Aki Nishio is all action when it comes to ballet: daughter of two star dancers, trained in Japan, America, and Antwerp, she stands out as a soloist in iconic ballets, as a dance teacher and founder of her own ballet company, and as a respected choreographer. She is the driving force behind memorable ballet productions that Mechelen has been privileged to enjoy.
After 'The Nutcracker,' which wrapped up 2025 in festive fashion, she now surprised young and old alike with her version of 'Snow White.' The theater wasn't packed to the rafters, but it was buzzing with enthusiasm from plenty of young audiences. We were curious too. Detaching a masterpiece like 'Snow White' from the magic Walt Disney created seems almost sacrilegious. Imitating is out of the question. Breathing an entirely different life into it is equally problematic. From all these possibilities, Aki created a delightful synthesis.
There was a delightfully charming Snow White in a brilliant yellow skirt and blue bodice. And she wielded her broom with considerable skill. Yes, there was a terrifying evil witch and an irresistible fire-red apple. And a beautiful, graceful prince whom we would have loved to see in a more extended pas-de-deux at the finale.
Creative
They moved to music by Stravinsky, Mussorgsky, and Shostakovich. Snow White's four companions wore tutus shaped like giant flower petals. Together with one gigantic mushroom and a forest of bright green rays, this cleverly suggested nature. The little animals were playful dancers and each one distinctly recognizable. The dwarfs looked like they'd stepped straight out of our modern world, in their oversized cardigans and funny, colorful caps. No tiny beds, but occasional magical spirits!
Brussels City Ballet
It all seemed quite playful but was underpinned by the training, discipline, and dedication we rightly associate with Brussels City Ballet, which Aki Nishio founded in 2022. With this wealth of international stars, she's coming to cc Wolubilis on April 25, 2026 and to Zwanenberg in Heist-o/d-Berg in mid-June with 'Sleeping Beauty.' Hopefully these venues will be more ballet-minded than Mechelen, where lesser attractions seem to draw more attention...
A chat-and-selfie session in the foyer with happy young dancers-to-be is a good step in the right direction.
