An exhilarating new season of ballet, captured live in high definition direct from the most prestigious ballet companies in the world.

Le Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris is one of the world’s finest companies. Its repertoire is incredibly extensive, ranging from major romantic and classical ballets to creations by the most prestigious contemporary choreographers. With dancers of an average of twenty-five years of age, its corps de ballet is one of the youngest in the world and perform up to 180 performances per season in Paris, throughout France and abroad.
 

The State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia is an international symbol of Russian culture and traditions, the Bolshoi’s productions meet the highest international standards. With a wide repertoire ranging from national classics and worldwide masterpieces to grandiose new productions, the Bolshoi aims to place its classical heritage into the context of a modern Russian society and embrace new approaches to creative work as well as new technologies.

Screening Details

BALLET – PARIS OPERA: Romeo et Juliette 16^th JUNE 2012

Performed by l’Opéra national de Paris Ballet

The legend of the martyred lovers of Verona, immortalised by Shakespeare, is revisited for the Paris Opera Ballet by one of the key figures of contemporary dance, Sasha Waltz. To Berlioz’s dramatic symphony, combining music, song and dance, the choreographer evokes all the emotion inherent in this tragic love story.

BALLET – BOLSHOI: Raymonda 21st JULY 2012

Performed by the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia. Ballet in 3 acts

Founded in 1898 at the Mariinsky Theatre, the last ‘grand ballet of the 19^thcentury, Raymonda is a masterpiece which is symbolic of a key period for classical ballet. Although the collaboration between Marius Petipa and Alexander Glazunov was difficult (Petipa was by then an experienced choreographer whilst Glazunov was a novice at creating music for ballet), Raymondabecame an overnight success in Russia. This new choreographic version from Yuri Grigorovich dates back from 2003.

At the castle of Countess Sybil de Daurice, Raymonda is celebrating her birthday. She is also about to bid farewell to her fiancé, knight Jean de Brienne, who is going on a crusade. At night time, on her own, Raymonda falls asleep and dreams that she is taken to a magical garden where she is reunited with her fiancé. Suddenly, Jean de Brienne disappears and an arab sheik takes his place and declares his passion for her. Raymonda is forced to accept. When she wakes, Raymonda discovers with horror that her nightmare has become reality...