The Boston Ballet’s Jewels was definitely a show that shined through and through. A unique gem, it is composed of three acts, representing three distinct flavors and nationalities in the form of emeralds, rubies and diamonds.
The first act is made up of classical dancing with duets that suggest a love story. The dances are elegant in composition and the dancers are great at letting the dance take them over, allowing a fluid collaboration throughout. There are solos that allow the dancers to show off their strengths and abilities, while the duets and corps work together like one body in the music. Watching the dance is mesmerizing like a bonfire on a cold night.
The second act, Rubies was more contemporary with some sultry jazz influence. It was much more playful. Some of the use of form and ways they held themselves in general were reminiscent of the Spanish flamenco. There was a sense of freedom in the air, as the dancers ran about the stage, chasing one another, almost like a game of tag. Much bolder, the dancers showed true professionalism in their confidence in one another. One of the most impressive aspects of this act was that some of the dancing relied dancers “falling” on one another, leading them into another step or pace- this took much trust and good collaboration.
Finally, Diamonds, the final act picked up where the first act left off in that it was much more classical. We pick back up with the implied love story, and go on to more mature, perhaps conservative dancing. The form was more Russian than French, which can be much more delicate and graceful to the eye. In terms of their costume and posing, many of the dances reminded me of a Degas painting. Others were suggestive of the Three Graces more commonly recognized in Botticelli’s “Primavera” and in Greek mythology.
The final act was truly a work of art and the whole show is worth seeing. The Boston Ballet really out-did themselves in terms of their hard efforts and very apparent talent.
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