Bloom Ballet Gala

I was a ballet dancer in my twenties and so am keen to support the ballet, whether it be the Fringe or South Australia in general.

Bloom Ballet Gala is presented by Rogue Ballet which was established by independent dance artist Mimi Yoshii in 2024, and comprises classically trained dancers from all walks of life from pre-professional dancers making their debut on the stage, to professional and ex-professional dancers seeking further opportunities to showcase their skills.

The programme consists of 15 items that range from modern ballet to classical and covers a range of abilities. No mean feat on a stage barely large enough to fit the classical repertoire.

Several of the items are accompanied by Steph Teh (cello) and Celine Goh (pianist) who play sensitively in dim light and tucked into a corner.

Although I enjoyed all the artists, several items deserve special mentions –

Pauline Lee gives a fiery performance in Esmeralda’s variation for La Esmeralda Act 2. Complete with tambourine and a beautiful deep red tutu, Lee’s performance was technically beautiful to watch.

‘Female Factory’ is a modern piece featuring corsets and bloomers with clever choreography. I loved the music and also the choreography by Amy de Halyn.

Mimi Yoshii demonstrated her flawless technique in Gamzatti’s Variation from Bayaderka, Act 2 and made the stage hers with countless pirouettes.

Alex Selivanova’s folk dance, ‘Chicheri’ featured the trademarks we have come to expect from this dance genre, skilfully performed in a red and white folk costume.

‘Eyes of Stone’ is one of the hits of the night with its hints of ‘A Midsummer’s Night Dream’ in costuming and makeup and more than a touch of comedy. Congratulations to Nicola Rose for her choreography, very cheeky.

The use of back projection is well executed with incredibly high-definition images that take up the entire back wall of the Goodwood Theatre. The lighting designer is not credited in the programme but deserves a mention, though in these days of modern theatre I would prefer dark blues to blackouts, safer and easier for the cast to navigate a dim stage.

My reservations with this show are the lack of male dancers, not the fault of Ballet Rogue, but unfortunately indicative of Australian society that does not view ballet as a manly performance art, and a long wait for a performer to change costumes which could have been alleviated with a simple change to the order of performance.

Bloom Ballet Gala provides opportunities for ballet dancers of varying abilities to perform to an audience and practise their craft. It is an entertaining hour and showcases, local and imported dancers doing what they do best!

Barry Hill OAM

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