What is the Varna International Ballet and Orchestra?
Varna International Ballet and Orchestra was founded in 1947 and is currently made up of 40 dancers and 30 musicians. This year they are celebrating their 75th anniversary by bringing their performances on tour to the UK for the time.
What Ballet shows are they performing?
During this incredible tour you will have the opportunity to choose from four popular ballets including
Swan Lake
The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score. From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tulle as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.
Coppélia
Every toy has a story, especially in this charming comedy of errors, a witty combination of antics and abracadabra, set in a doll maker’s workshop. This lighthearted tale of mistaken identity and confused lovers follows mischievous Swanilda, her impetuous suitor Franz and the eccentric toymaker Dr.Coppelius as they are brought to life by sparkling choreography and the animated score of Delibes. Coppélia is perfect for first-time ballet goers, families and everyone in between.
Giselle
The most poignant of all classical ballets is filled with dramatic passion in a chilling and heart-rending tale of love, treachery and forgiveness from beyond the grave. The moving story of delicate Giselle and her aristocratic but duplicitous lover Albrecht is set to a glorious score. From the visual splendour of the rustic villagers happily gathering the harvest at the start of the story to the eerie moonlit forest haunted by beautifully drifting spirits, this production is unforgettable
The Nutcracker
This most famous of fantasy ballets for all the family begins as night falls on Christmas Eve. As snowflakes fall outside, the warm glow of the open fire sends flickering shadows across the boughs of the Christmas tree and all the presents beneath. When midnight strikes we are swept away to a fairy-tale world where nothing is quite as it seems, toy dolls spring to life, the Mouse-king and his mouse-army battle with the Nutcracker Prince and we travel through the Land of Snow to an enchanted place where the magic really begins…
Review of Giselle
On Monday I was invited to watch Giselle at The Empire Theatre in Liverpool. I had never been to the ballet before and was a bit unsure what to expect but it was absolutely breath taking from start to finish. The dancing was simply flawless and the music was intense and powerful, with the two working together seamlessly to tell an entire love story without a single word being spoken.
All of the performers were mesmerising but a special mention must go to the soloists, especially Giselle, whose dancing was so spectacular that I could’t take my eyes of her. It is easy to see why Varna Internal Ballet have won so many awards over the years.
For me the story of Giselle was an intense love story with an underlying power struggle also taking place. It ends with the catastrophic result of death and heartbreak, both of which were palpable in the theatre.
Ballet really is the universal language, the way it speaks to everyone through movement and its ability to create emotional responses, connections to characters, and even a willingness from the audience for the story to conclude in a certain way, is awe inspiring and something everyone should experience at least once in their life.
Along with the dancing and the music there are also beautiful and detailed back drops that really help to set the scene. The first half made me think of Carcassonne, in France, and I could really imagine Giselle living her life at the foot of the castle, the second was equally as impressive with the inclusion of motion pictures.
The Varna International Ballet and Orchestra are touring the UK until March 2023, check out their website to find your local performance and to book your tickets for this exceptional experience.