Other highlights included the balcony pas de deux from Krzysztof Pastor’s version of “Romeo and Juliet” (Sergei Prokofiev) danced by Ryota Kitai, a first soloist from the Polish National Ballet and one of the rising stars on hand. Partnered with his fellow first soloist, Jaeeun Jung, their performance was achingly beautiful, both in characterization and technique.
The lively duet from Robert Bondara’s “Take Me with You,” set to Radiohead’s “Reckoner,” was an audience favorite. Mayume Noguromi, a soloist from the West Australian Ballet, lit up the stage. She was partnered by West Australian Ballet principal, Julio Blanes, and the two executed the clever, quick partner work flawlessly. The pas de deux from Stanton Welch’s “Cinderella,” danced by Aoi Fujiwara, a Houston Ballet soloist and by Chun Wai Chan, a principal from New York City Ballet, was also a standout.
The gala ended with an ecstatic finale, where each of the performers took the stage with a brief combination of steps that highlighted the great range of talent represented. Truly a starry afternoon of dance.
AloJapan.com