Last night, May 25th, I was privileged to watch Boston Ballet bring the classic fairy tale The Sleeping Beauty to life. With its breathtaking choreography, exquisite costumes, and exceptional talent, Boston Ballet entertained audience members with an extraordinary level of artistry and grace.
Now, for those of you who have followed my Boston Ballet experiences in the past, you know I usually bring my little ballet-loving buddy (and son) Vincent. But unfortunately, the budding MLB star had a baseball conflict and couldn’t join me. So, what’s better than sharing a bag of gummy bears with a kid? How about sharing them with a dear friend of almost 30 years? My once college roommate and now long-time friend, Felicia, subbed in for Vincent. And Vince, you may have some competition because we had a blast!
From the moment the curtain rose, we were transported into a world of magic and enchantment. The elaborate set design beautifully captured the essence of a fairy tale kingdom, including enchanting forest scenes and a grand palace.
Boston Ballet’s production of The Sleeping Beauty was an homage to the timeless elegance of classical ballet. Based on Marius Petipa’s original work, with additional choreography by Sir Frederick Ashton, the choreography transported us into a world of intricate footwork, impeccable pointe work, and a symphony of graceful movements. With great control and technical mastery, the dancers wove a tapestry of artistry on stage. Their execution of complex turns, delicate balances, and precise jumps was nothing short of breathtaking, leaving us in awe of their seemingly effortless grace.
Honestly, the amount of time the dancers were en pointe was astonishing!
Felicia and I enjoyed watching Chrystyn Fentroy become Carabosse, the iconic wicked fairy who curses Aurora. The moment she appeared on the stage, the atmosphere changed. Each deliberate step and malevolent gesture brought an electrifying intensity to the performance. From her striking costume to her menacing demeanor, Carabosse added a thrilling element against the backdrop of Aurora’s enchanting world.
Oh, and let’s not forget about The Rose Adagio, which was a showstopper- the technical skill was off the charts. You could feel the anticipation as Princess Aurora (Ji Young Chae) performed those series of balances with such grace and control as she received roses from her four suitors. And the partnering! It was so intricate and precise, and they made it look effortless. The footwork was like poetry in motion, with lightning-fast turns that left us all breathless. It was a showcase of their impeccable technique and athleticism. The confidence and poise they exuded on stage were simply mesmerizing. They truly raised the bar with their extraordinary talent.
In conclusion, Boston Ballet’s rendition of Sleeping Beauty was an absolute delight. From the awe-inspiring choreography to the captivating performances, every element came together flawlessly to create a magical and unforgettable experience. It is a testament to Boston Ballet’s commitment to excellence and ability to transport audiences into enchantment.
Felicia and I thoroughly enjoyed it! And while I will always advocate for bringing children to the ballet, going with a friend isn’t so bad either. From dinner beforehand to recapping your favorite parts during intermission, it’s nice to revel in the magic with a good friend who also appreciates the art. It strengthens a different bond of friendship. It’s about creating lasting memories with a shared experience you can both cherish.
If you have the opportunity, do not miss the chance to witness this extraordinary Boston Ballet production. Also, grab a friend and a bag of gummy bears!
Purchase your tickets for this enchanting performance HERE.
