REVIEW: Amelia and the Magical Tiara – Ballare School of Performing Arts – Cultural Hall

PREVIOUS Ballare School of Performing Arts performances may have been slick and fun but this year’s show was in a different class altogether.

Held at The Cultural Hall in Manama on Saturday Amelia and the Magical Tiara was a polished, artistically perfect gem that showcased the talents of the pupils and teachers alike.

Yes, of course, because they were working with children of all ages, some of the little ones occasionally froze or forgot their spot, but that was a part of the show’s magic. Who can resist a tiny dancer who stops to wave to her mother before finishing her routine?

And the costumes played a huge part in the professionalism of the show, absolutely splendid in their diversity, whilst giving the performers freedom to dance their hearts out.

I wish that I could tell you the names of all the stand-out performers, but we would need more than half the page. Sophia Smith as the Wicked Marionette (and several other characters) showed why she is the 1st place scholar. Her rendition and theatricality were spot on. She was ably supported throughout by Amelia Smith and Alejandra Del Rio, the 2nd and 3rd place students whose more classical performances were simply beautiful.

There were other stand out dancers. Built slightly more robustly than we would expect from a ballet dancer, one, for example, showed strength, agility, musicality and sheer grace and beauty that had me riveted every time she appeared on stage.

The choreography, mainly shared between Aira Katrina Glorioso, Marc Glorioso and Laura Jarvis, was stunning in its diversity and élan. Somehow, I think that Marc Glorioso’s Warrior Ninjas had the best fun - judging by the glee on their faces throughout.

There were also stand out performances by the vocalists who come under the tuition of Valentina Kuzmainkova. Sarah Kanoo’s Somewhere over the Rainbow was simply beautiful and the two dancers Eleonor Garland and Maya Al Hassam who accompanied her, were excellent.

Also Sulaf and Aseel Al Jabal who were not at all fazed when feedback from the speakers caused a light to break and suddenly shower those of us in the front row with fragments of glass.

Lastly, I must not forget Hana Khadir’s poignant rendition of When She Loved Me which was so moving and Danced all Night, sung so powerfully  by Aisha Sayed.

All in all, it truly was a magical event and one that I am sure the performers will treasure for a long, long time. I know I shall.

- Christine Hasan.