From top – Katarina Gajic (20, Perth), Brent Carson (18, Waikiki) and Portia Secker (18, Sorrento).
Camera IconFrom top – Katarina Gajic (20, Perth), Brent Carson (18, Waikiki) and Portia Secker (18, Sorrento). Credit: Supplied/Andrew Ritchie d488426.

WAAPA dancers on Verge of performing Suite Romantique at Geoff Gibbs Theatre

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

VERGE is WAAPA’s graduation performance for third-year dance students, providing them with the opportunity to work with invited choreographers and composers in preparation for their chosen industry.

This year’s season at Geoff Gibbs Theatre, from November 17 to 24, features a diverse program, opening with Suite Romantique, a traditional work choreographed by classical ballet coordinator Kim McCarthy.

The only piece on the program to be performed en pointe, Suite Romantique, is a collage of works featuring excerpts from La Sylphide, Giselle and Les Sylphides.

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Another highlight will be a creative piece by McCarthy to a specially commissioned work by Italian composer-pianist Ciro Barbato.

“The romantic style is an important part of ballet technique and therefore necessary to study and perform,” McCarthy said.

“I was inspired by the works of Fokine, Petipa and Bournonville and wanted to pay tribute to these great artists.

“Lyrical, expressive and graceful, Suite Romantique is a celebration of the romantic ballerina. All of the ballets are romantic in style, so this helps to create cohesion.

“I have also used the central figure of the Sylph to create a common theme throughout the works.”

McCarthy said the romantic style was a difficult genre for the modern dancer to grasp.

“It has been an interesting learning curve for the students, as some of the subtleties and nuances are far removed from today’s dynamic aesthetic,” he said.

“In saying that, they have responded with dedication and commitment to the work, and have been especially inspired by working with Ciro Barbato.”

Contemporary works on the night will include new creations by local dance legend Sue Peacock, visiting international choreographer Filipa Peraltinha and a remount of Rafael Bonachela’s 2 in D Minor by award-winning dancer Dave Mack.

UPDATE:

The Verge season was moved to Regal Theatre after this story was published.

The change is due to unforeseen technical challenges at the original venue, the Geoff Gibbs Theatre at Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley.

Verge will now take place at the Regal Theatre on Tuesday 20, Wednesday 21, Thursday 22 and Friday 23 November from 7.30pm.

Please note that the previously advertised performances on Saturday 17, Monday 19 and Saturday 24 November have been cancelled.

All tickets will be honoured, although if patrons need to change their tickets the WAAPA Box Office team can accommodate on telephone (08) 9370 6895 or (08) 9370 6636.

The WAAPA Box Office team are in the process of contacting all patrons to advise of these changes.