Denise Sum

"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,

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"The Dreamers Ever Leave You", "The Four Seasons", "Emergence"
The National Ballet of Canada
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
Toronto, Canada
February 28, 2018

The National Ballet of Canada's recent triple bill gave Toronto audience members an opportunity to experience three very different works commissioned by the company from Canadian choreographers. Though stylistically varied, each featured strong ensemble work and found inspiration from the natural world, be it the austere beauty of northern landscapes, the idiosyncrasies of