Romance and magic on stage with Cork City Ballet
EXCITEMENT is running high in the rehearsal room, and every member of the corps de ballet is on full alert. It isn’t every day that you get to warm up at the barre with stars of the Russian ballet, and they are making the most of the opportunity. See how he stretches and bends? Did you notice that unusual combination of battements she did? Every dancer, no matter how famous, how recognised, has to go through relentless daily practice, and it is this touch of common experience that gives newer performers that special thrill.
Artistic director Alan Foley is watching too, checking every step, every movement, like a hawk and occasionally pouncing, while, on the floor, dance master Yury Demakov — who himself trained with the Bolshoi — guides the action with genial good humour. It’s a sharp/soft combination that works very well.
