35TH ANNIVERSARY GALA PERFORMANCE (3.5 stars)
September 15
Lake Las Vegas Resort
The evening began with Gala Waltz, by artistic director Bruce Steivel, set to music by Tchaikovsky. It was a splendid showcase of the company's strong corps de ballet. The lively group played to the balcony (okay, the lawn seats) and presented a cohesive artistic unit. The opening was followed, in true gala fashion, by a series of pas de deux, mostly from the classical repertoire. Standouts were Racheal Hummel-Nole and Zeb Nole in Grand Pas Classique set to music by Auber. A stylish pairing, the partner work was secure, especially as Zeb placed his partner for her amazing balances, and both executed their solo variations with aplomb. Racheal's solid technique and gracious manner and his airy leaps and clean beats make them the couple to watch.
Guest artists Feijoo and Boada's first entry was a somber duet, Chaconne, set to music by Handel, which seemed at odds with the celebratory nature of the evening. Though competently executed, the bland choreography by San Francisco Ballet artistic director Helgi Tomasson sucked the air out of the entire proceeding. The duo redeemed themselves later in the program with their second entry, the Flames of Paris pas de deux. A real show-stopper, the ballet was stuffed with all the bravura tricks in the ballet armory and captivated the audience.
The closing work, In the Mood, set by Steivel to music by Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw, presented a series of World War II vignettes to beloved music from the period, including a fresh and energetic "In the Mood," followed by a dreamy "Moonlight Serenade." The cheeky humor of Jared Hunt in "String of Pearls" brought the concert to a cheerful close.