The McNicol Ballet Collective performed the world premiere of their new production Awakenings at the Bloomsbury Theatre last weekend. The performance consisted of a 2 hour show, which included 4 different ballets, 2 behind the scenes films and an interval in a packed and dazzling performance. The show successfully maintained an engaging and impressive atmosphere throughout with a small but diverse and talented cast. McNicol’s use of timing, space and costumes created an performance which was impressive and well received by the audience in central London.
The standout piece was called Firebird Reimagined and is characterised by a strong soundtrack, athletic perfomances and exciting outfits (It was a first to see the dancers performing in sunglasses). The audience was treated to a behind the scenes film beforehand, which described the effort that was put into this piece and how it served as a modern day homage to composer Igor Stravinsky on the 50th anniversary of his death. McNicol himself, as well as the dancers, gave interviews and their insider thoughts on the process, which made the show seem more intimate and was a great addition. The Ballet itself represented a symbol of nature that liberates a young man from technology and blended a strong combination of solo, partnered and group sequences.
The other ballets, In Ecstasy, Of Silence and Bates Beats also were high quality and versatile performances which successfully inspired their audience. The dramatic lightening matched the differing moods of each ballet, and the synergy between the dancers was apparent as they powerfully completed numerous lifts and held them in postion as the sequences came to an end. McNicol Ballet Collective is a modern ballet collective that empowers, connects and unites artists to develop adventurous new works for the stage and screen alongside quality outreach projects. More information and future performances can be found at https://www.mcnicolballetcollective.co.uk/about-us#about-us-intro.
