Not every kid is meant to go to university or college. So, it makes sense to teach them entrepreneurial skills early
Classical ballet is only seen in the Capital once a year during the Abu Dhabi Festival (ADF). For two nights in a row over the weekend, the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) performed ‘Coppelia’, an enchanting, light-hearted ballet.
The two and a half hours ballet in three acts marked the first ever performance of ABT, which is considered the USA’s national ballet company, in Abu Dhabi. “One of the leading classical ballet companies in the world, American Ballet Theatre, was a wonder to behold. Most importantly, it is the type of performance that inspires Middle Eastern audiences to realise why the theatre is such a magical place, and why dance is not a luxury or a frill, but a necessity of life,” said Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, founder of ADF, after the Friday night show.
Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, who also wrote the original ‘The Nutcracker’, the story is, of course, about love.
Coppelia is a beautiful mechanical doll created by Dr Coppelius, which rouses the affections of Franz, who is engaged to Swanilda.
An evil Dr Coppelius tries to steal Franz’s spirit to bring his mechanical doll to life, but in the world of fairy tales, all ends well, so clever Swanilda finds a way to save Franz.
Accompanied by Germany’s excellent Dresden Philharmonic orchestra, the ABT put up a magnificent performance. “As a dancer, I have been so lucky to criss-cross the globe a couple of times over. However, ABT’s appearance in Abu Dhabi is my very first visit to the UAE. I think it’s particularly gratifying to bring our art form to a new audience, and I thoroughly enjoyed dancing the role of Franz in ABT’s Coppelia at this year’s Abu Dhabi Festival,” said Daniil Simkin, principal dancer with ABT.
The festival’s main programme will end on March 31 with award-winning Lebanese pianist and arranger, Michel Fadel, who will debut in the UAE with his concert.
The evening will feature an array of traditional songs of the Levant with a contemporary electronic fusion spirit, featuring the renowned flautist and duduk (a flute like woodwind instrument from Armenia) player, Pedro Eustache.
silvia@khaleejtimes.com
Not every kid is meant to go to university or college. So, it makes sense to teach them entrepreneurial skills early
Some hotels quote Dh1,000 to Dh8,000 for standard hotel room that would usually start at around Dh345 per night
When feeling stuck in life, it's important to revise your thinking patterns
A guide on the channels to report complaints about violations at your workplace
The standout performances came from Arwa Saleh, Mohammed Al-Dhahouri and Amna Al-Loughani on the Taekwondo mat
The story of a non-resident Bangladeshi family establishing and running the famed perfume company Al Haramain and its successful subsidiaries
Matches will be played on an exclusive Saturday with no Premier League fixtures taking place on the same day
The plant to be set up in Al Bihouth area is expected to process 900,000 tonnes of waste into energy