Virginia National Ballet Presents ‘Snow White’
Love was in the air on Valentine’s Day when the curtain rose on the Virginia National Ballet’s “Snow White.” Their timing was perfect – what better way to celebrate the season of romance than with one of the most beloved fairytales of all time?
Snow White (Nicole Ramirez) and The Prince (Livan Gonzalez) surrounded by the Woodland Creatures performed by VNB Students
The audience came to engage and enjoy with much sparkle and finery. My party consisted of my friend and her young ballerina daughter. We arrived after battling Friday evening rush hour in full sparkle and pink regalia. I caught myself smiling throughout the performance.
Under the direction of award-winning choreographer, Rafik Hegab, the production transformed the classic Disney fairytale into an endearing ballet for audiences of all ages. The choreography presented seamless imagery while highlighting the talents of the dancers. The dancers brought to life themes of love’s victory over darkness, bonds between friends, and a pure heart’s ultimate success.
The sophisticated staging and beautiful costuming served as the perfect canvas for the company’s masterful artistry. They truly transported the viewer into an enchanted realm. The lush backdrops created a mysterious forest, a cold castle with a “live” mirror, and the dwarves‘ adorable cottage. The lyrical musical score of Bogdan Pavlovsky sounded familiar yet refined while featuring tunes from the movie. The multiple layers of nostalgic charm, eye-opening scenery, and excellent storytelling through professional ballet made this production sparkle. The inclusion of ballet school students as the woodland creatures gave the audience and the dancers a taste of preparation and performance. The stage of the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, Virginia made a perfect setting for the ballet.
The joyful Dwarves, each with unique choreography brought peels of laughter from the audience
The company’s international ensemble of twenty dancers brought elegant depth to this performance. The diverse cast represents talent from eight countries including the USA, Brazil, Cuba, Japan, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Nicaragua, and Canada. Each dancer imbued the production with a rich tapestry of artistic excellence. Their technical accuracy and emotional expressiveness brought each character beautifully to life – from Snow White’s impressive graceful innocence to the exquisitely menacing Evil Queen and her “Shadows,” to the mysterious Huntsman and the beguiling Prince, and of course, the Dwarves . . . pure joy! My favorite? The Queen.
The company’s decision to present “Snow White” during the Valentine’s season reflects their culture of bold programming. They have been voted the Best of Prince William County in Inside Nova’s Best Of for three years 2022-2024. The Virginia National Ballet pushes artistic boundaries while honoring classical traditions. Under the leadership of Managing Director Elysabeth Muscat and Artistic Director Rafik Hegab, the Company has earned their place among Virginia’s premier ballet institutions. The company performs a broad variety of ballet from “Led Zepllelin” last April to the holiday favorite, Nutcracker, at Christmastime. This is a company with a “two edged” sword. It is not surprising that almost every seat was taken.
For those seeking an affordable quality ballet experience, this one will put a smile on everyone’s face. There is one more chance to enjoy this production on March 1 at Capital One Hall. Visit the website for tickets. Here is a brief video from an earlier season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mF2mSJ_irlc.
As a first-time viewer and a bit of a ballet sceptic, I was delighted by the authenticity, technical accuracy, and charming emotional storytelling by the company. This production has made me eagerly anticipating the company’s April 27th Bohemian Rhapsody , at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
I wish Virginia National Ballet the best as they prepare for their exciting NYC debut of Bohemian Rhapsody in May at the Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York City.
*Photo Credit: Photos by Dave Pearson – courtesy of Virginia National Ballet Company
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