Exclusif

The highlights of the ballet were: Act I Snow Queen and King pas de deux. The pas de deux was performed by professional dancer Emilie Curran who demonstrated exquisite technique. Curran had amazing extensions and her turns seemed effortless. Equally wonderful were the masterful partnering skills that were demonstrated by local Maryland, Goucher College student, Omari Contaste. 

Another highlight was in Act II: the Arabian pas de deux. Arabian was performed by professional dancer, Desiree Koontz-Nachtrieb and Omari Contaste. Koontz-Nachtrieb and Contaste demonstrated wonderful onstage chemistry, as they performed the inherently sensual pas de deux. I was captivated throughout the piece, as I watched Koontz-Nachtrieb weave a heady spell over her partner and was in turn was captured and possessed by Contaste at the end of the dance. Koontz-Nachtrieb meshed lovely technique: high extensions, feats of extreme flexibility and strength, with great stage presence. Contaste had more dancing in this dance than in Snow King and also demonstrated solid technique as well as his wonderful partnering skills. 

I certainly hope to see more of Curran, Koontz-Nachtrieb and Contaste dancing with HCB!

I must mention high school student and HCB company apprentice, Hannah Robinson. She valiantly attempted the role of Sugar Plum Fairy. Robinson deserves a heartfelt bravo for dancing such an extremly difficult role! There were many moments of Robinson’s dancing that were very well done for such a young student! It seemed to me that she was injured and that it was injury was casing issues to arise periodically throughout her dancing. I am very empressed with her professionalism in keeping a lovely smile on her face as she danced with injury. Many older, professional dancers could and should learn from this beautiful young dancer! 

The Howard County Ballet in Ellicott City Maryland provides a wonderful opportunity for the general community to see 2 full length story ballets a year. The majority of performances, HCB performs to a live orchestra. Sadly many larger dance companies are seeking to save money by using “canned” i.e. prerecorded sound tracks,so it is extremely noteworthy that HCB is keeping the tradition of live performance being accompanied with live music alive! I know that I am excited to see Kathi Ferguson’s superb choreography performed by her lovely Howard County Ballet students and professional dancers in their  upcoming 2013, spring ballet! It is my sincere hope that more people will take advantage of the great dancing and live music and support the local Maryland fine arts effort, by coming to see a show at HCB!