Denise Sum

"A Streetcar Named Desire"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
March 2, 2022 

The National Ballet of Canada is back with full capacity performances at last. The pandemic delayed many retirements and planned farewell performances for dancers around the world. Thankfully, principal dancer Sonia Rodriguez was able to hold out and close a remarkable 32 years in the company with a run as Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire." It

"Serenade", "Angels' Atlas"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
November 11, 2021

Having endured one of the longest lockdowns in the world, the pent up desire for connection and live performance in Toronto has been palpable. The National Ballet of Canada’s triumphant return to the stage after 20 months was cause for joyous celebration, an opening night like no other. The evening consisted of two great ensemble pieces: George Balanchine’s

"Romeo and Juliet"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
March 11, 2020

Before Toronto (and much of the world) went on lockdown, the National Ballet of Canada gave a spirited performance of Alexei Ratmansky's "Romeo and Juliet". The original cast from the world premiere in 2011, Guillaume Côté and Elena Lobsanova, shone as the passionate yet doomed lovers. They were supported by a strong supporting ensemble, as well as by Ratmansky's evocative

"Chroma", "Marguerite and Armand", "Angels' Atlas"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
February 29, 2020

The National Ballet of Canada's winter mixed program was a strong one, highlighted by the world premiere of Crystal Pite's captivating "Angels' Atlas", her second ballet commissioned by the NBoC. She created the powerful "Emergence" for the company in 2009 and "Angels' Atlas" follows in a similar stylistic vein while still feeling fresh. This program also marks

"Etudes", "Piano Concerto #1", "Petite Mort"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
November 15, 2019

The National Ballet of Canada latest triple bill brought a balanced mix of pure classical ballet technique and more contem- porary movement. Between Harald Lander's "Etudes", Alexei Ratmansky's "Piano Concerto #1", and Jiří Kylián's "Petite Mort", the program played to the strengths of the company's corps de ballet and highlighted many principal dancers and soloists. Together, these

"Orpheus Alive", "Chaconne"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
November 15, 2019

The Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has inspired countless creative works over the years. The National Ballet of Canada's choreographic associate, Robert Binet, is the latest dancemaker to interpret this classic love story with his ballet "Orpheus Alive". It is a sweeping, large-scale work with a cast of 45 dancers and a running time of 73 minutes. Rather than

"Giselle"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
November 6, 2019

The National Ballet of Canada opened their 2019-2020 season with a respectful look to the past. "Giselle" is an iconic touchstone for any classical company. Sir Peter Wright's production keeps the story of love and forgiveness front and centre, told through unadorned movement and mime. Whether the narrative, involving a nobleman in disguise, forest spirits, and death by dancing, comes across as

"The Merry Widow"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
June 19, 2019

The National Ballet of Canada bid farewell to one of its most beloved principal dancers, Xiao Nan Yu, with Ronald Hynd's splashy ballet "The Merry Widow" set in fin de siècle Paris. It is a love story with humour, elegance and lively classical and character dancing – a perfect showcase for Yu's artistic gifts. The whole company came together to

"The Vertiginous Thrill of Exactitude", "Approximate Sonata", "The Second Detail"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
June 1, 2019

The National Ballet of Canada's latest triple bill was a whirlwind tour through William Forsythe's choreographic world. The program was short, clocking in at just over one hour of dance (excluding the intermission), yet dense with a variety of terpsichorean riches. The dancers really sunk their teeth into the three works, using them

The 13th International Competition for The Erik Bruhn Prize
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
March 23, 2019

The Erik Bruhn Prize is a unique competition, geared towards young dancers between the ages of 18 and 23 who are already dancing professionally. Established by Bruhn in his will to recognize emerging talent, participants come from companies with which he was affiliated during his distinguished career. Each company's artistic director selects one male and one female dancer to

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" 
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
March 7, 2019

The National Ballet of Canada's winter season coincides with March break and as usual presents a crowd favourite meant to attract families and new audience members, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Christopher Wheeldon's brilliant version, a co-production with The Royal Ballet, has been a hit since its premiere in 2011. While the plot twists and spectacular special effects are

"Apollo", "Night", "The Sea Above, The Sky Below", "Paquita"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada 
March 1, 2019 

The National Ballet of Canada's winter mixed program featured an pleasing blend of old and new works, from the grand classical showpiece "Paquita" to the company premiere of Julia Adam's "Night". Artistic Director Karen Kain has a knack for putting together a well-rounded mixed program that makes for a satisfying evening of