1. La Traviata – Royal Opera House
1. La Traviata – Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House in London is home to one of the most stunning ballroom dance sequences in the UK. La Traviata is a tragic opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi that tells the story of a courtesan named Violetta who falls in love with a nobleman, Alfredo Germont. The ballroom scene in the second act of the opera features Violetta and Alfredo dancing together in a beautiful waltz.
The choreography of the scene is breathtaking, with the dancers twirling and spinning around the stage in perfect unison. The costumes, the music, and the lighting all contribute to the atmosphere of the scene, making it one of the most memorable ballroom dance sequences in the UK.
Music
The music for the ballroom scene is composed by Giuseppe Verdi and is based on the traditional Viennese waltz. The music is light and airy, and the tempo gradually increases as the scene progresses.
Costumes
The costumes for the ballroom scene are designed to match the period in which the opera is set. The women wear elegant, flowing gowns with intricate detailing, while the men are dressed in formal suits.
Lighting
The lighting for the scene is designed to create a romantic atmosphere. Soft, warm tones are used to illuminate the stage, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The lighting also helps to highlight the movements of the dancers, making the scene even more beautiful.
2. La Bohème – English National Opera
2. La Bohème – English National Opera
The English National Opera’s production of La Bohème is one of the most beloved operas in the world, and the ballroom dance sequences are no exception. The production features a stunningly choreographed waltz scene between the two main characters, Mimi and Rodolfo.
The choreography is based on the classic Viennese waltz style, and the two protagonists move gracefully around the stage, their movements steeped in emotion and passion. This is a breathtakingly beautiful scene that captures the essence of the opera – a story of love, loss, and longing.
The production also features a polka sequence, as well as a series of dances in the Café Momus. The ballroom dance sequences are truly a highlight of the production, and are sure to leave audiences with a lasting impression.
The Cast
The English National Opera’s production of La Bohème features a star-studded cast, with tenor John Graham-Hall as Rodolfo and soprano Rebecca Evans as Mimi. The dancers for the ballroom sequences are also of the highest calibre, with choreography by the renowned ballroom dancer and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.
Dates and Venues
La Bohème will be showing at the London Coliseum from 10-25 April 2020. Tickets are on sale now, so be sure to book yours soon to experience this stunning production for yourself.
3. Carmen – Welsh National Opera
Carmen – Welsh National Opera
The Welsh National Opera’s production of Carmen is a stunning example of ballroom dance sequences set to the music of Georges Bizet. The production has been praised for its choreography, which features a variety of traditional and modern ballroom dance styles.
The production features a large ensemble of dancers, with some of the most impressive numbers including a flamenco-inspired version of the famous Habanera and a romantic pas de deux between Carmen and Don José. The production also features a lively and energetic ensemble of dancers performing a variety of Latin and ballroom dances.
The production is set in the Spanish city of Seville, and the costumes and scenery are a perfect match for the vibrant music and choreography. The production has been praised for its vibrant energy and stunning visuals, and is a must-see for any fan of ballroom dancing.
Where to See It
Carmen is currently being performed at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, and is scheduled to run until July 2021. Tickets are available from the Welsh National Opera website.
4. Don Giovanni – Glyndebourne Festival Opera
4. Don Giovanni – Glyndebourne Festival Opera
The Glyndebourne Festival Opera is a world-famous opera house located in East Sussex, England. Don Giovanni is one of their most popular productions, and it features a stunning ballroom dance sequence.
The opera tells the story of Don Giovanni, a charismatic and powerful nobleman who is determined to make the most of his life, despite the consequences of his actions. The ballroom dance sequence occurs in the second act, when Don Giovanni and his entourage attend a lavish ball at the palace of the Commendatore.
The choreography of the dance sequence is breathtaking, with intricate steps and complex patterns. The costumes are also stunning, with the men wearing black tailcoats and the women wearing brightly coloured gowns.
The music for the ballroom dance sequence is a mixture of classical and modern pieces, which gives the dance an exciting and unique feel. The sequence is a highlight of Don Giovanni, and it is sure to leave audiences spellbound.
5. Rigoletto – Scottish Opera
Rigoletto – Scottish Opera
Rigoletto, one of the most popular operas of all time, is a tale of love, revenge, and tragedy. Scottish Opera’s production of Rigoletto, directed by Sir David McVicar, was first staged in 2008 and has since become a firm favourite with audiences.
The ballroom scene in Rigoletto is a highlight of the production, as it features a stunning and energetic waltz. The choreography, created by Roberta Marquez, is both graceful and powerful, and the dancers move in perfect harmony.
The costumes are also a highlight of the production, with the female dancers wearing traditional ballroom dresses in a range of colours, and the male dancers wearing classic tuxedos.
The Music
The music in the ballroom scene is the famous ‘La Donna è Mobile’, composed by Giuseppe Verdi. The music is light and airy, and the tempo is perfect for the waltz.
Critical Reception
Rigoletto has been praised by critics for its beautiful ballroom scene. The Times said that “the ballroom sequence is a highlight of the production, with the dancers moving in perfect harmony”, while The Guardian described it as “a stunning and energetic waltz”.
Conclusion
Rigoletto’s ballroom scene is a highlight of the production, with its beautiful choreography and costumes, and the perfect tempo of the music. It is no wonder that it has become a firm favourite with audiences.
