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Flash Review 2, 10-5:
"Coppelia" Clarity
PNB's Tobiason Reprises Signature Role
By Leland Windreich
Copyright 2000 Leland Windreich
SEATTLE -- Kent Stowell's
enchanting and durable production of Arthur Saint-Leon's "Coppelia"
opened Pacific Northwest Ballet's new season September 28 at the
Seattle Opera House. Julie Tobiason, long a favorite in the role
of Swanilda, has acquired a sophistication in her portrayal of the
feisty girl who competes with a mechanical doll for the affections
of her village boyfriend. One of PNB's most musical dancers, the
petite Tobiason has acquired a style that distinguishes her from
her long-limbed colleagues. Her dancing has the clarity of fine
chamber music.
The tall Belgian Olivier
Wevers, who has been partnering Tobiason frequently over the past
two years, portrays Franz as a bumpkin and effectively conveys a
peasant's lack of discernment. He's a perfect foil for Tobiason's
quick wit, and they are divinely matched. Only in Act III is Wevers
able to show his elegant classical line and superb technique in
the male variation of the pas de deux. Tobiason, with a number and
variety of solos in each act, has every opportunity to display the
versatility of her dancing craft.
Kaori Nakamura took over
the role of Swanilda on September 29. Small, compact and fleet,
she has a more pronounced thrust in her dancing and a more flexible
back. Thomas Lund of the Royal Danish Ballet, appearing with PNB
as a guest for this production, portrayed Franz as an affable soul
and attentive lover. A superb technician, Lund was not afforded
a particularly challenging vehicle for his natural gifts and accomplishments,
but he brought to the role an impeccable Danish skill for characterization.
Stowell's production
is brisk and breezy. He has transferred the Czardas to the last
act, which brings vitality and contrast to the suite of classical
solos that follow. PNB's dancers perform the folk ensembles with
contagious joy.
Tobiason and Wevers reprise
the lead roles tonight and Saturday night; Nakamura dances opposite
Wevers tomorrow night.
Leland Windreich is a
dance critic and historian living in Vancouver, British Columbia,
in Canada. He has written extensively on dance subjects for various
American, Canadian and British periodicals since 1975. He is the
author of two books: "Dance Encounters" (1998), and "June Roper:
Ballet Starmaker" (1999), and editor of "Dancing for De Basil: Letters
to her Parents from Rosemary Deveson, 1938-1940" (1996). All books
are published in Toronto by Dance Collection Danse.
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