(Photo: Bernie Ng)
As part of their annual Malaysia tour, the Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) returns to klpac for a two-week showcase. And in conjunction with its 30th anniversary this year — and Janek Schergen’s 10th year as artistic director — the company is celebrating in a big way. Last week, SDT presented a weekend of neo-classical and contemporary ballet works, namely Rubies by George Balanchine, Sticks & Stones by Kinsun Chan and Symphony in Three Movements by Nils Christe.
Just yesterday, they performed a children’s ballet show for the first time here, an hourlong work by Schergen dedicated to families with young children. Peter & Blue’s Birthday Party features live narration and tells the story of Peter, his dog Blue and his cat Calico, as they embark on an adventure.
The tour culminates this weekend with some classical highlights (March 23-25). These are the dances that will be performed:
Coppélia Act III
A comic ballet that tells the story of Dr Coppé lius, who makes a life-sized dancing doll with which a village youth, Franz, becomes infatuated, at the cost of his true heart’s desire, Swanilda. In this act, the village celebrates the Festival of the Bells, on which all the couples that marry are especially blessed. The celebration scene culminates in the wedding of Swanilda and Franz.
The Nutcracker Act II
Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet is ever popular and always a treat. In this act, Clara continues her journey until she arrives at the magical Land of Sweets. Clara’s sister, Marie, and Kristian greet her as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince. Everyone from the Land of Sweets comes to entertain Clara with wondrous dances — including divertissements from Spain, China, France, Arabia plus the Toy Soldiers, the Harlequins, the Waltz of the Flowers and the pas de deux of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier.
Kitri’s Wedding from Don Quixote
Set in Spain, Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, tells the story of love, betrayal and eternal devotion. Kitri, the beautiful daughter of Lorenzo the innkeeper, has fallen in love with Basilio, a poor young barber. After a series of chivalrous acts and whimsical twists, Kitri and Basilio finally celebrate their marriage with a grand pas de deux.
Klpac, Pentas 1, Jalan Strachan, Off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, KL. Mar 21-25 (8.30pm, 3pm, 2pm). RM25, RM38, RM48. Call 03 4047 9000 for tickets.
