/ Published in Young Critics Review

‘They were wearing their souls on the outside’ – Ballet Cymru

6 ballet dancers on a stage lit in colourful lighting and projection

Young Critic Thea saw ballet’s one-night return to Lichfield Festival and took the opportunity to tell us all about it. 

On the 13th of July I saw ‘Sleeping Beauty’ by Ballet Cymru at Lichfield Cathedral. I really liked the venue because the Cathedral looked like a castle and the atmosphere was calm and simple. Making this a picture-perfect venue.

My interpretation of the ballet was that Maleficent wanted revenge because she wasn’t invited to the celebration of the king and queen finding baby Aurora. So, when Aurora is older Maleficent disguises herself and gives Aurora cursed roses and when Aurora pricks her finger on the thorn of a rose she fell into a deep sleep until a prince saves the day.

Credit: Douglas Armour

My favourite character was Maleficent because her dance choreography showed her moving with evil intent, while her facial expressions showed the malice, hatred, and anger in her soul. I really enjoyed the solo performances near the end of the show. Each character did a solo dance that represented them. Each dance was very artistic as if they shared their soul through the dance. I thought the yellow fairy was amazing with her colossal, energetic, flamboyant leaps and twirls across the stage. She was at one with the music and it had me on the edge of my seat.

The music throughout changed depending on who was dancing. There was spooky and ominous music for Maleficent and when Aurora was dancing the music was flamboyant and fast-paced. Each character’s costumes felt like they were wearing their souls on the outside. Aurora’s costume was floaty and carefree like her, whereas Maleficent’s costume was dark, sad, and livid.

It would be a great watch for all children, but I would especially recommend this ballet to kids 10 years and older because it requires a lot of deduction skills to tell what is happening. I had a great time and would definitely do it again.

 

By Thea J 

If you’re aged 11-18 and would like to be a festival reviewer, applications will open soon for Young Critics – find out more on our website https://lichfieldfestival.org/aspire/young-critics/