Sky Arts' new series is just a very long trailer for the English National Ballet's upcoming production of The Nutcracker
Sky Arts' new series is just a very long trailer for the English National Ballet's upcoming production of The NutcrackerBut the opening episode of this three-part documentary series was, frankly, insipid. Without any friction, it felt more like a very long trailer for the live ballet than entertainment in its own right. I could have used an affair, an argument, or even just a bit of gentle rivalry to up the ante.
That could all be on the way, of course, as the job of this first instalment seemed to be mainly to set the scene. We met everyone from the principal dancers – Ivana Bueno as Clara, and Gabriele Frola as her nutcracker prince – to the choreographers and costume designers, and it was by turns thrilling and tedious to see how the ballet sausage was made. Though I couldn’t shake the feeling that it would ultimately be more fun to just to watch the end performance.
But while the enduring popularity of its central show made this documentary feel more accessible – who can resist the dance of the sugar plum fairy? – it didn’t do much to dispel the idea of ballet as elitist or pretentious. Segments about how to dye silk or darn pointe shoes seemed geared towards ballet aficionados rather than the average viewer who couldn’t find anything else to watch, and there was an assumption that you could already speak the technical language of professional ballet.
Of course, the proof will be in the pudding – and I look forward to seeing the final production, which will also show on Sky Arts on 23 December and shows every sign of being a triumph. But while I’ve never staged a world class ballet, things must surely go wrongwas ultimately too reverent of its subject matter to deliver on the “backstage” part of its titular promise. Don’t invite us behind the curtain if you’re not willing to show us what’s really there.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
They were accused of 'ruining people's lives'...but what do people think now?Twenty years ago campaigners fought to stop the construction of Scout Moor windfarm. Now developers want to double it in size, has the passage of time changed people's minds?
Read more »
Sky Glass and Sky Stream Introduce New Music Channels to Fill Void Left by ClosuresSky Glass and Sky Stream have introduced a variety of music channels, including NOW 70s, NOW 80s, NOW ROCK, NOW 90s and 00s, and Clubland TV, to their platform to address the gap caused by previous closures. The move aims to cater to music enthusiasts who still find value in music video channels despite the rise of on-demand streaming services.
Read more »
People are slashing £468 off Sky bills with one cable changeMany homes across the country still have a Sky dish on the side of the walls or chimney
Read more »
The Mancunian Way: 'For the people, by the people'Inside the tiny radio station pulling in superstar guests and giving a voice to it community
Read more »
Shoppers rushing to Poundland for ‘bargain’ 60cm nutcracker Christmas decorationThe wooden nutcracker decorations will look great standing to attention on your fireplace or by the Christmas tree
Read more »
Queen Margrethe II Reveals Her Hidden Talent in The Nutcracker ProductionQueen Margrethe II, who abdicated the Danish throne in January 2023, showcased her talents as a set and costume designer for a production of The Nutcracker at Tivoli's Concert Hall in Copenhagen.
Read more »