National Ballet of Canada's Romeo and Juliet
Classic Ballet Draws Standing Ovations in Toronto.
© Y F Chin
Mar 17, 2009
The National Ballet’s lavish production of Romeo and Juliet has garnered wonderful reviews in Toronto. The much-loved classic ballet is one of the signature pieces of the National Ballet of Canada. Sonia Rodriguez, one of five dancers performing Juliet, says she approaches the character differently each time.
“Every time I return to a role, I have a different starting point. Each time there is a better understanding of who the character is and that affects your performance," she says. "This year I also have a new partner, Zdenek Konvalina. That means a fresh new start not just with the technical aspects, but also finding and exploring the characters together. The chemistry will be different and so will the reactions, which is very exciting.”
Romeo and Juliet’s Enduring Love Story
Shakespeare’s timeless tale of forbidden love has captured the hearts and imagination of generations. On stage, Rodriguez says performers are transported by the couple’s emotional journey just like people in the audience.
“The story is so pure and beautiful. As an audience member, you really get to know the characters in a very intimate way. You go through this journey of young but very strong love that is put to the ultimate test. You feel so connected to them that for the time that you are watching, your whole world ceases to exist and you are living through them. It is the same experience for those performing.”
Rodriguez’s Love of Dance
Rodriguez, who trained in Spain and in Monaco at the Princess Grace Academy says she was entranced with the world of dance at an early age. “My first memory of a ballet is watching Swan Lake on television and thinking that the ability the dancers had to float on stage was the most magical thing I had ever seen. I have always had a need to move to music and dance became the perfect outlet to express the many feelings and emotions that I felt had to be shared”
Favourite Principal Roles
Rodriguez joined the National in 1990 and was promoted to principal dancer in 2000. Over the years, ballet star has won awards and many accolades for her stellar career. “I have many favourites and for different reasons: Juliet because the role is so fulfilling, Aurora because of the purity of movement, Giselle for being so complete and Cinderella because I was fortunate to have it created on me and really made it my own," she says.
And making a role her own has been part of Rodriguez’s philosophy from very early on. “Growing up, I was not one of those kids that had posters of their favourite dancer on their walls. Dance for me was always a very personal thing. I did not want to be like anyone else, I just wanted to show people who I was.”
The National Ballet’s current run of Romeo and Juliet continues at the Four Seasons Performing Arts Centre until March 22nd.
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