Ballet Romanticism of August Bournonville Finally in the Czech Repertoire - Roman Vašek

The latest addition to the National Theatre Ballet repertoire this season appeared during the evening of contemporary Czech choreography, presenting the first work of Mats Ek. In addition, the ensemble returned to the depths of ballet romanticism, when they presented La Sylphide and the third act from the ballet Napoli (premiere February 21, 2008).

Many dancers in the National Theatre discovered Bournonville for the first time, and it was clear to see that the director of the Royal Danish Ballet, Frank Andersen, who staged the production in Prague, had an immense task before him. In the end, however, the ensemble surprised us with the delivery of their discipline. Most of the soloists were able to master the difficult choreography. Richard Kročil has ideal qualities for the character of James. The allegro bonds ideally suit him and he conquers the sequences of leaps with a sense of lightness and with a natural flair. His alternate Alexander Katsapov does not have it as easy, but he is able to add more to the acting vignettes; in his James, we find more of the character’s personality. Nikola Márová as Sylphide is very good; nonetheless, she is not a particular type of an “illuminated” ethereal nymph. Adéla Pollertová (see photo), however, is an ideal contrast. Her Sulphide is such an “enfant terrible”, a small wanton nymph that bewitches James with her naturalness.

The expressive character role is Madge the witch, magically brought to life by dancer Nelly Danko. She dances the role with an enormous verve and complete precision of stylised movement.

The less convincingly staged excerpt from the ballet Napoli that painted parts of the carefree character of the ballets of the Danish choreographer. Here, the interpretation of the Prague ensemble was not as spontaneous. It required still more of a vibrating tempo, spark; some of the dancers lacked “light and quick feet”.

The premiere demonstrated that the current ensemble of the National Theatre is in good condition. After so many years, it seemed to favour the strengths of the male members of the company. In addition to Richard Kročil, who comes from the National Theatre in Brno, special attention must be given to the quick-footedness of Italian dancer Mattia Mantellato and beginning dancer Petr Strnad as Gurn in La Sylphide.

More information:

www.narodni-divadlo.cz