A gem of a ballet

3:12pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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Rick Bowen reviews the mesmerising Kirov Ballet at the Lowry, 5 out of 5 THEY say you can't improve on perfection but, after sitting through a performance by the Kirov Ballet, I've started to wonder whether its actually possible.

Surely this has to be the best dance company in the world - the level of grace and elegance the performers attain actually beggars belief. On more than one occasion, sitting in the stalls of the Lowry's Lyric Theatre, I actually had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

I saw the Kirov on Tuesday night when this richly gifted ensemble performed George Balanchine's ballet Jewels. Jewels is a piece of work in three parts - Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds.

It's a work of contrasts, Emeralds, set to the mouth watering music of Faure, was a sedate affair, Rubies, featuring the music of Stravinsky was a busy, bustling affair and Diamonds, my favourite of the three, was again mellow and mesmerising.

There wasn't a story to Jewels. The ballet simply gave the performers the chance to show just what they can do and believe me, there really is no limit to their talents.

Budding ballet dancers will either find the Kirov inspiring or leave the theatre utterly depressed, knowing the high standard they have to aspire to.

Much has been made of the Kirov Ballet's ticket prices. The best seats in the house will set you back £95.

But how often do world class ballet companies visit this area?

I, for one, would pay £95 a ticket without moment's hesitation but I'm hugely fortunate in that I don't have to do so.

At the time of writing a few tickets remained for the performances of Don Quixote on Friday and Saturday night and if you do fork out for a ticket, I guarantee you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.

Rick Bowen * Until Saturday.