Maria Mosina in La Sylphide Act II – Photo by Mike Watson. Image courtesy of Colorado Ballet.
Hear my soul speak: The very instant that I saw you, did My heart fly to your service. – Shakespeare’s The Tempest
Tragic love – the unrequited turmoil of wanting what one cannot have. La Sylphide, a true lover’s tragedy spoke to audience members Saturday, October 3 at the Ellie Caulkins Theater. The Colorado Ballet mesmerized and Adam Flatt, Musical Director/Principal Conductor shone with his musical mastery as Act 1 opens with a full musical piece before the curtains even open.
For the evening performance, Maria Mosina enchanted as La Sylphide. She effortlessly glided upon the stage enpointe. It was as if she was weightless and all the while radiating a happiness that was tangible. Maria is on her 20 season with Colorado Ballet, a feat so rare there is a dedicated story in the program book for all to share in her love affair with dance.
Alexei Tyukov and Gregory Gonzales in La Sylphide Act II – Photo by Mike Watson. Image courtesy of Colorado Ballet.
The love in the air penetrated every detail of the performance including the apropos and impactful costumes and scenic design. Desmond Heeley’s efforts have been noted before and were top-notch this evening. Act I’s home was elegant and regal. It looked as if made of twisted wood as any grand home in Scotland. Act II was ethereal and ominous from the cauldron of spell creating to the forest of enchantment.
When the bagpipers take center stage during Act I’s wedding celebration, not only did they perform in perfect unison but also their costumes spoke of wonder. The kilts and twirls provided delightful eye merriment. The children in the row in front of us clapped with glee. It was a pairing so thoughtful and divine –it left you wanting more. The athleticism and grace of the Tyler Rhoades and Byrton Foster were indicative of true talent.
As with all tragedy, we end in death. Our dashing lead, James, played by Alexei Tyukov dies wounded, distraught and in anguish. He danced his heart out before our eyes and was cruelly tricked by the evil but humorous Madge.
To want a love and to never achieve−like all great tragedies we roller coaster with our leads throughout the performance. If you are looking for love, have love or love love, go see La Sylphide in its finale weekend, October 10 or 11. http://tickets.coloradoballet.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=1550
W. Celeste Davis Stragand: Published author, showcased artist and local Denverite, W. Celeste Davis Stragand is not new to the art world. Her passion for delving into the root of existence and movement will challenge and praise both choreographers and the audience. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Celeste holds two bachelor of arts degrees, one in Chemistry and the other in English. She is also a graduate of Naropa University holding a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing and Poetics from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. A former national slam team poet, Celeste is a graduate of the Downtown Denver Partnership Leadership Program and sits on the American Institute of Architects Colorado board. Her passion and enthusiasm for the kinetic arts will frolic and frenzy through the upcoming season of performances with many hopes for an encore!
Hear My Soul Speak
Hear My Soul Speak
Hear my soul speak:
The very instant that I saw you, did
My heart fly to your service.
– Shakespeare’s The Tempest
Tragic love – the unrequited turmoil of wanting what one cannot have. La Sylphide, a true lover’s tragedy spoke to audience members Saturday, October 3 at the Ellie Caulkins Theater. The Colorado Ballet mesmerized and Adam Flatt, Musical Director/Principal Conductor shone with his musical mastery as Act 1 opens with a full musical piece before the curtains even open.
For the evening performance, Maria Mosina enchanted as La Sylphide. She effortlessly glided upon the stage enpointe. It was as if she was weightless and all the while radiating a happiness that was tangible. Maria is on her 20 season with Colorado Ballet, a feat so rare there is a dedicated story in the program book for all to share in her love affair with dance.
The love in the air penetrated every detail of the performance including the apropos and impactful costumes and scenic design. Desmond Heeley’s efforts have been noted before and were top-notch this evening. Act I’s home was elegant and regal. It looked as if made of twisted wood as any grand home in Scotland. Act II was ethereal and ominous from the cauldron of spell creating to the forest of enchantment.
When the bagpipers take center stage during Act I’s wedding celebration, not only did they perform in perfect unison but also their costumes spoke of wonder. The kilts and twirls provided delightful eye merriment. The children in the row in front of us clapped with glee. It was a pairing so thoughtful and divine –it left you wanting more. The athleticism and grace of the Tyler Rhoades and Byrton Foster were indicative of true talent.
As with all tragedy, we end in death. Our dashing lead, James, played by Alexei Tyukov dies wounded, distraught and in anguish. He danced his heart out before our eyes and was cruelly tricked by the evil but humorous Madge.
To want a love and to never achieve−like all great tragedies we roller coaster with our leads throughout the performance. If you are looking for love, have love or love love, go see La Sylphide in its finale weekend, October 10 or 11. http://tickets.coloradoballet.org/single/PSDetail.aspx?psn=1550
W. Celeste Davis Stragand: Published author, showcased artist and local Denverite, W. Celeste Davis Stragand is not new to the art world. Her passion for delving into the root of existence and movement will challenge and praise both choreographers and the audience. A graduate of Texas A&M University, Celeste holds two bachelor of arts degrees, one in Chemistry and the other in English. She is also a graduate of Naropa University holding a Masters of Fine Arts in Writing and Poetics from the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. A former national slam team poet, Celeste is a graduate of the Downtown Denver Partnership Leadership Program and sits on the American Institute of Architects Colorado board. Her passion and enthusiasm for the kinetic arts will frolic and frenzy through the upcoming season of performances with many hopes for an encore!