chroma.

One of the perks of my part-time lifeguard job is getting to be in the thick of what the National Ballet of Canada is up to each year.

Every season, the company puts on a mix of classic and modern ballet pieces, some more well-received than others.

I have only been to the Four Seasons Centre for a performance once. My friend and I went in the middle of winter to see Romeo and Juliet, and were enamoured to finally get to be inside the glass building.

The ballet took my breath away. I am continually fascinated how the company is able to tell a story (or play) that has iconic dialogue with solely movement.

Last night, I had the privilege to go behind the glass walls again to see the company perform Chroma, a ballet based on the music of band The White Stripes.

Chroma was part of three pieces performed by the principal and first/second soloists of the company, and was the standout performance of the evening. The stage was covered in a white backdrop and floor covering, which switched between bright and soft light following the music.

The dancers, clad in nude, almost-naked looking costumes were beyond exquisite. First choreographed for The Royal Ballet, the ballet features three songs by The White Stripes' Jack White, and a few original compositions all in a string format. Compared to the two pieces they had performed earlier in the evening (Song of a Wayfarer and Elite Syncopations, both often reprised) you could see not only on their faces, but through their entire bodies this was a fun ballet to perform.

Every movement, sequence and gravity-defying lift and spin was precise and perfectly on time with the music, and not even a finger was out of place.

Needless to say, even from my seat in the upper fifth ring, my mind was completely blown away. In particular, first soloist Tina Pereira was the star of the evening. Her hyper-extended legs and 200 degree extension even had the ballet students around my gasping. I would not be surprised if she moves up to a principal position in the near future - hardly anyone could keep their eyes off her.

Here is an excerpt from Chroma by the Royal Ballet below:


The National Ballet of Canada will perform Songs of a Wayfarer, Elite Syncopations and Chroma until Sunday, June 17 at the Four Seasons Centre.