Esmeralda enchants critics and audience

When New Jersey Ballet presented the full-length classic ballet, Esmeralda, on April 22 at the company's 45th anniversary gala at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, the production drew applause from both critics and other audience members.

Anna Kisselgoff said in The New York Times: "'Esmeralda' had its premiere in London in 1844 and was preserved in the repertory of Russian companies since 1848. Now, in a new, ambitious and smoothly sustained staging, the New Jersey Ballet has given Americans a rare look at a full three-act 'Esmeralda'."

" One of the virtues of the New Jersey Ballet production is that its three acts preserve the clear dramatic structure of the original…the academic variations in Act II have a pearl-like luster. Michelle de Fremery was outstanding in her style and high jetés as the sister of Fleur de Lys, here danced with long-legged allure by Saule Rachmedova. Gabriella Noa, Christina Theryoung, Albert Davydov and Andres Neira offered a stylish pas de quatre.

" At the opposite stylistic pole is the 'Diana and Acteon' duet…Mari Sugawa and David Tamaki did not aim for its Soviet heroics and danced with refreshing naturalness. The third act is an opportunity for major dance acting. Special mention goes to Tuvshin Bold as Frollo and Konstantin Dournev as Quasimodo.

" The ballet was admirably carried throughout by the dancing of Julia Vorobyeva as Esmeralda, always correct in character and technique. Andrei Jouravlev was a striking Phoebus.

" With a new mix of Americans and dancers from the former Soviet Union, the New Jersey Ballet, directed by its founder, Carolyn Clark, has impressively raised its technical level and its sights. After this one-night gala, New Jersey's 'Esmeralda' should be seen again."

The Newark Star-Ledger's dance critic, Robert Johnson, wrote: "This colorful and dramatic production…is indeed a dream come true. The climatic scene…ranks alongside Giselle's mad scene…as one of the foremost opportunities for a ballerina-actress. At this moment, Julia Vorobyeva, NJB's Esmeralda, expressed her disillusionment with a heartbreaking tenderness, crowning the wonderful lightness and fragility of her dancing throughout the evening.

" Tempestuous NJB principal Saule Rachmedova stepped into the thoroughly classical role of Fleur de Lys…with style and dignity, revealing a new facet of her artistry. Andrei Jouravlev played Phoebus as a calculating cad, looking powerful in his Act II solo.

" Another fascinating ballerina, Era Korotaeva, added a spicy drop of intrigue to her portrayal of Esmeralda's gypsy friend and reflected the sorrows of the oppressed with her deep backbends in Act III.

" Innocent-looking Tuvshin Bold was a good choice to play the malevolent priest, Claude Frollo…leading the cast of soloists was Michelle de Fremery, always outstanding. Two new company members, Rafael Ferraras and Albert Davydov, made their presence known with strong performances, while David Tamaki continues to make strides…"

" A company with the vision and talent to revive a long-lost masterpiece deserves better than a one-night stand."

Robert Johnson selected Esmeralda as one of the top ten dance performances of 2004. He considered all types of dance by major international companies. There's another chance to see this memorable, seldom-performed ballet. Esmeralda will be presented in 2005 on April 2nd at 7 pm in the Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg. Get your tickets now!

< Back