Powerful allegory, magic wonder as ballet takes on Stravinsky

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet kicked off its mainstage season with a powerful and magical rendition of Stravinsky Stories, a tribute to the iconic Russian composer. Opening Thursday, the ballet captivated audiences with its blend of classical and contemporary elements, paying homage to Igor Stravinsky and his rich musical legacy.

The program featured Alexei Ratmansky's The Fairy's Kiss, a 50-minute work marking the choreographer's return to the RWB after over three decades. Ratmansky, once a principal dancer in the early 1990s, crafted this piece as a full-circle moment, blending the fairy tale of The Ice Maiden with Stravinsky's tribute to Tchaikovsky's romantic ballet scores.

The story follows a young man's journey, symbolized by newly minted principal dancer Skylar Campbell, as he is saved and kissed by a fairy after his mother's tragic death in a blizzard. Unbeknownst to him, the fairy is none other than the enchanting figure who tricks him on his wedding day, revealing her true identity and his ultimate destiny. The ballet, with its allegorical themes of art and sacrifice, received a special bravo for its emotional depth.

Music director Ming Luke and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra provided exceptional support throughout the performance, with the winds section particularly noteworthy. Costume designer Jerome Kaplan and set designer James F. Ingalls worked in harmony to create a visually stunning experience, ranging from folkloric attire to ethereal, translucent garments.

The program also showcased Houston Thomas’s Firebird, an innovative take on the classic Russian folklore tale set in the modern world of corporate America. Thomas’s choreography, featuring soloist Logan Savard as Ivan and Julianna Generoux as the Firebird, enchanted the audience with its magical elements and powerful storytelling. Supporting artists, including Taisi Tollasepp as Kat, added warmth and grace to the production, though some sections felt slightly disjointed.