th June. Second year student, Jessica Boertien summed up the tour for the dancers, “It was the most amazing experience, to dance for hundreds of people in great theatres”.
The company travelled to back to Beijing and enjoyed a couple of days sightseeing and shopping, including a trip to see the Great Wall. The company returned home on the 9th of June, tired but very happy after a wonderful experience, performing a great ballet to so many appreciative audiences.
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