‘Pure magic’: A gala evening with WA Ballet proves value of arts in regions

In an effort to bring high-callibre art forms to regional areas, Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre has once again proved itself a true patron of the arts when bringing the West Australian Ballet to its stage last Friday night.

The second instalment of the centre’s Classic Quartet program, A Gala Evening with the WA Ballet was every bit pure magic and astonishment it was expected to be.

The one-hour performance featured excerpts from traditional favourites to powerful, contemporary pieces each leaving audiences in awe-filled silence as the dancers showcased their prowess.

A first-time ballet attendee myself, the dancers were every bit as magnificent as anticipated, undertaking their truly death-defying art form with the grace, elegance and fluidity of flowing water.

Seemingly dancing on air, not only was the physicality of their feats impressive, but also the poise and effortlessness with which it was accomplished, making not a single sound on the stage.

The narratives were also well-conveyed by performers, carrying audiences through the highs and lows of the evening — particular highlights being the chic of the Neapolitan Trio from Swan Lake, the gut-wrenching Verses pas de deux and the dynamic retelling of Greek myth Galatea and Pygmalion.

Equally as delightful was the mood that filled the foyer at show’s intermission, seeing people of all ages showering praise for the talent — highlighting the importance of ensuring arts are given equal opportunity to country towns.

Be it the seasoned ballet-goer who sat beside me, opera glasses in hand, shouting a deserving ‘brava’ after each performance or the young girls dressed in their finest, sparkly outfits who were twirling out of the theatre at the end of the night, this performance was undoubtedly a sweeping success that left its mark on everyone in the room.

It safe to say this performance, and its predecessor, have set the bar high for the remainder of the Classic Quartet program, but I have every confidence crowds will be left beaming at what is still to come.