Denise Sum

"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

"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

"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