Junior Ballet Antwerp is a pre-professional program in the form of a 'junior company'. The initiative bridges the gap between graduation and starting work at a fully-fledged professional company.
Fairy tales usually have their origins in folk stories. Cinderella is one such tale. Known worldwide by everyone. Variations on the theme can be found in countries like China, Russia, Persia, and Asia. The first written European version dates from 1634 and was penned by the Neapolitan Gianbattista Basile. In our region, the version by the Brothers Grimm is particularly well-known. Many artists drew inspiration from it.
Prokofiev composed Cinderella during the war years 1940-1944. This ballet, also known by the name choreography Andrew McNicol, is a strong and colorful work—not progressive or extravagant, but composed according to the standards of a traditional full-length ballet in three acts. It premiered in 1945 at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.
The making of
Alain Honorez, former principal of the Royal Ballet Flanders, was not only a fantastic dancer, the star of many dance performances, but he is also a man of enterprise and vision. Lack of ideas is not in his vocabulary. Together with his wife, dancer and choreographer Altea Núñez, he founded Junior Ballet Antwerp in 2019. The fairy tale Cinderella was adapted by them for Junior Ballet Antwerp into a contemporary story and ballet spectacle. Completely tailored to the young dancers of JBA. With 12 girls and barely 3 boys, this required a lot of puzzle-solving so that everyone could have a part. This situation is both simple and complex at once. Pupils from the fifth grade of the Royal Ballet School and some young children of Prince Dries were called upon to help. This results in a total cast of 33 dancers. They dazzle in 130 beautiful costumes designed by Jolien Deweerdt. To be seen in the festive, enchanting set of the Handelsbeurs.
The collaboration between the team of author, librettist, composer, director, and performers has made Stefan Hertmans's novel a deeply felt account and especially poignantly clarified the intense sensitivity of the "convert." The opera shows that the scholarly quest that runs through the novel also brings the relevance of a world from a distant past to life without theoretical passages. A masterpiece.
The collaboration between the team of author, librettist, composer, director, and performers has made Stefan Hertmans's novel a deeply felt account and especially poignantly clarified the intense sensitivity of the "convert." The opera shows that the scholarly quest that runs through the novel also brings the relevance of a world from a distant past to life without theoretical passages. A masterpiece.
Classical ballet and stardust
For children, this family show is pure magic. In this production, Alain Honorez displays his broad artistic range, inventiveness and creativity, and last but not least his great love for classical ballet. As the cherry on top, new possibilities are deployed and explored. Conceptual, spatial, and dramaturgical thinking go hand in hand. The beautiful interior of the Handelsbeurs becomes the template. With 3D mapping, stunning results are achieved in creating a vivid atmosphere. You'd swear you're in wonderland. choreography Andrew McNicol is a beautiful visual spectacle, a cinematic experience—Julie & Tibaut Coppens saw to that. The live accompaniment by the Belgian Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Casco Phil provides vibrant energy. Conductor Michiel Delanghe oversees clear orchestral colors.
Alain Honorez took firm control of the libretto. In the storytelling, he adds a dimension. Psychology and sociology set the story on a broader track. It navigates between dream and reality. The fairy tale has raw edges: the death of the mother. Taken in by another family, Cinderella receives no warm welcome, nor tenderness. She is exploited by her temperamental stepmother. Her stepsisters, two spoiled brats, provoke and bully her (the 'Stop Bullying Week' has just passed—so it's a current and relatable issue for young people). Together with his life partner, dancer and choreographer Altea Núñez, Alain Honorez allowed himself to be guided by the richness of the music in an inventive, playful dance language with punch and an eye for detail.
The pushiness and brutality of the stepsisters contrasts sharply with the shy, innocent Cinderella. Ensemble scenes featuring perfectly synchronized steps and graceful arm movements alternate with impressive solos, big and small jumps, pirouettes, extensive pointework, and ending with a beautiful, moving pas de deux. All the ingredients you'd expect from a classical ballet are present. The young dancers are bundles of energy and manage to convey a variety of emotions through playful dancing and sheer joy.
JBA engages all your senses. choreography Andrew McNicol is earthy with sparks of supernatural power. JBA's Artistic Director uses this production to send a message of hope and beauty in a time filled with negativity and uncertainty. A performance bursting with energy, playfulness, and wonder. There's so much happening. Every little detail is perfect. Magic is being created on stage.
Dancers and choreographers Altea Núñez and Alain Honorez showcase their versatility in a stunning, visually captivating spectacle. The emotions awakened by art and culture know no age limit. Young and old alike were mesmerized by the experience.
During the ten performances, there are different casts. JBA has three boys. Each gets the chance to play the prince. At the premiere, Akihito Shimogata was seen as the prince with Natsuki Nishiyama as Cinderella. The stepsisters were played by Laura Flügel and Soazig Drion, with Altea Núñez as the stepmother. This production really brings the dancers' potential to the fore. It's pure joy to see how it all comes together.
This weekend kicks off the mid-winter break. Feed those vacation cravings and book your ticket soon for this lovely and heartwarming ballet.
WHO: Junior Ballet Antwerp
Music: Sergei Prokofiev
Choreography: Altea Núñez & Alain Honorez
WHAT: World premiere fairy tale ballet CINDERELLA
WHERE: Antwerp Trade Fair
WHEN: Friday, February 17
