Aladdin was great!
by Anonymous on 3/26/14Auditorium Theatre - ChicagoFirst time I've seen Houston Ballet and a first to see Aladdin presented as a classical ballet! I enjoyed very much and appreciated the innovative choreography, lavish scenery, sets and costume designs. How refreshing compared to the same old Nutcracker and Swan Lake themes. I love those classical scores, but the stories and hence the dancing, so overdone by every regional and major ballet company in the world, is wearing thin...though I know everyone expects a good Nut to start the holiday season and financially support the rest of the year. I'm a local balletomane so my support defaults to Joffrey, the hometown team. However, Houston Ballet impressed me, especially the two lead dancers...well suited to each other who presented excellent, professional pas de deux. Saw a missed lift and not-so-great executed pirouettes from other dancers, but that was the ballet teacher analyzing instead of the audience member enjoying the moment. Overall, Houston has many great Aladdin moments and a lovely production that needs repeating.