Any reviews, please? I've read they are bringing some of their "classics"... Thanks in advance!!

Stuttgart Ballet came to Japan after its eight years absence. The company performed John Cranko's Romeo and Juliet and Taming of Shrew, and I saw both in Tokyo.

As far as I can see, Sue Jin Kan won the biggest praise among other dancers in these performances. In R&J, Sue Jin Kan/Robert Tewsley and Yseult Lendvai/Vladimir Malakhov were casted in Juliet/Romeo. Kan was beautiful, delicate, and really passionate Juliet. I adored her exceptional expression. The pairing of Kan and Tewsley was fine. The passion and dynamism they showed in the balcony scene were far beyond the other pair Lendvai/Malakhov. Marcia Haydee performed Lady Capulet was a big present for Japanese ballet goers.

Sue Jin Kan was fine as Kate in Shrew, too. She completely changed from a lovely young girl to a rough, crabby shrew. Philip Balanchievich (sp?) was really handsome Petrouchio. His strong techniques excited the audience.

The dancers were generally well trained. I've never seen a company such that all dancers had so beautiful legs! I hope the company returns again soon with Cranko's another masterpiece, Onegin.

[ February 12, 2002: Message edited by: TATSU ]

Tatsu, thanks for your report! Glad you enjoyed the performances - and your feeling about Lendvai/Malakhov in R&J is exactly the same I had when I saw them in "Lady of the Camellias". (I have, however, seen Yseult Lendvai with other partners, and then I thought their rapport was much better....)