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The Australian Ballet Company is once again bringing ballet performances to you, no matter your location across the globe, for a single price tag of AUD29 (MYR89.42 as at time of print). If watching Swan Lake back in September 2023 via live streaming was the most magical to ever happen, this double bill is perhaps the second-most magical. The two performances in the spotlight are The Dream, inspired by William Shakespeare’s comedy play A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Marguerite & Armand, based on Alexandre Dumas’ semi-autobiographical account of his love affair with Marie Duplessis, known as La Dame aux Camelias.

Other than being adapted from literature’s best, some of the highlights of this Australian version by choreographer Frederick Ashton, include having a male dancing donkey (en pointe) and hidden flowers on the principal artist’s hair and dress.

From the Sydney Opera House, you’re invited to the world of the Fairyland, through the Dream. The forest scene was well done and somehow reminded me of the Forbidden Forest in the Harry Potter series, hehe. The Sydney Philharmonia Choirs provide you with the music during this slightly longer performance than Marguerite & Armand.

The gripping tale of Marguerite and Armand’s love story will surely leave you feeling all sorts of emotions. So be sure to ready yourselves for these two classic pieces of ballet. On a side note, despite being portrayed from a different angle, I could unsurprisingly see the similarities between the ballet performance and Moulin’ Rouge, the 2001 musical-film, which came to fruition following Dumas’ work.

The orchestra is worth applauding for their impressive choice of music to go with each moment, be it beautiful, poignant, comical or dramatic. This might just be your chance to have a look at the orchestra pit and the members of the orchestra.

The piano piece(s) accompanying the ballet performance sat well with the overall mood of Marguerite & Armand. You definitely want to rewind to those magnificent scenes. Even the props used are minimal yet effective. That’s how you know you’re in for a treat. Besides, what a fitting way to bid farewell to Amy Harris, the principal artist, who has given her 22 years of moves – serving the Australian Ballet Company.

These stunning performances started streaming on 21 November 2023. Ticket buyers watching from a distance will have a 14-day window to catch it, should you miss out on watching it live (or just can’t get enough from watching it once).

Until the next show, toodles.

Yes, there will be more coming your way!