When the magic happens - Romeo and Juliet, Royal Opera House, 25.02.2022

Occasionally, one experiences a pure magic in the theatre - an unbelievable beauty and a perfect symbiosis between the stage and the auditorium. I don't know whether it's the music that so perfectly complements the choreography or the choreography so naturally reflects the music in the movements, and - it probably doesn't matter - because one cannot imagine a better story for this iconic Prokofiev's score than MacMillan's choreography or the more suitable music for the well-known Shakespeare's love-story and Kenneth MacMillan's choreography than Prokofiev's music.

Romeo and Juliet has been in Royal ballet's repertory for a long time and it is certainly one of the most performed and loved ballet. When you watch or listen to Royal Ballet's ballerinas' talk, probably every one of them would mention the role of "Juliet" as one of the most desired one to dance and many dancers would agree that the whole choreography is simply a 'stroke of genius'.

First set of Romeo and Juliet performances (for the 2021-22 season) took place in October - November 2021 and continued again in January - February 2022. Many dancers have interpreted these iconic heroes, and each one of them have his/her own views and feeling on how to portray them. Last year, during the Pandemic lockdown, I saw this ballet on streaming starring Matthew Ball and Yasmine Naghdi as Romeo and Juliet which was fantastic because I could enjoy and get familiar with their interpretation. On Friday (the 25th February), I had a privilege to see one of the most experienced and prestigious Royal ballet's stars: Sarah Lamb and Steven McRae in person. They both have danced Romeo and Juliet many times before, but I totally believed in their portrait of two very young and freshly in-loved couple.

The long-lasting success of this ballet, however, does not rely solely on the choreography and dancers: the music - and by that I mean - the orchestra contributes in equal proportion to the overall emotional experience. Yesterday, under the direction of Alondra de la Parra, they sounded as fervent and passionate or as subtle as the score and the situation demanded it. Other important visual parts are the costumes (beautifully designed from the renaissance period) and lights - giving the spectacle the right atmosphere and mood. Performances of Romeo and Juliet are now finished (for the 2021-22 season), but if you ever want to experience that beauty and excitement over the Shakespeare's drama and MacMillan's choreography, watch out for its new revival. Swan Lake is coming back to Royal Ballet in March.