Danse Etoile's "Grinch" Has A Bit Of Seuss, Tchaikovsky, And A Hint Of Petipa

Marie Jose Payannet's Danse Etoile Ballet presented their version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" in the Broomfield, CO Auditorium in two sold out performances on December 22nd, 2009. Payannet put in just enough of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker music to keep her audiences engaged, and even included some Petipa "required" fouttes, which were ably performed by Grinch Sophie Payannet, albeit not forty two of them. The story, the costumes, and the twelve dancers charmed audiences, especially the large number of children present.

Much of the show was dominated by Sophie Payannet's embodiment of the often mean, sometimes soft hearted, and almost always virtuoso "Grinch." After a somewhat slow start Payannet took on that role, finding the character, and shining in the more open ballet sequences. Natalie Roubique danced a lovely role as the female "Who Lover," and was ably partnered by Joe Jensen, who - guess what - also dance someone called "Drossmeyer" who brought a spoiled "Clara" a gift of a nutcracker. Mercifully that nutcracker disappeared in the first act!!!!

Abigail Panak danced a convincing role as "Mother," as did Tess Victoria as the "Who Choir Teacher," who directed an endearing "Who Choir." Amanda Lavonsphachanh was a lovely and youthful "Russian Doll." and Madison Fox a wonderfully insistent "Cindy Lou," who discoverd the thieving Grinch. And almost hidden in the ensembles of "Toy Soldiers," "Ice Skaters," and "Who Girls" was Ariann Tudor, whose technique and presence made her total eye candy.

As she always does, Marie Jose Payannet used all of the dancers well, never pushing them past their existent capabilities, and making sure what they did was as close to perfect as could be, including some serious promenades and balances.

Donald K. Atwood MFA, Ph.D

© Copyright World Dance Reviews 2009