6. Die Fledermaus – Garsington Opera
6. Die Fledermaus – Garsington Opera
Garsington Opera is a world-renowned opera company based in Buckinghamshire, England. Their production of Die Fledermaus, a comedic operetta by Johann Strauss II, is a must-see for anyone who loves ballroom dance.
The story of Die Fledermaus follows the misadventures of Eisenstein, a wealthy aristocrat who is sentenced to eight days in prison. To celebrate his impending release, Eisenstein’s friend, Falke, plans a masquerade ball. Eisenstein is released early from prison and attends the ball, unaware that his wife has also been invited.
The production of Die Fledermaus at Garsington Opera features a stunning ballroom dance sequence, choreographed by the acclaimed dancer and choreographer, Wayne Eagling. The sequence is performed by a cast of professional dancers, and is set to the famous waltz from the operetta. The dance sequence is a highlight of the production, and is sure to delight any ballroom dance enthusiast.
Where to See Die Fledermaus at Garsington Opera
Die Fledermaus is performed at Garsington Opera every summer. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Garsington Opera box office. For more information, visit the Garsington Opera website.
7. The Magic Flute – Grange Park Opera
7. The Magic Flute – Grange Park Opera
Grange Park Opera’s production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute is a particularly special one. Not only does it feature stunning arias and duets, but it also includes a beautiful ballroom dance sequence. This sequence is performed by the entire cast, and is choreographed by the world-renowned ballroom dancer, Julianne Hough.
The dance sequence is a beautiful display of grace and skill, and is set to some of Mozart’s most iconic music. It is a truly magical moment, and one that will stay with you long after the production has ended.
The Magic Flute – Grange Park Opera Details
The Magic Flute – Grange Park Opera is a production of the classic opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is directed and choreographed by Julianne Hough, and features a stunning ballroom dance sequence. The production is performed at the Grange Park Opera in Hampshire, England.
8. Madama Butterfly – Opera North
8. Madama Butterfly – Opera North
Opera North’s production of Madama Butterfly is a stunning example of how ballroom dance can be used to bring the story of Puccini’s classic to life. This version of the opera, which premiered in Leeds in 2018, features a stunningly choreographed ballroom dance sequence in the third act.
The sequence is choreographed by award-winning dancer and choreographer, Christopher Marney, and is set to the music of Puccini’s ‘Un bel di vedremo’. The sequence follows the story of the two lovers, Cio-Cio San and Pinkerton, as they dance in a dreamlike world of their own. The sequence is a romantic and beautiful duet that shows the strength of their love for each other, and is a beautiful way to bring the story of Madama Butterfly to life.
The Choreography
The choreography for the ballroom dance sequence is a combination of traditional ballroom and modern contemporary dance. The sequence is made up of a series of lifts, turns, and steps that perfectly capture the emotion of the story. The sequence is both graceful and powerful, and is a testament to Marney’s skill as a choreographer.
The Dancers
The dancers in the ballroom sequence are two of Opera North’s principal ballroom dancers, Charlotte Broom and Jack Reavely. Both are experienced ballroom dancers, and their performance is a beautiful example of how ballroom can be used to tell a story.
The Costumes
The costumes for the ballroom sequence are designed by award-winning costume designer, Jonathan Fensom. The costumes are a mix of traditional Japanese kimonos and modern ballroom attire, which perfectly captures the story of Madama Butterfly.
Conclusion
Opera North’s production of Madama Butterfly is a stunning example of how ballroom dance can be used to bring the story of Puccini’s classic to life. The choreography, dancers, and costumes all work together to create a beautiful and romantic sequence that is sure to leave audiences in awe.
9. La traviata – Opera Holland Park
9. La traviata – Opera Holland Park
Opera Holland Park’s production of La traviata is a stunning example of how ballroom dancing can be seamlessly integrated into an opera. The show features a stunning ballroom dance sequence set to the music of Verdi’s classic opera.
The production is set in a grand ballroom, and the dancers are dressed in beautiful period costumes. The choreography is intricate and elegant, and the dancing is graceful and passionate. The sequence is a beautiful representation of the power of love, and the audience is left feeling moved and inspired.
The production is directed by Stephen Barlow and the cast includes some of the finest singers in the country. The show has been praised for its beautiful production values, and the ballroom dancing is a highlight of the performance.
Where to See It
La traviata is performed at Opera Holland Park in London. The show runs from June to August each year. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.
10. The Marriage of Figaro – Buxton Festival Opera
The Marriage of Figaro – Buxton Festival Opera
The Marriage of Figaro is an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and is one of the most popular operas of all time. The Buxton Festival Opera production of this classic opera is a must-see for any ballroom dance enthusiast.
Set in the 18th century, the story follows the misadventures of Figaro, a barber, and his bride, Susanna, as they attempt to outwit their master, Count Almaviva. The production includes a stunning ballroom dance sequence, choreographed by the renowned ballroom dancer and choreographer, Christopher Marney.
The Marriage of Figaro is a visually stunning production, with intricate sets, elaborate costumes, and a beautiful score. The ballroom dance sequence is a highlight, as the choreography and music combine to create a magical scene.
Cast and Creative Team
This production of The Marriage of Figaro stars internationally acclaimed singers, including soprano, Yvonne Howard, tenor, Nicky Spence, and bass-baritone, Stephen Richardson. The production is directed by Christopher Luscombe, with designs by Simon Higlett, and lighting by Mark Jonathan.
Venue and Dates
The Marriage of Figaro is performed at the Buxton Opera House in Derbyshire. The production runs from 26th June to 11th July 2020.
