Denise Sum

The Test of Time

The Test of Time


"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

By Denise Sum
Reality and Illusions

Reality and Illusions


"The Dream" and "Being and Nothingness"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
November 10, 2018


The National Ballet of Canada's fall mixed program featured two contrasting and complimentary one act works. First was a revival of Sir Frederick Ashton's "The Dream", arguably one of the most successful dance adaptations of Shakespeare's work. This provided a wonderful chance to see a new generation of dancers in this timeless piece. Next was principal dancer

By Denise Sum
Too Much

Too Much


"Anna Karenina"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
November 10, 2018


The National Ballet of Canada has taken a liking to John Neumeier's full-length dance dramas over the past decade with performances of "The Seagull", "Nijinsky", and "A Streetcar Named Desire". His latest work to enter the repertoire, "Anna Karenina", is a new commission and a joint effort between the NBoC, Hamburg Ballet, and Bolshoi Ballet. Leo Tolstoy's epic story needs no

By Denise Sum
Romance, Hard Times and Comic Relief

National Ballet of Canada

Romance, Hard Times and Comic Relief


"Paz de la Jolla", "The Man in Black", "Cacti"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
June 13, 2018


The NBoC closed their 2017-2018 season with a triple bill of 21st century works featuring the company premiere of Justin Peck's sunny 2013 creation, "Paz de la Jolla". This is the first ballet by the NYCB wunderkind to enter the NBoC's repertoire. Joined by James Kudelka's country-infused "The Man in Black" and Alexander Ekman's

By Denise Sum
Movements That Are Drawn

National Ballet of Canada

Movements That Are Drawn


"Frame by Frame"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
June 1, 2018 


When the National Ballet of Canada announced a full length commission from Guillaume Côté, some may have had their doubts. Côté is a brilliant performer, but his work as a choreographer has been uneven. His 2016 adaptation of "Le Petit Prince" did not instill much confidence in his ability to craft a coherent narrative work. Furthermore, this

By Denise Sum