I had never been to a ballet until today. I have to say I was mesmerized from the time the lights went down to the final dance number. Furthermore I knew nothing about the art form other than seeing bits and pieces on TV. Now after attending the Orlando Ballet Company’s version of “The Battle of the Sexes II,” I want to see more of the productions this talented company will be producing.
For any performer the number one objective is to entertain and this group of dancers did exactly that. Like me you do not have to know technique to enjoy this fast paced ballet. Starting with “Homage” that had what sounded like some form of Arabic music to a number that played the song “War,” it was a sight and sound journey that was a very pleasurable experience.
There are many types of music I had not ever heard before but some like “West Side Story” or “War” and familiar classical pieces “If” by Joshua Bell or “Carmen Pas De Deux” to ”Nights in White Satin” and Isn’t it a Pity” sung by Bettye LaVette that were familiar and all were stirring blends of sound and sight.
During the 20 minute intermission many people left to go to the lobby. I stayed and listened to two delightful senior ladies compare notes on this production to other ballets they were familiar with. It was interesting to hear their perceptions that were the same as mine, that this production was a stunningly choreographed combination of spectacular lighting, music, and modern dance.
The whole ballet had so much going on all the time that you just could not take it all in at the same time, very much like an IMAX movie.
Now let me mention some of the worldwide talent that graced the stage for this delightful excursion into the world of dance. Shoee Bae, Seoul, Korea; Daniel Benavides Anaheim, California; Areum Chung, Seoul, Korea; Dene Darabs, Hungary; Stefan Drach Lasi, Rumania; Katia Garza, Piedras Negras, Coahuila Mexico; Balazs Krajczar Gyar, Hungary; and Brandon Nguyen Fort Worth Texas. These are just a few of the gifted performers who put on this wonderful show. A special round of applause goes to Robert Hill the artistic director who came to us from the Dance Program of the New York State Council on the Arts, who merged all of this talent into the company that it is.
I have to say I was in awe of these entertainers that they could move their bodies into the many stunning positions and make it look so easy. I know that it takes years and years of study and devotion to make it appear that way.
For those who say Orlando does not have cultural events, I say check out the calendar for the Orlando Ballet and try one. What do you have to lose?
