Romeo & Juliet
By John Neumeier
Royal Danish Ballet
The Old Stage
October 23, 2001
Having seen and followed John Neumeier´s “Romeo & Juliet” since the first run in 1974, I have considered myself an expert on this ballet.
Today, I realized that the Neumeier “Romeo & Juliet” is very dependent, not only on John Neumeiers choreography, but also equally as much as the leading dancers skills, not only in steps but also in acting skills. These components fills the basic of the success of “Romeo & Juliet”.
Looking back to 1974 the casting was limited to no more than two dancers for each role, and often down to one dancer. This is not a strategy that suits our Artistic Director Nikolaj Hübbe. He is keen to give as many dancers opportunities to be more on stage and getting bigger roles.
Looking at the two latest performances of “Romeo & Juliet” I have seen, the first one was totally outstanding not only by Principal Ida Praetorius, but also by particular Principal Jon Axel Fransson as Mercurtio, Benjamin Buza as Tybalt, Soloist Tobias Praetorius as Benvolio and others.
However, for last nights´ performance, Nikolaj Hübbe shifted several of the above-mentioned team and gave the roles to a group of dancers from abroad, who has recently joined the RDB corps. Several of this group had significantly trouble with acting and communicating their roles.
I fully understand that Nikolaj Hübbe needs to get the newcomers online. However, they could not yet fill the roles or act them. I am sure it will come with time. However, it did limit the experience and joy for the audience.
Who really filled the place last night was Young Soloist Stephanie Chen Gundorph as Lady Capulet. I am sure that she would be an excellent Juliet if giving the chance. Alban Lendorf took on the role as Lord Capulet with a great performance. He showed to be a good character dancer.
Back on Track
The greatest gift was to have Principal Dancer Andreas Kaas back on stage as Romeo, following a longer injury. Andreas Kaas is not only a strong and elegant dancer, he is also an outstanding actor, who carry “Romeo and Juliet” in the full run of the ballet.
Last night he partnered Soloist Wilma Giglio, the Argentinian dancer, who joined RDB in 2014 and have filled roles like the Sylphide, Odette/Odile in “Swan Lake” and several other roles. Save these roles, “Romeo & Juliet” is her greatest challenge as an acting dancer. She started rather timid as Juliet, but found her way to a strong mature Juliet.
It has been five years since Royal Danish Ballet has appointed a Principal female dancer, and before last night, the numbers was down to four. I am therefore glad to say that there are more talent in the company as Nikolaj Hübbe promoted Wilma Giglio as Principal Dancer.
Nikolaj Hübbe speak from the stage included:
”Wilma is a truly outstanding talent who has an instinctive urge and joy to work as a dancer. She has shown both the public and herself many times, how well she can perform even the greatest roles, including - Alice, La Sylphide, Odette/Odile, Juliet, Sugarplum Fairy adding a personal gift as well. We cannot help falling in love with her.”"
Wilma Giglio is born in 1994 in Argentina. She has studied in Canada National Ballet School in Toronto and joined Royal Danish Ballet I 2014, became Soloist in 2018 and Principal Dancer Last Night.
Photos:
1.Wilma Giglio as Juliet
Photo by Natascha Rydvald
Copyright (c)
Royal Danish Ballet
2. Andreas Kaas as Romeo
Photo by Henrik Steenberg
Copyright(c)
Royal Danish Ballet
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